International Programs
Specialization in Teaching English to the Young Learner (TEYL)
Get better at teaching English to kids aged 4-12 with the Specialization in Teaching English to the Young Learner (TEYL) at UC San Diego.
Who will Benefit
This special program is for those already in the full-time Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Professional Certificate program or planning to study TEFL for at least 6 months (2 quarters). TEYL has 3 required courses (3 units each) and 3 units of electives, making it 12 units or 120 hours of training. It might take up to three quarters to finish, and you might need to pay extra for more units beyond your full-time program.
Ready to become an awesome English teacher for young learners? Start your TEYL journey with us.
Program Details
Classes:
Three required core courses:
- TEYL Classroom Management (3 units)
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 strategies and reflective teaching techniques to foster positive classroom dynamics that motivate young language learners socially and emotionally. This class also involves an on-site visit to a local elementary school, when possible.
- Teaching Young English Learners in Primary Grades (Ages 4-7) (3 units)
- Teaching English to Intermediate Young Learners (Ages 8-11) (3 units)
- Electives (3 units) Choose from the available electives each quarter.
Delivery Method: In-person
Visa: F-1 student visa
Program Schedule:
- Monday - Friday, occasional Saturdays
- Daytime and evening courses
- Schedule varies
Admission Requirements
Enrollment in the TEYL specialization is only available to those who are already enrolled in another full-time TEFL program. Students can only complete the TEYL specialization if they will study in TEFL programs for 6 months or more. Please view the full-time program webpages for admission requirements.
Age: 18+
Language Proficiency Requirement:
TOEFL iBT: 79
IELTS: 6.5
B2 First (Cambridge English: First-FCE): B2/C1
C1 Advanced (Cambridge English Advanced-CAE):180-C1 and C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English Proficiency-CPE): 180-C1
Duolingo English Test (DET): 110
Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58
TOEIC (all four subjects are required):
Listening: 445
Reading: 420
Speaking: 170
Writing: 165
ELI level (8-week programs): 7 or higher
For questions regarding alternative English proficiency exams, please email ipadmission@ucsd.edu.
All enrolled students are required to complete an online pre-arrival orientation before starting the specialization in Teaching English to the Young Learner (TEYL).
Dates & Prices
2025 Dates:
- January 2 - March 14
- March 24 - June 6
- June 18 - September 5
- October 1 - December 12
2025 Prices:
- TEYL Program Fee: $95 (non-refundable)
- It is possible to take some of the TEYL classes as part of your full-time TEFL Program. Additional classes cost $500 each. The Program Advisor will assist you with creating an academic plan during the program orientation.
- Books/Materials: Approximately $200-$800 per quarter (Payment for all books and instructional materials CANNOT be made in advance and are to be purchased upon arrival at UC San Diego.)
For all 2025 program dates and prices, visit the Dates and Prices page or download the 2025 Dates & Prices document. This document also lists the financial verification required for your program application if you need the Form I-20 for a student visa.
Programs You May Also Like
For a complete list of the TEFL programs, please visit our Certificate Programs page.
Apply Now!
- English Language Programs
- University Credit Programs
- Business Certificates & Programs
- TEFL Certificate & Programs
2025 Dates and Prices
Contact Us
+858-534-6784
ipinfo@ucsd.edu
Regular Mail Address
University of California San Diego
Division of Extended Studies
International Student Services, 0176D
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0176
USA
Physical Location & Express Delivery
University of California San Diego
Division of Extended Studies
International Programs
8980 Villa La Jolla Drive - suite 380
La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
USA