TEFL/TESL Undergraduate Certificate Program
The University of South Alabama offers Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)/Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. The TEFL/TESL certificate is a credential qualifying the holder to teach English to learners for whom English is not their first language. The certificate includes a practicum or internship that allows the student to gain experience working with English Learners and professionals in the field. The TEFL/TESL certificate programs are delivered through a combination of online and face-to-face coursework. See below for how to apply and more information about the field and job prospects. USA’s TEFL/TESL Certificate is unique in that it offers the opportunity to participate in (VIRSL) Virtual International Reciprocal Service Learning program. VIRSL provides virtual international experiences that will make you an attractive job candidate.
**The TEFL/TESL Certificate is not a K-12 teacher certification program.**
Careers with a TEFL/TESL Certificate
TEFL and TESL are both careers in teaching English to non-native English speakers. There are hundreds of jobs listed every day for TESL/TEFL instructors internationally. If you are looking for an opportunity to live overseas and learn a new culture, a TESL/TESL credential qualifies you for jobs that allow you to live and support yourself in many countries by teaching English to children and adults.
Jobs are located all over the world. There is a tremendous demand for qualified English as a Foreign Language instructors in Asia, the Middle East, Oceana, Eastern Europe and Latin America. There are online opportunities as well.
A TEFL/TESL Certificate also opens up job possibilities in teaching English in adult English as a Foreign Language programs in the U.S.
Currently Pursuing a Bachelor’s in Foreign Language?
Students studying foreign languages can add the TEFL/TESL Certificate on to their degree with a few extra courses. If you minor in Applied Linguistics then only two additional courses and a flexible internship or practicum are needed to earn your TEFL/TESL Certificate. Practicums can overlap with other subject areas and with study abroad.
Thinking About a Master’s Degree?
Some of the coursework for the TEFL/TESL Certificate program can count towards the English Language Teaching Program in the College of Education and Professional Studies.
Link to Graduate Certificate page: https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ceps/tefl-tesl-graduate.html
The TEFL/TESOL Certificate will have 5 courses, and a minimum of 17 credit hours:
- ELT 345 Cross-Cultural Understanding **
- ELT 330 Methods and Materials for ESOL
- LNG 300 Introduction to Applied Linguistics
- LNG 400 Applied Linguistics
- Practicum or Internship (LNG 496 or program coordinator approved alternative)
and
One course in modern languages
*Students who qualify for Graduate Study for Advanced Undergraduates may take up to 12 hours of the equivalent graduate level courses in fulfillment of requirements for this certificate.
**EDF 315 Education in a Diverse Society may be substituted with permission of the Program Director if ELT 345 is not offered.
Course substitutions can be made at the discretion of the Program Coordinator. The undergraduate certificate is housed in the USA College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Laureen Fregeau and Dr. Eleanor Ter Horst are program co-coordinators. Please contact Dr. Fregeau (lfregeau@southalabama.edu) for additional information or to request course substitutions