New Program Provides Students with the Tools to Teach English Abroad

UC Irvine Extension, the continuing education arm of the University of California, Irvine, will offer a new certificate program in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). The program, which does not require that participants speak a foreign language or have any prior teaching experience, gives students the skills and confidence to teach English while traveling abroad. UC Irvine Extension’s TEFL Certificate Program will be offered as an intensive summer program from June 27 to Sept. 5, 2008.

"There is huge international demand for language instruction from English-speaking Americans," says Kelly Oto, assistant director of English & Certificates for Internationals at UC Irvine Extension. "This unique program provides students with the training necessary to begin a career path in teaching English abroad."

Courses delve into language learning theory, grammar, teaching methods and lesson planning. Hands-on experience is provided during student-teaching opportunities in an ESL classroom, as well as available opportunities to associate with international students on the UC Irvine campus. The benefit of interaction with students from different cultures – which is uncommon for this type of program – is amplified by access to the campus' "Communication Club," which pairs ESL and TEFL students. Housing share programs are available to kick-start the international experience.

Also vital to students' success, is close access to experienced instructors who provide job referral assistance and valuable information to address logistical concerns, culture shock and successful adaptation. These instructors have all taught abroad themselves and support students with finding the right opportunities, and details such as housing and meals, and grade levels to be taught. This extensive counsel gives students the guidance to get into the best positions. Post-program staff support is also available to offer students advice regarding challenges in the classroom and more.

While this program has been bringing international students to Irvine, Calif. for more than 20 years, summer 2007 marked the launch of UC Irvine Extension’s first cohort of students sent abroad.

For more information or to enroll, contact Roger Dupuy at UC Irvine Extension's English and Certificates for Internationals department at rdupuy@uci.edu or 949-824-9951.

Website: http://www.extension.uci.edu/