Ohio Students Hone Spanish Skills and English Teaching Skills in Ecuador
This summer ten Ohio University students traveled to Cuenca, Ecuador to develop skills in teaching English as a Foreign Language through a new study abroad program sponsored by Latin American Studies and the Department of Linguistics. The six-week intensive program allows students to work toward their Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification while also improving their Spanish skills.
Julia Philipson, a second-year master’s student in Latin American Studies, taught English as a second language at the Athens Gateway lab before enrolling in graduate school. “I loved it but I didn’t have the training,” she said, explaining why she chose to participate in the Cuenca TEFL program. The Cuenca program took Philipson to South America for the first time, although she has previously traveled in Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. She recommends the program, saying, “You get to teach while you’re taking the classes—I can’t think of a better way to learn.” In addition to the benefits of the TEFL training, Philipson appreciated the challenge of using her Spanish skills every day. “By the end of my time there I was really comfortable with my Spanish,” she said.
The TEFL Intensive Program in Cuenca takes place over the first summer session. In Cuenca students take three TEFL courses taught by U.S. professors at CEDEI (Centers for Interamerican Studies). The additional two courses required for the TEFL certificate may be taken on the Ohio University campus. Ohio students have the opportunity to practice the skills they are learning through a 40-hour practicum that includes classroom observations and practice teaching. Students experience Ecuadorian life first-hand as they live with host families, participate in a rural education service learning project and travel to sites around the country. Applications for the Cuenca TEFL program are due by the end of winter quarter.
Laura Jungman, who graduated recently with a major in international studies and minors in political science and Spanish, loved the program, although it led her to the realization that teaching was not for her. She said she wanted to get her TEFL certification along with a taste of South America since she had studied Spanish for seven years and had previously studied abroad in Honduras and Spain. “Teaching was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done, and I really learned to appreciate not only my past and future professors, but also the amount of work one must put in, in order to make a really great lesson,” Jungman said. “I also learned that one needs to take advantage of all styles of learning while planning a lesson, so that each type of learner has the proper stimuli to help them learn and understand the lesson.”
“It’s a fantastic program,” said program director Betsy Partyka. “By going abroad to get TEFL training, they (students) have this practical experience. They will be able to go to an institute in a foreign country and teach English and feel like they are doing it properly.” She explained that because the students got to practice teaching English they gained confidence in the classroom. Students benefit not only from the TEFL training but from the friendships and relationships they establish while in Ecuador, according to Partyka who expects the program to grow.
According to Betsy Morley, Assistant Director of the Office of Education Abroad, the new program in Cuenca, Ecuador provides a wonderful learning opportunity for Ohio students. “The Cuenca TEFL program represents a new and exciting way to combine the popular on-campus certificate program with an international, practical experience,” Morley said.
Students interested in the TEFL program in Cuenca, Ecuador must complete the application found online at http://www.ohiou.edu/studyabroad/application.html. Once applicants are nominated to participate in the program of they must participate in two informational meetings on campus.
According to Jungman, students who are considering TEFL in Cuenca should be ready for an intensive program, but also should be ready to make some wonderful friends in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
For more information on the Cuenca TEFL program contact Betsy Partyka, Director of Latin American Studies and Associate Professor in the Department of Modern Languages in Gordy Hall, Room 231 or via email at partyka@ohiou.edu. Information is also available online at http://www.ohiou.edu/studyabroad/programs.htm or from Betsy Morley in the Office of Education Abroad at morley@ohio.edu or 597-2721.