If you are a TESOL minor, then 3 credits of Ling 496R are required. If you are not working part-time in the TESOL field, the only way to obtain experience before graduation is by doing one or more internships. You can also build and impressive portfolio or resume by doing internships.
The following reasons (from the Internship Office website), also improve employability:
Ideally, you should plan your TESOL minor so that you are ready for an internship in your junior year. Many entry-level TESOL positions require a year or more of experience. If you do two years of part-time internships, you can meet that requirement.
Will I be paid during my internship?Some but not all internships are paid. An intern may do an internship for credit only. However, some sites will hire an intern after a semester of working for credit alone.
Can teaching an English class to a group of friends that are non-English speakers count as an internship?All internships require a qualified supervisor who can help you strengthen current skills and develop new ones. You can meet that requirement by interning with a professional organization or by obtaining a qualified faculty advisor who will supervise your teaching.
If I am already working as an ESL teacher, can I also sign up for internship credit?Yes, if the work site is approved.
Can I do an internship out of state?Yes. The provider must be approved by BYU, and an Internship Master Agreement must have been signed. Search the list at http://saas.byu.edu/internships. If the provider is not on the list, the following actions must be taken:
The Internship Office states, “The university provides liability insurance for each student who serves an internship to cover damage or harm caused by the student. The insurance covers up to $1,000,000 per student, per occurrence, $3,000,000 in the aggregate. The liability insurance, however, is only in effect when both the experience provider and the university have signed the Master Agreement, and the student is enrolled for the internship.”
Can I do more than one internship?If you are a TESOL minor, your are only required to do 3 credit hours of Ling 496R. A maximum of nine credit hours of any TESOL internship will count toward graduation. You can divide that credit between two or more internships. Of course, you can do as many noncredit internships as you wish.
Can I be given credit for hours I worked the semester before taking a TESOL internship class?No. University policy forbids giving credit retroactively. Only those hours worked during the semester(s) you take a TESOL internship class will count.
If I get a “low” grade for a TESOL internship class, can I repeat the class to replace my grade?A low grade in an academic internship course cannot be replaced by repeating the course. The R designation of these courses prevents repeating an internship for that purpose.
How do I find an internship?Finding an internship is similar to finding a job: you must locate, apply (sometimes a test is required), and receive an offer. This Web site lists possible internship opportunities for editing students. This is also where information about new internships will be posted. Check the list periodically. For additional resources, go to the Internship Office’s compilation of search resources: http://saas.byu.edu/intern/html/FindingInternship2.html. The TESOL internship coordinator may also have suggestions.
Am I restricted to the internships posted on this site?No. You can find an internship on your own. However, the provider must be approved by BYU, and an Internship Master Agreement must have been signed. Search the list at http://saas.byu.edu/internships. If the provider is not on the list, the following actions must be taken:
The Internship Office states, "The university's legal council has designed the Master Agreement to protect the university, student, and experience provider against any malpractice incidents or other issues that may endanger any party involved or lead to law suits.” Check with the TESOL internship coordinator to determine if the site has been approved. If it has, you may give the provider a copy of the agreement. Give the agreement and your student agreement to your TESOL internship coordinator before you begin your internship.
How should I write my résumé?Read the information on creating a résumé provided on this web site.
Where can I find the information needed to write a résumé specifically for the provider?Read the provider’s web site to determine
Practice answering the sample interview questions on this web site. If you haven’t already, also review the provider’s web site to determine
You may also visit the work place or call with a few well-chosen questions.
What if I have to have a criminal background check or drug screen before I start the internship?You have the responsibility of obtaining and paying for required checks and screenings.
Are there any requirements other than working?Because this is an academic class, you are expected to do some assignments. View Ling 299R, Ling 496R, and Ling 688R for further information.
If I did all the assignments for an earlier internship, do I have to do them again?You only have to attend the class sessions and the assignments associated with it once. However, you need to continue to report hours with corresponding reflection assignments.
How do I enroll to earn university credit for my internship?To enroll in a TESOL internship you must first find an internship site. You may do a local internship (see some current options here), a domestic (out-of-state) internship, or an international internship (see some current options here.) You may also do an internship not listed if preapproved by the TESOL internship coordinator, Dr. Lynn Henrichsen.
When you find an internship, register for the appropriate class (299R, 496R, or 688R) through AIM in Route Y. You will be asked to enter a permission-to-add code. Before we can give you a code you must complete an Internship application on IRAMS (Internship Registration and Management System.) You will find the link to the application on the row labeled Header under Course Catalog Information, just about the add box.
This IRAMS application must be fully completed for your internship to be approved. The information you will need to complete the application is the address you will have while doing your internship, the address of your internship provider, in addition to a contact name, email and phone number, and your internship start and end dates.
When you submit your IRAMS application, also send an email to Dr. Lynn Henrichsen at lynn_henrichsen@byu.edu stating that you have submitted an application and also informing him of the number of credit hours you want to register for (remember, 1 credit hour=50 hours of internship work). TESOL minors do not need to register for all 3 credits of Ling 496R in the same semester.
Which TESOL internship class should I register for?If you are a non-TESOL minor, you should register for Ling 299R. If you are a TESOL minor, you should register for Ling 496R. If you are a TESOL graduate student, you should register for Ling 688R.
How many credit hours should I sign up for?You must work 50 hours for each credit hour. Your internship provider will usually give you an estimate of the time you are expected to spend during the semester/term you are registered for the internship. Register accordingly.
Can I register for a TESOL internship class before I find an internship?No. You must be preapproved to register for an internship class. Read the answer to How do I enroll to earn university credit for my internship? for further information.
Must all of the legal forms be completed and filed before I begin an internship?The Internship Office states, "Ideally, contracts will be signed and filed with the Internship Office prior to the start of a student's internship. Nevertheless, university legal counsel has stipulated that the student may begin work as long as the student is enrolled and the contract is in progress and has a reasonable expectation of approval." For our students, the required documents include the student agreement. For off-campus internships, an Internship Master Agreement is required before the internship can begin. Note: in some instances, an employment contract must be signed before the student begins an internship. However, this contract does not need to be filed with the university.
Can I fill my required internship hours over two semesters or terms instead of one?Some internships go both spring and summer or fall and winter. You can enroll more than once in an internship class.
Can I start an internship after the add deadline?Yes, but you must meet three requirements:
To petition:
For answers regarding specific situations, please contact the university Internship Office, 422-3337, or the Petitions Office, 422-6570.
What should I do if I am not given as much work during the semester as I signed up for?You must meet the requirement of 50 work hours per credit hour. If, however, the work at your internship diminishes through no fault of your own, you may petition the university for a reduction in credit hours (Petitions Office, B-150 ASB, 422-6570). Alternatively, you can pick up a second internship to supplement your hours.