Teachers of English as a Foreign Language – International at Algonquin College

Learn theoretical foundations and practical techniques to help learners develop proficiency in English.

The one-year Teachers of English as a Foreign Language - International Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you, through hands-on and theoretical experience, to teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL).

Gain specialized knowledge in English as a Foreign Language methodology, teaching techniques, curriculum design and evaluation that will prepare you to teach EFL to adult learners internationally. Take classes ranging from, but not limited to:

• pedagogical grammar
• language learning and culture
• teaching listening and speaking
• educational technology

In this program, you complete a teaching field placement in your country of residence, or an online practicum placement in a Canadian classroom.

Classes are conducted live synchronously through a web-conferencing platform. During classes, you work collaboratively with your Canadian colleagues.

Graduates may find employment opportunities teaching EFL to both children and adults, in elementary and postsecondary schools. You might also pursue careers with postsecondary institutions, and in the private sector.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Have an excellent command of the English language.
• Have good interpersonal and critical-thinking skills.
• Appreciate cultural diversity.
• Have a basic understanding of computers and the Internet.
• Have a basic understanding of web-conferencing applications.

Careers

Graduates may find employment as teachers of English as a Foreign Language to both children and adults, in elementary and secondary schools, postsecondary institutions and the private sector anywhere outside of Canada. If they complete the Canadian practicum online, graduates may find teaching opportunities in Canada where English is taught to adults: in community programs, post-secondary education, and the private sector.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Apply the principles of language learning to the selection of teaching methods, techniques and materials.
2. Evaluate and refine one`s personal teaching philosophy to enhance professional growth.
3. Articulate the impact of a teaching philosophy as it informs teaching and learning styles and shapes classroom practice.
4. Apply a variety of language teaching methodologies to facilitate learning.
5. Identify and analyze cultural issues in international English as a Foreign Language classrooms to promote inclusive learning environments.
6. Implement relevant assessment tools and techniques to evaluate learner performance and progress.
7. Reflect on professional practice in teaching English internationally to ensure quality, currency and continuous improvement.
8. Structure educational technology applications to enhance second language acquisition.
9. Develop curricula for English as a Second/Foreign Language programs in Canada and internationally.

Program Eligibility

• An undergraduate (Bachelor`s) university degree in any discipline is required to enter the program.

• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES). IELTS-International English Language Testing Service-Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with the minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening: 22 Speaking: 22, Writing: 22