<p>I really want to teach English in other countries, South Korea for example. I was told that having a degree in linguistics helps. I might end up minoring in it because I actually want to major in graphic design. I just want to know what classes would I have to take in college if I go into linguistics and what is the difficulty level?</p>
<p>At most schools, you’ll have a core curriculum of Phonology/Phonetics, Syntax/Morphology, and maybe other stuff. The rest would be electives ranging from language in society courses and psycholinguistics to translation and TEFL.</p>
<p>For most ‘grunt work’ (ie teaching) in TEFL, all you need is a bachelor’s in something. Graphic design would be good, in fact better if it’s your real passion. Just get a certificate for the TEFL.</p>
<p>Thank you! I think I’ll just get the TEFL certificate
Do you know how I could get the certificate?</p>
<p>You’ll just need to take a few week long course. You can even take it online. Some linguistics departments do offer TEFL certs, too. (Don’t study TESOL specifically unless you want to do management of EFL instruction.)</p>
<p>It’s like personal training in a way: no certification needed, some certification preferred, a lot of bs certifications around. The most highly respected, IIRC, is Cambridge’s CELTA program, which has options for study worldwide.</p>
<p>A lot of positions don’t require a certification as long as you have a bachelor’s in something. Anything, though language-related stuff (especially English of course) is probably an advantage.</p>
<p>[Guide</a> to Teaching English Overseas | Advice for TEFL Newbies | TEFL Overseas](<a href=“http://www.tefldaddy.com/]Guide”>http://www.tefldaddy.com/)</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>