January 01, 1982 by

English is truly the international language of today, especially in the areas of education, science, and commerce. Tens of thousands of students and professionals in developing nations must study English to advance in their fields. Therefore, there is great demand for native¬speakers with training in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Nearly every country in the world has opportunities for qualified TESOL teachers, including many countries which are "closed" to missionaries. Like the tentmaking Apostle Paul, a qualified English teacher can be mobile, selfsupporting, and an effective witness for Christ.

Many missionaries in "open" countries also find opportunities to teach English as a contact point for evangelism and church planting. The most successful, however, are those who have training in the skills of TESOL.

It is essential that the self supporting "tentmaker" and the 'missionary" both become the best English teachers they can be. Quality teaching glorifies Christ and gains credibility among students. Simply put, competence in teaching leads to confidence in witnessing.

The TESOL program at William Carey International University is an integral part of the university's unique focus in international development a holistic approach of sharing with developing nations ways to help themselves provide basic needs.

Christian missionaries have traditionally been leaders in the world of international development, and WCIU provides an academic context for them to expand their research and to train others in this complex field. Faculty and staff are drawn from many mission agencies, including the U.S. Center for World Mission. The breadth and depth of this TESOL department are unique in the world of evangelical higher education.