The Ethiopian Teacher Education Program has been under review for the last two years and our respective departments have also been taking part in the reviewing of the English Language Education Curriculum. The review results showed that the existing curriculum contains serious deficiencies. To mention a few, it lacks subject matter courses that build the knowledge base of the graduates in their field of specialization. Besides, the curriculum does not include practical skills that offer useful training and expertise that employers are increasingly seeking. The performance of graduates has also been found to be below the level of satisfaction of the employing organisations. In addition, the program has been regarded as too narrow to prepare graduates for diverse career opportunities. Furthermore, graduates’ English language proficiency has been identified as below its expected level.

Accordingly, it was indicated that students should have adequate training and practice in the subject matter to thrive in the modern employment market. Among others, students should know about how human language functions. They also need to know about the principles that guide the scientific study of language. In addition, they need to practice different levels of writing, reading, listening, and speaking in English. The candidates must have also the opportunity to engage in oral communication in a variety of situations and develop the oral communication skills necessary to be able to transfer the same skills to their job. They also require analysing literary texts and conducting research to solve problems. In general, the candidates must have full mastery of the target language so that they have the competence and confidence to use the language for their purposes.

Following this framework, we proposed a curriculum that integrates English Language knowledge and skills and aspires to effectively prepare professionals for diverse job opportunities in the areas where the country needs skilled professionals. There is a great need for English Language specialists in various areas such as public relations, journalism and communication, interpreters, and editors, etc.

Objectives of the program

General Objectives

To train English language professionals who can use English in their day to day activities in translation, interpretation, editing, public relations and other communication--related jobs.

Specific Objectives

• To train English language professionals such as public relation officers and translators who would be serving in governmental, non-governmental and international organisations;
• To train English language professionals who can conduct research in the areas of English language and literature, public relations, translation, etc; and
• To train English language professionals who can provide consultancy and training to organisations which need services in English .