TEFL Proficiency Program

• Theories and Methods of Language Teaching and Learning (3 units) OR

Become acquainted with the most generally accepted theoretical and methodological models of English language teaching and learning in this TEFL certificate course. You will build a repertoire of ESL and EFL classroom activities firmly embedded with well-established principles of language acquisition in a step-by-step approach to interactive language teaching. 
 

• Introduction to Teaching English as a Foreign Language (3 units)

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, up-to-date methods and practices to be more successful in their current teaching will also benefit. This course will explore skills, language, and the learning process while introducing practical applications to the EFL/ESL classroom. The course will introduce the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing as well as grammar, pronunciation, and culture. Issues in methodology, including activity and lesson design, will also be discussed to orient the participants into the field of language education. 

•  Advanced Analysis of English Sentence Structure I or II (3 units) 

• One or more skills-based course 

• Elective courses (3 - 6 units)

You can choose more skills-based classes that are available or other elective classes:

• TEFL Practicum: Best Methods in Developing and Delivering Lesson Plans (3 units) - strongly recommended 
• TEYL Classroom Management (3 units) 
• Teaching English to the Intermediate Young Learner (ages 8-11) (3 units) 
• Teaching Young English Learners in the Primary Grades (ages 4-7) (3 units)

Duration: 1 Quarter

Delivery Method: In-person

Visa: F-1 student visa

Program Schedule:

• Monday - Friday, occasional Saturdays
• Daytime and evening courses
• Schedule varies

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 TEFL Proficiency Program. 

2025 Dates:

• January 2 - March 14
• March 24 - June 6
• June 18 - September 5
• October 1 - December 12

2025 Prices:

• Application Fee: $225 (nonrefundable)
• Tuition: $6,490
• International Student Service Fee: $500
• UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $780
• Books/Materials: Approximately $200-$800 per quarter (Payment CANNOT be made in advance. Books and materials must 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.

Note: If you transfer directly from an 8-week UC San Diego English Language Institute ESL program or UC San Diego English Institute TEFL program, you will get a $250 USD discount on your tuition for the TEFL Proficiency program.