EAP: Different career paths within TEFL

TEFL teaching is a wonderful job, but sometimes we need a change from general English teaching.  There are numerous different paths a TEFL teacher can take within the TEFL world.  Here we interview a British teacher, Clive, who works at a university in the UK in the EAP department .

1.  What is EAP?

EAP is English for Academic Purposes. Its focus is the support of international students who wish to pursue their education in English. Many (perhaps most) EAP courses also aim to familiarise students with UK academic practice, so you may find yourself discussing plagiarism and teaching the minutiae of citation and referencing.

2.  What drew you to EAP?

In my case, it was accidental in that I was looking for summer work, saw the job at Leeds and was interviewed and given the contract on the same day! I worked every summer in Leeds for five years until I took a full-time job that meant I was unable to continue.

3.   Are there any prerequisites for being an EAP instructor?

Most universities will expect you to have a degree, a recognised English language teaching qualification and English language teaching experience. If you have completed a postgraduate degree, this can be helpful in informing your understanding of students’ needs.

4.   Was it easy to find an EAP position?

Most opportunities arise in the summer when universities run pre-sessional courses for international students prior to their joining undergraduate and postgraduate courses in September. These courses vary in focus (for example, some are exclusively for management students), level (undergraduate or postgraduate) and length (5-week and 10-week courses are common). EAP positions are advertised on various TEFL-related sites – a particularly useful site is  www.baleap.org - the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes.

5.  What are the challenges of being an EAP instructor?

Summer programmes are often intensive for the teacher in that the focus on students’ writing skills may mean a heavy marking load in addition to teaching; because such courses are often high-stakes for the students, the administrative load from an assessment point-of-view can also be demanding. If you teach on a general programme, you may find it challenging to be working with students entering many different disciplines.

6.  What are the benefits of working in EAP?

For me, there is considerable benefit in working with motivated students who have a strong reason to improve their English; I also enjoy working in the Higher Education environment which is generally well-resourced and appreciative of the experience you bring.

7.   Were there any transferable skills from teaching that helped you with your EAP position?

Absolutely: most EAP students want to improve their English language skills above all so previous English language teaching experience is essential!

8.   May I ask how the pay compares?

The pay varies from institution to institution so it is worth comparing the different EAP job ads online. I have been satisfied with the pay I have been offered.

9.   Would you go back to being a TEFL teacher?

I would. TEFL offers huge variety and the opportunity to travel. I still look out for short teaching and examining contracts in places I would like to visit or engage with at greater length.

10.   Do you think Brexit might impact the student intake for EAP courses in the UK? 

The typical longer EAP course student is from outside the EU so I doubt Brexit will make much difference.