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TESL FAQs

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  • What are the entrance requirements?

    • The College admits students to this program on a first-qualified, first-admitted basis. The requirements are:

      • Douglas College general admission requirements.
      • English 12 with a minimum grade of "B." If you don't have that, see Language Proficiency and Assessment Information for equivalencies.
      • One reference letter from a former/current instructor, employer or volunteer coordinator who can attest to good character, temperament, willingness to learn, oral communication skills, ability to cooperate with others and appropriateness for undertaking TESL studies. We will send you a reference letter form after you have applied.
      • An interview may be required.
  • How much does it cost?

    • The courses are part of the regular Douglas College credit course offerings, so check the web for the current fees and payment information. They are very affordable as this is an established public institution. For Summer 2012, the estimated costs include:

      $1623.00 tuition fees
      31.00 registration and services fee
      99.85 Student Society fees
      120.00 UPass
      185.00 texts (approx)
      $2060.00 approximate total

      If you are new to Douglas College or have not studied at Douglas College for 3 terms prior to the start of the TESL program, you will also need to pay an application fee (or reapplication fee) of $30.00.

      The program is approved for student loans. Contact the Financial Aid office.

      If you are an international student, please contact Douglas College International for current rates.

  • How long is the program?

    • There are 250 hours of coursework and 30 hours of practicum. The program will be offered:
      • Summer Semester 2012 (May 7 - August 8)
      • Winter Semester 2013 (January 2 - April 13)
  • What is the weekly schedule?

    • Below is the Summer 2012 class schedule. Praticum asignments will be on weekday mornings.

      Monday 1100 - 1250
      1500 - 1650
      TESL 4206
      TESL 4203
      (selected weeks)
      Teaching Reading, Writing and Grammar
      Tuesday 1200 - 1450
      1530 - 1720
      TESL 4201
      TESL 4202
      TESL Overview (weeks 1-9 only)
      Teaching Listening, Speaking and Pronunciation
      Wednesday 1100 - 1250
      1300 - 1450
      1500 - 1650
      TESL 4206
      TESL 4204
      TESL 4203
      (selected weeks)
      Tutoring ESL (weeks 1-11 only)
      Teaching Reading, Writing and Grammar
      Thursday 1200 - 1450
      1530 - 1720
      TESL 4201
      TESL 4202
      TESL Overview (weeks 1-9 only)
      Teaching Listening, Speaking and Pronunciation
      Friday 1200 - 1350
      1400 - 1550
      TESL 4205
      TESL 4204
      Classroom Skills
      Tutoring ESL (weeks 1-11 only)

      Please note: our course numbers and curriculum guidelines have recently been revised and are working their way through the College governance system. If you wish to see the upcoming curriculum guidelines, please email TESLinfo@douglascollege.ca and request them.

  • Where is the program located?

    • Summer 2012 (May 7 - August 8) Coursework and tutoring practicum at New Westminster Campus
    • Winter 2013 (January 2 - April 13) Coursework and tutoring practicum at David Lam Campus, Coquitlam


      Both semesters, the teaching practicum placements are at various locations around the Metro Vancouver area including ELSA (government-sponsored) programs, private language schools and Douglas College.

  • Can I work while taking the program?

    • Working during this intensive program is not recommended. The program involves 20 hours per week of class time and 30 hours over the semester of practicum time. Students will also have plenty of reading and many assignments and projects. A typical student spends 30 to 40 hours per week on reading, assignments, and projects.

      The coursework will be practical and emphasize bridging of theory and practice.

  • Can I take the program part time?

    • At this time, we are only offering the program full-time. If you are interested in taking it part-time, be sure to contact the Coordinator, who will contact you if and when a part-time program is established.
  • Who are the TESL instructors?

    • Our instructors have Masters degrees and extensive experience teaching English communication skills in Canada and abroad as well as facilitating teacher training. They are also currently teaching ESL academic preparation classes.
  • What is the practicum like?

    • For your tutoring practicum, you will be superivised and mentored as you tutor an ESL student at Douglas College for 10 hours. For your teaching practicum, you will observe ESL classrooms for a total of 10 hours. At first you will observe several teachers teaching at a range of levels. Then you will be placed in a classroom either at Douglas or in other ESL programs. You will observe and be mentored by the classroom teacher as you teach their class for 10 hours.
  • How can I get more information about the program?

  • How do I apply for the program?

    • You can apply in person at the Registrar's Office at either our New Westminster or David Lam campus or do it all online.

      After you accept an offer and pay your deposit ($350), you will receive orientation information. Registration for classes is about 6 weeks prior to the beginning of classes.

  • Can international students apply?

  • How will I be graded?

    • Grades will follow the standard Douglas College Credit Grading System. See the Douglas College grading and other educational policies such as appeals.
  • What qualifications will the program give me?

    • Upon successful completion of the program, you will qualify for a Douglas College TESL Certificate. It is recognized as a TESL Canada Teacher Training Standard Two program. If you already have a Bachelor's degree, and you successfully complete the program, you will be qualified to apply for TESL Canada Professional Certificate: Standard Two [Interim]. If you complete a Bachelor's degree after successfully completing the TESL program, you can apply for your TESL Canada Professional Certificate: Standard Two [Interim] then. After you have completed a required number of teaching hours, you will qualify for TESL Canada Professional Certificate: Standard Two [Permanent].
  • How do I apply for TESL Canada certification?

    • You can contact TESL Canada in several ways.
      #408-4370 Dominion Street
      Burnaby BC V5G 4L7
      Phone: 1-800-393-9199
      Email
      Website
  • Where can I teach in Canada after this program?

    • All private and public schools that are recognized by Languages Canada require their teachers to have a TESL Canada Professional Certificate [Interim or Permanent]. Government funded programs (ELSA) also require TESL Canada certification. Other opportunities include professional tutoring and volunteer ESL teaching in, for example, community centres, faith-based settings and libraries.
  • Can I teach abroad after this program?

    • Yes. Success in this thorough program will give you confidence in facing a teaching/tutoring situation abroad. Most reputable schools require a Bachelor's degree and some TESL training. Nonetheless, each country (and even each city) has a wide variety of teaching positions and requirements.
  • Can I teach ESL in a BC elementary or high school after this program?

    • No. This program focuses on teaching English to adult learners. You will need to contact the British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF) for teaching in an elementary or secondary school.
  • When will our graduation ceremony be?

    • Students who successfully complete all 6 courses, including the practicum, can apply to graduate.
      • For the Winter Semester program, the graduation ceremony will be in June.
      • For the Summer Semester program, the graduation ceremony will be in February.
  • Who do I contact for more information?

    • Julia Robinson, TESL Coordinator, can be reached by email.

      That's me! Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

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