The TESL/TEFL Certificate program is being redesigned and is paused until further notice. The information below will be updated once the redesigned program is ready to launch. Please email at ali@sdsu.edu if you have any questions.

SDSU has been training English language teachers to teach in schools all over the world since 1981. Earning your TESL/TEFL Certificate from SDSU Global Campus will help you immerse yourself in new cultures and change the lives of students everywhere.

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About the program

Want to teach English abroad?

SDSU’s Teach English as a Second Language/Teach English as a Foreign Language (TESL/TEFL) Certificate Program is a 130-hour program designed to help novice instructors learn how to successfully live and teach English overseas. Through in-depth lessons led by expert instructors, you’ll acquire the advanced pedagogical skills and cultural awareness you need to become a better English instructor, no matter where you’re teaching.

Estimated CostTotal Estimated Cost
$2,775
Textbooks not included
Completion Time Min. Completion Time
4 or 11 weeks
Course Format Course Format
Hybrid

This program is delivered through a hybrid format that combines online lessons with in-person English as a Second Language (ESL) observations and the opportunity to learn directly from an expert teacher-mentor. Through a series of virtual lectures, you’ll cover language acquisition theory, teaching specific language skills, effective second language teaching methods, understanding the English language learner, classroom atmosphere and management, lesson preparation, materials development, and more.

Are you an SDSU Alumni Lifetime Member? If so, click here to learn more about how you can receive 20% off registration for this program.

 

Program Highlights

Student-Teaching Mentorship
Get paired with a mentor teacher in an ESL classroom for 16 dedicated hours of student-teaching practicum.

ESL Class Observations
You’ll be able to observe a variety of ESL classes, levels, and teaching styles.

Portfolio Project
Create a portfolio project consisting of the design and execution of customized ESL skill-based lessons, reflective assignments, and journals.

Specialized Modules
The program consists of three modules:

  • Theories of Language Teaching & Learning
  • Pedagogical Content Knowledge
  • Managing the Teaching and Learning Process

Rotating Guest Instructors and Lecturers
Learn from an expert panel of ESL Teacher Training professionals throughout the program. Each module and class features a guest instructor who specializes in their particular format within the field of ESL and teacher training.

Post-Program Career Assistance
Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll get assistance in your search for teaching opportunities abroad, developing curriculum vitae, and completing the application process.

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Outcomes

Labor Analysis
ESL/Foreign Language Teacher — Nationwide

Job Postings
Job Postings
Last 12 months
23,853

Projected Growth
Projected Growth
Over 10 years
+9.90%

Salary Range
Salary Range
Average
$40,000-$60,000

What Do I Need to Join the Program?

  • Domestic students: a bachelor’s degree or concurrent bachelor’s degree enrollment is preferred.
  • International students: a TOEFL score of 551/79, an IELTS score of 5.5, or an in-house oral interview and writing exam.

We understand that every student's academic journey is unique, and we encourage you to contact one of our Student Service Representatives to find out what you'll need to successfully apply to the program.

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Program Structure & Schedule

There are two schedule formats: a four-week intensive and an eleven-week format. Both formats include the same curriculum, portfolio projects, modules, courses, observations, and mentorship opportunities.

Four Week Intensive
The four week intensive program runs Monday-Friday from 9 am-4:30 pm PT. All aspects of the program (core training modules, observations, and mentorship) are built into the schedule during these days and times.

Sample Schedule

  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Morning Schedule ESL Class Observation Student Teaching Mentorship ESL Class Observation Student Teaching Mentorship Module Courses
ESL Class Observation ESL Class Observation ESL Class Observation ESL Class Observation
Afternoon Schedule Grammar for English Teachers Module Courses Grammar for English Teachers Module Courses Peer Teaching
Module Courses Module Courses

*The above schedule is a sample and may change based on ESL class schedule

Only students admitted to this program may register for courses.

Eleven Week Intensive
The 11-week program requires two separate schedule commitments:

  • All core training modules are run Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 pm PT.
  • The observations and mentorship opportunities are scheduled based on your availability on the days and times when ESL classes are held: Monday-Thursday 9 am-2:30 pm PT.

Sample Schedule

  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Morning Schedule ESL Class Observation Student Teaching Mentorship ESL Class Observation Student Teaching Mentorship
ESL Class Observation ESL Class Observation ESL Class Observation ESL Class Observation
Afternoon Schedule ESL Class Observation ESL Class Observation ESL Class Observation ESL Class Observation
ESL Class Observation ESL Class Observation ESL Class Observation ESL Class Observation
6:00-9:00pm   Grammar for English Teachers/ Module Courses   Grammar for English Teachers/ Module Courses

*The above schedule is a sample and may change based on ESL class schedule

*Note: The observation schedule fluctuates weekly and does not require participants to be available for all of those days and times but rather intermittently throughout the program.

Course Outline

No matter which format you choose, our TESL/TEFL courses can help you make a difference in classrooms around the world. Course topics include:

Student-Teaching Mentorship

  • Get paired with a mentor teacher in an ESL classroom for 16 dedicated hours of student-teaching practicum. Mentorship takes place twice per week during the times our ESL program classes are in session.

ESL Class Observations

  • You’ll be able to observe a variety of ESL classes, levels, and teaching styles. Observation schedules change weekly.

Portfolio Project

  • Create a portfolio project where you’ll design and execute customized ESL skill-based lessons, reflective assignments, and journals.

Grammar and Methodology Exams

  • Complete a diagnostic and exit test on grammatical terminology
    • Take ten hours of Grammar for English Teachers, followed by an extensive final exam.
  • Complete an exit test of TESL/TEFL methodology and terminology
    • This comprehensive final exam will test you on your knowledge of ESL/EFL concepts, terms, and applications covered throughout the course modules.

Curriculum

Throughout the program participants will take a total of ten hours of Grammar for English Teachers. Additionally, each class on the schedule will cover the following themes:

Theories of Language Teaching & Learning
Methodology, second language acquisition, communicative language learning, academic and content-based language teaching, and grammar for English language teaching & learning.

Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Language learning skills: speaking, listening, reading, writing, test preparation (TOEFL/IELTS), vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar.

Managing the Teaching and Learning Process
Lesson planning, classroom management, intercultural communication, English as an international language, syllabus design, using a learning management system, and teaching with technology.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't know English grammar very well?
Most native speakers don't know English grammar well, so we have a dedicated ten-hour grammar component integral to the program which prepares graduates for this part of their future work.

Are the course fees refundable?
See the Official Refund/Withdrawal Policy for more information.

What are the required books for this program?
One course reader is available for purchase through CalCopy. PDF and hard copy versions are available.

What books can I read about teaching EFL?
When you are accepted into the TESL/TEFL Certificate program, you’re given a recommended reading list with your acceptance letter.

I don't speak any languages other than English. Will this be a problem?
No. When teaching English, teachers should focus on using only English in the classroom. While knowing the local language of the country is useful, many if not most of the TESL/TEFL graduates have worked successfully without knowing the local language.

Can I be accepted into the TESL/TEFL Certificate program if English is not my first language?
Yes. Non-native applicants are welcome to apply. Applicants should have a high-level command of the English language.

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