Teaching English as a Second Language

FEATURES:

• Graduates of the UFV TESL certificate program are eligible to apply for TESL Canada Professional Standard Two certification.
• A practicum gives you an opportunity to practice your teaching skills in a supportive environment

Learn to teach English to non-native speakers and earn TESL Canada Professional Standard Two certification.

You can complete the Teaching English as a Second Language program in as little as two semesters (fall and winter) or at your own pace concurrent with your other studies. All courses are offered in blended format, with multiple face-to-face sessions in the early evenings and asynchronous online work.

From Fall 2023, UFV’s TESL program requires in-person attendance at UFV’s Abbotsford campus for all new students in all courses. Distance students are encouraged to find a TESL program closer to home to have a more supported experience.

Learn the latest techniques from experienced faculty and get valuable teaching practice both in class and during a supervised practicum in a Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) context.

You can take UFV’s TESL certificate program either after or while you complete a bachelor’s degree program.

Note: In addition to tuition fees students are required to pay a $250.00 practicum placement fee.

View course descriptions on the UFV calendar

Completion requirements

Completion of a degree program with a cumulative GPA of 2.33 or higher. Completion of courses listed in the program outline (above).

Eligibility for TESL Canada certification

Graduates of the UFV TESL certificate program are eligible to apply for the TESL Canada Professional Certificate Standard Two, which is one of the top levels awarded by TESL Canada. Graduates are responsible for applying to TESL Canada for certification.

If you have completed a degree and successfully complete all five TESL courses, you can graduate in less than a year.

You may also choose to enter the TESL program while completing your degree.

Note: If you do not complete courses in the sequence they are offered, you have to wait a year until they will be offered again.

TESL grads can take advantage of exciting teaching opportunities both at home and abroad.

In British Columbia, there is a demand for ESL teachers to help new immigrants learn English. According to WelcomeBC, more than 40,000 immigrants arrive in BC each year, many of them in the larger urban centres of the province.  In addition, more than 150,000 foreign students come to B.C. each year, many to study English.

ESL teachers find jobs in private and public schools, including colleges, high schools, and elementary schools. Employment opportunities also exist in community and friendship centres that welcome immigrants.

Teaching English as a Second Language can also open doors to teaching abroad, with a variety of opportunities available in Asia, Europe, and South America.

1. Students are required to meet the English language proficiency levels required of all undergraduate students at the University of the Fraser Valley.
2. For certification, students who apply to the TESL certificate program with a degree in a language other than English are required to meet one of the following requirements (as per TESL Canada requirement for students with a degree from a non-English speaking institution):
   • IELTS Academic 7, TOEFL 101, English 12 with 70% from a Canadian school
   • Permission of the department

This program is open to international students.

• How to apply

Phone: 604-864-4621
Toll free: 1-888-504-7441 ext. 4621
Email: adulted@ufv.ca