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U.S. university is helping equip missionaries abroad

Cornerstone University is now in its third year of offering a Masters Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language, reports MNN. TESOL is a growing ministry, not only in the United States but abroad, and it has drawn students from all over the United States.

However, the head of the program, Doctor Michael Pasquale, is excited about even more growth. "The format of the program has allowed missionaries to take part whether they're in Korea, or Bolivia, or Europe--whereever, and that's the exciting part."

Pasquale says Cornerstone designed the program in response to demand. "Teaching English is a key tool in just about every field. And we've been finding that as missionaries have been asked to teach a neighbor or be involved in a group, they need help. They need credentials, perhaps, too."

CU's TESOL Masters program allows students to do most of the course work on-line, with just two weeks of on-campus instruction. It frees the missionaries to continue their ministry in the field, while taking classes.

Pasquale says demand for the program has been above expectations. "We have doubled the applications that we've had from last year. We're excited about that, and we just want to be able to make the opportunity known to missionaries, whatever field they're in."

Cornerstone currently has students from Bolivia and Korea taking classes. Pasquale says it's practical training. "We really get into how to implement this, not just in the United States in the church, or the public school, but around the world. And every one of our instructors has experience in teaching overseas."

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[04/01/2008]

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