Schools
TESOL Graduate Prepares for Next Chapter
Former KSU student returns to the U.S. after two years abroad
For more than 15 years the TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program at KSU’s College of Continuing and Professional Education has trained students for opportunities locally and abroad. After graduating from the program, many individuals set off for a journey of a lifetime — experiencing adventure and travel while earning an income.
TESOL graduate Morgan Attaway embarked on her journey shortly after graduation. Attaway, who worked in metro Atlanta before moving to Japan in 2014, was part of The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. Miles from home, she began teaching English to non-native speakers at a local high school in Obama, Japan.
“The changes I have undergone and confidence I have gained are only the tip of a vast iceberg of experiences that sum up my life [in Japan],” Attaway said. “By working abroad, I have gained a level of confidence in myself and my abilities that I never achieved before. I learned how to adapt to a new culture, a new education system, and a new life.”
This summer, after two years abroad, Attaway will be returning to the U.S. to further her education.
“While these past two years have been amazing, it is time to move on to the next adventure. For me, that next step is graduate school to obtain my Master’s degree in TESOL,” Attaway said. “An MA in TESOL would refine my skills as an educator as well as expand my prospects in the field. Ultimately, I hope to manage and facilitate ESL programs at the university level and work as an English Language Fellow or Specialist for the U.S. State Department.”
Like Attaway, there are many graduates from the TESOL program that have had similar life-changing experiences abroad. Future students interested in the TESOL program, will get to explore issues of culture, elements of linguistics, grammar, strategies for effective learning, lesson planning and content.
“Our quality training program focuses on the essential foundations to becoming a teacher of TESOL and TEFL,” said Lyn Cohen, program manager. “Hundreds of invaluable resources are provided within the course materials, now including an externship for live practice in the ESL classroom. Earning a TESOL Certificate will open doors to a world of opportunities.”
A free information session on the TESOL Certificate Program will be held on July 28 at the KSU Center located at 3333 Busbee Drive. The information session is part of the college’s Open House.
At the Open House, attendees will have the opportunity to speak with instructors and graduates, participate in career coaching sessions, receive a 10 percent discount, enter a drawing for Braves tickets and more. Registration for the free event is encouraged and can be completed at ccpe.kennesaw.edu or by calling 470-578-6765.
