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Teaching English as a Foreign Language

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About the Teaching English as a Foreign Language Program

Courses

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Learn more about the TEFL certificate program at our free information session.

TEFL Certificate Information SessionINFO-70007

Units: 0.00

Free

Are you looking for a career change? Perhaps you have always wondered if teaching was right for you? UC San Diego Extended Studies offers a high-quality certificate program in Teaching English as a ...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Online TEFL Certificate Information SessionINFO-70164

Units: 0.00

Free

Cannot make it to our face-to-face information session but would still like to learn more about the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate programs at UC San Diego Extended Studies?...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

All courses listed are required for the certificate.

Advanced Analysis of English Sentence Structure ILING-40045

Units: 3.00

$500

This course will explore the complexities of English language structures and how and when they are used (pragmatics). There will be special emphasis on those areas of syntax which are unique to Englis...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Best Methods in Teaching Listening SkillsLING-40048

Units: 3.00

$500

Become familiar with the different types of listening needs and tasks, as well as the best techniques and methods for helping your ESL and EFL students become more skillful listeners in English.Essent...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Best Methods in Teaching Pronunciation and FluencyLING-40047

Units: 3.00

$500

Features of English phonetics, phonology, stress, and intonation will be drawn on to enrich instruction in best practices for teaching and learning pronunciation in a TEFL environment.Going beyond dis...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Best Methods in Teaching Speaking SkillsLING-40050

Units: 3.00

$500

Learn the best methods for getting ESL and EFL students to speak English and which tasks encourage meaningful interaction.This course will address types and idiosyncrasies of the spoken language as we...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Teaching Writing for Academic and Professional PurposesLING-40044

Units: 3.00

$500

This TEFL certificate course will treat in-depth the discourse features of successful writing in English, in particular for academic and professional communication in the U.S. and around the world.The...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Theories and Methods of Language Teaching and LearningLING-40110

Units: 3.00

$500

Become acquainted with the most generally accepted theoretical and methodological models of English language teaching and learning in this TEFL certificate course.This practical class offers you pedag...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Theory and Methods of Reading InstructionLING-40046

Units: 3.00

$500

In this TEFL course, you will receive an overview of various theoretical approaches as they apply to: reading in the ESL and EFL classroomrelevant areas of research in foreign language readingconnecti...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Three units are required from the options below.

Advanced Analysis of English Sentence Structure IILING-40075

Units: 3.00

$500

Explore the complexities of English language structures and how and when they are used (pragmatics) in this TEFL certificate course. You will learn how best to teach and integrate the practice of var...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

Advanced Grammar SeminarLING-40065

Units: 3.00

TBD

This course is designed for advanced non-native English speakers who need to do in-depth studies in the areas of grammar that are commonly tested on English proficiency exams or required in formal wr...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered:

Games for the EFL ClassroomLING-40063

Units: 1.00

$167

Designed to provide opportunities for English learners from all levels of proficiency to learn and practice English, this TEFL certificate course instructs teachers on how to encourage student inter...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Grammar and Editing ILING-40041

Units: 3.00

$500

Are you an advanced ESL speaker needing to refine your knowledge of English grammar in written and spoken communications?In this course, you will review the grammar points necessary to correct the mos...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Grammar and Editing IILING-40101

Units: 3.00

$475

This course is designed for advanced ESL speakers who must demonstrate excellent English grammar in formal written and spoken communications and thus need to improve their knowledge and skills in gram...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

Introduction to Pronunciation and Fluency for Language TeachersLING-40098

Units: 3.00

$500

This TEFL certificate course will prepare prospective, novice, or experienced teachers with a basic foundation in phonetics necessary in being an effective English teacher in an ESL or EFL classroom e...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Introduction to Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)LING-40096

Units: 3.00

$500

This course will provide an introduction to the basic theories, methods, and practices of teaching English as a Foreign Language. Experienced teachers needing a further grounding in the most current, ...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Introduction to Teaching WritingLING-40097

Units: 3.00

$500

This TEFL certificate course will prepare prospective, novice, or experienced ESL and EFL teachers with a foundation of writing skills in English. You will be introduced into the discourse features...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Spring

Oral Presentations for Language TeachersLING-40099

Units: 3.00

TBD

If you are a prospective, novice, or experienced English teacher, this TEFL certificate course will provide you with the skills necessary in speaking to small, medium, or large groups, while maintai...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered:

Music in the EFL ClassroomLING-40067

Units: 1.00

$167

Designed to provide opportunities for English learners from all levels of proficiency to learn and practice English, this TEFL certificate course instructs teachers on how to encourage students to ana...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

TEFL Practicum: Best Methods in Developing and Delivering Lesson PlansLING-40111

Units: 3.00

$500

Learn how to be in control and maintain an effective learning pace when teaching English as a foreign language in this practical TEFL certificate course.You will review techniques of teaching the basi...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring

TEYL Classroom ManagementLING-40100

Units: 3.00

$500

Focus on establishing the optimal classroom learning environment for foreign language acquisition in the young learner classroom in this TEFL certificate course.You will learn to use key teaching stra...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Teaching English to the Intermediate Young Learner (Ages 8-11)LING-40125

Units: 3.00

$500

This TEYL course is designed for elementary school ESL/EFL teachers for ages 8-11. Focus on taking a young learner-centered perspective and use scaffolded instruction while balancing task demands and...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

Teaching Language through ArtLING-40120

Units: 1.00

$167

Learn how to incorporate basic art-making techniques to teach English learners of all ages in this hands-on TEFL certificate course. You will explore a variety of fun art projects to motivate ESL and ...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter

Teaching TOEFL Prep ClassesLING-40068

Units: 1.00

$167

The iBT TOEFL is the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) that is one of the most popular and widely accepted English language proficiency exams that English language learners ...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Teaching Young English Learners in the Primary Grades (Ages 4-7)LING-40124

Units: 3.00

$500

This TEYL course is designed for elementary school ESL/EFL teachers for ages 4-7. Learn the essential concepts, theories, and activities that are age appropriate and used by successful ESL/EFL teache...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Visual Media in the EFL ClassroomLING-40087

Units: 1.00

$167

This TEFL certificate course gives aspiring English language teachers ideas and methods on how to use various media as an enhancement to the ESL classroom environment. Print materials:magazinesbook...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

Workplace EFL: Teaching English in International Business and IndustryLING-40069

Units: 1.00

$167

This workshop is designed for instructors who want to expand their employment possibilities to include the private sector. Participants will explore how to market English for Specific Purposes (ESP) ...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

optional; can satisfy certificate elective unit requirements

Academic Competence in the U.S University ILING-40119

Units: 1.00

TBD

Are you an international student who wants to learn tips on how to be successful at a U.S university? This course is designed to orient ESL speakers and international students to the competitive un...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered:

Academic WritingWCWP-40000

Units: 3.00

$475

Are you an advanced international student, researcher, or ESL speaker who is proficient in English, but need to upgrade your academic writing skills?This course will improve your accuracy in:writing m...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Advanced Pronunciation and FluencyLING-40083

Units: 3.00

$500

Do you want to sound American ?This course is designed for ESL speakers who are familiar with the English sound system and their own pronunciation problems.Expand your skills in correctly applying En...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered:

Advanced Topics in Academic WritingLING-40116

Units: 1.00

$167

This short course will train ESL speakers in the most important techniques in improving and producing successful writing for academic English purposes. Focus on the essential characteristics of a c...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter

American Idioms and Slang for Fluency ILING-40123

Units: 1.00

$142

English language students often do not understand native speakers because of the use of special vocabulary and expressions, such as idioms and slang, in everyday English. This 4-week online course is ...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

American Idioms and Slang for Fluency IILING-40127

Units: 1.00

$167

This 4-week online course is designed for non-native speakers of English who want to become more proficient in communicating with native speakers of English. Students will master 48 special expression...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

Business Writing for Non-Native English SpeakersWCWP-40219

Units: 3.00

$450

Do you need to develop and improve your ESL business writing skills to perform more effectively in the workplace? If so, this course is for you.You will learn:correct rules of writinghow to choose the...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered:

Effective Oral PresentationLING-40081

Units: 3.00

$500

Need to improve your English presentation skills?This course addresses oral communication problems encountered by ESL speakers in such formal academic and professional settings as conferences, seminar...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered:

Grammar and Vocabulary BuildingLING-40082

Units: 3.00

$500

Are you a high-intermediate to advanced ESL speaker wanting to improve your knowledge of English grammar and increase your vocabulary?In this course, you will build grammatical competence through exte...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter

Pronunciation and FluencyLING-40076

Units: 3.00

$500

Are you an ESL speaker needing to improve your English pronunciation and wanting to be more easily understood in everyday conversation and workplace situations? If so, this course is perfect for you...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Scientific and Technical Writing for Non-native English SpeakersWCWP-40045

Units: 3.00

$475

Designed for advanced ESL speakers, this course covers essential skills for writing well in English in scientific or technical settings. The specific styles and usage conventions of various scienti...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered:

Topics in Advanced English StructureLING-40115

Units: 1.00

$167

This grammar course will focus on complex structures in idiomatic written English which, when mastered, will greatly help ESL speakers in acquiring a clearer, more sophisticated writing style. Topic...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered:

Topics in Writing MechanicsLING-40117

Units: 1.00

$142

Intended for ESL speakers who would benefit from review of some of the most frequent errors in English punctuation and mechanics, this course will focus on correcting the most common punctuation err...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Spring
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Industry Requirements

The TEFL certificates provide in-depth study and training in best practices and methodology for teaching EFL students, which involves (a) teaching English to non-immigrants in a multilingual classroom, and (b) teaching English in an overseas monolingual classroom. The major goals are to provide training which results in highly advanced knowledge and skills in explaining the English language -- its use both by native speakers and as a lingua franca - and to provide training which provides and increases skills in facilitating student's acquisition of English as a foreign language.

Special Notes

  • Students may take TEFL courses without enrolling in the certificate program.
  • After completion of all required courses, in order to receive a certificate, please fill out the 'Certificate Audit Request' form online via My Extension.
  • If you have any questions, please email tefl@ucsd.edu or call (858) 534-7418.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All

What is the difference between TEFL and TESOL?

TESOL is primarily for those who want to teach K-12 and adult education. TEFL is specially designed for those who want to teach overseas or at an intensive English language program in the U.S., in classes where students are always in classes with other non-native speakers of English.

Why do I need a TEFL certificate?

Many countries require a four-year degree plus a TEFL certificate in order to qualify for an English teaching job and a job visa. Competition is increasing, and employers are looking for those with the skills and the experience to be successful English teachers.
 

Are there any admission requirements or documents needed?

Students must fill out the online application by clicking the APPLY NOW button on this page. Once approved, students will then be prompted to pay the $95 TEFL certificate fee. This application and fee payment are only applicable to the TEFL Professional program. If you are interested in another program (TEFL Proficience, Teaching English to the Young Learner, Teaching English Grammar, or Advanced Studies in TEFL Program) please contact the TEFL Program Manager at tefl@ucsd.edu BEFORE applying and submitting payment.

For English language learners, a strong command of English is a prerequisite for the program. 

  • TOEFL iBT: 79
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • CEFR: B2/C1
  • Cambridge Scaled Score: 180 - C1 Advanced
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): 110
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58
  • TOEIC:
    • Listening: 445 
    • Reading: 420 
    • Speaking: 170
    • Writing: 165

Do the classes have to be taken in any particular sequence?

For the most part, students can take classes in any order or sequence. The only exception is the TEFL Practicum class. Students must take and pass at least two other TEFL classes before taking the Practicum. Otherwise, it is entirely up to the student to decide which classes to take, depending upon his or her personal schedule and availability.
 

How long does the program take?

This depends upon the student’s personal schedule. The 24-unit program, roughly 8 classes, takes on average, less than 1 year with students taking 2 classes per quarter. However, students have five years in which to complete the program.
 

What is the approximate cost of the TEFL Professional Certificate program?

The approximate total cost of the TEFL Professional Certificate program is $4,300-$4,500. This includes the cost of the courses (tuition), the $95 program fee, and textbooks/materials. Students may still need to pay for parking fees if taking in-person classes. There are no upfront fees that are required for the program. Students pay for classes as they enroll in them each quarter. 

Where are the TEFL classes held?

All in-person TEFL classes are held at the Extension complex of the main UC San Diego campus in La Jolla. Online classes are delivered via Canvas and the web-conferencing platform Zoom. 
 

Are the classes in-class or online?

We offer a variety of delivery methods for our classes including in-person, live online synchronous, and online asynchronous. Please note that most of our courses are offered in-person or online asynchronous. See below for descriptions.

  • In-Person/Hybrid = Class meetings will be held at our La Jolla Extension Campus. Students must physically attend in-person class meetings in order to pass the class. No exceptions. There will also be required asynchronous work for students to complete independently.
  • Online Asynchronous = Class will be entirely online and asynchronous. Students will work at their own pace to complete the required weekly coursework in accordance with published deadlines. There will be no required virtual class meetings, but the instructor will hold a few optional Zoom meetings throughout the quarter.
  • Live Online Synchronous = Class will meet online via Zoom on the designated days and times listed. Students must attend the weekly live online class meetings. There will also be required asynchronous work for students to complete independently.

When do I need to pay the $95 certificate fee?

This can be paid at any time during the program, but we recommend that students pay it as soon as possible. Should any requirements of the program change, those who have not paid the fee yet will be subject to those changes/new requirements.
 

Where can I teach with a TEFL certificate?

TEFL graduates can teach abroad and at intensive English languages institutes and other ESL programs in the U.S.
 

Do I need to speak another language or the language of the country I will be teaching in?

No. In fact, employers often prefer that teachers not speak the native language so that the students will have greater exposure to spoken English, and so that the students must use English rather than their native language to communicate with their teacher.
 

Does the TEFL program offer job placement services?

For students enrolled in our program, we offer a TEFL Job Resources Guide, which lists our recommended job boards, schools, and agencies. We are continuously contacted by schools and agencies looking for instructors, and while we cannot guarantee the employment conditions of all the schools and/or agencies, if we feel they look reputable, we will pass that information along to our students. In the end, it is up to the student to decide which job they would like to pursue.

Is there any financial aid available?

For more information regarding financial assistance, please refer to: extension.ucsd.edu/financial.
 

Is Extension accredited?

UC San Diego is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies—like all other UC San Diego schools, colleges, and departments—is accredited by WASC through the University. For more information on accreditation click here.
 

Advisory Board

Dr. Mary Ellen Butler-Pascoe

Alliant International University

Heather Giammona

Academic Director

EC Language Schools

Dr. Grant Goodall

Professor, Department of Linguistics

UC San Diego

Edward Park

Principal

Barnard Asian Pacific Language Academy

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This certificate requires an application before taking any courses. There will be a $0 fee to apply to this program. Students will also be required to pay a $95 certificate fee upon enrollment into the program after acceptance. View the complete Certificate Registration and Candidacy Guidelines.