As I reflect on my time teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) during my gap year, I am filled with gratitude for the experience and the many lessons it imparted. At the time, I was exploring the possibilities of a career with my Spanish major, and I never could have anticipated how much this experience would shape not just my academic path but also my personal growth. Teaching ESL was one of those rare opportunities that transcended the classroom; it became a window into understanding the world in new ways and connecting with people whose stories were often hidden behind language barriers.
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Get your TESOL certificate while studying Spanish at UMass!
I began my time here at UMass with a lot of uncertainty as to what my career path would be after school. As I have come to learn choosing a career path is a decision that can be made concretely, or you can adapt yourself to life’s circumstances as your desires change. In order to make myself more adaptable for the future, I decided to get my TESOL certificate while pursuing a major in Spanish. The TESOL certificate certifies me to teach English as a second or other language. I hope to use this certificate to teach English in a Spanish-speaking country while I enhance my Spanish fluency. After I feel more confident in my Spanish skills, I’d like to either further my education in the field, or perhaps if I am enjoying teaching English as a foreign language continue in that field.
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