Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Where in the world would you like to teach?
Experience another culture while living and working overseas after earning a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate from Hamline University. Our nationally recognized program was established in 1991 and more than 1,200 Hamline graduates have taught in more than 40 countries worldwide. Join them!
Why choose Hamline?
- Our TEFL certificate follows rigorous international standards that reputable employers expect and respect.
- Our faculty members are leaders in EFL/ESL education in Hamline's nationally accredited program for Second Language Teaching and Learning.
- You will learn invaluable teaching techniques needed to function effectively in an EFL classroom.
- You will gain hands-on experience, spending more than 40 hours teaching, observing, and giving feedback in a classroom with English language learners.
- You will earn graduate credits that may be applied to both an Advanced TEFL certificate or a Master of Arts in English as a Second Language (MAESL)
Format
Our instructors follow an interactive and hands-on approach that enables you to discover the principles and practices of teaching English as a foreign language. During the workshops and lectures, you'll learn teaching methods and techniques. You will then apply what you learned, as you and your peers work together to plan and teach lessons with a class of non-native English speakers.
Entrance Requirements
While preference is given to applicants with a bachelor’s degree, students must have at least an associates degree or equivalent. Non-native English speakers with a TOEFL score of at least 80 (IBT) / 213 (CBT), who successfully complete an oral interview and essay, may also be admitted to the program.
Course content
The Context of Language Learning
- Factors that affect second language acquisition
- Understanding cultural traits and norms—your own and others'
- Learning theories
Language Teaching Practices
- Analyzing students’ needs
- Teaching listening, speaking, reading, and writing
- Teaching grammar in context
- Teaching pronunciation
- Teaching vocabulary
- Teaching English for special purposes
- Lesson planning
- Using classroom aids
- Error awareness and correction
- Classroom management
- Assessing teaching effectiveness
Credit
All individuals successfully completing the course receive an internationally recognized TEFL certificate as well as eight semester credits (graduate credit for those holding a BA; undergraduate credit for others).
Advanced TEFL
An advanced certificate is granted to individuals completing a TEFL certificate course in addition to:
These three advanced TEFL classes can be taken before or after the TEFL course and can be completed online from anywhere in the world.
TEFL and advanced TEFL credits may be applied toward the MA/ESL degree at Hamline (admission by application).
Admission and Application
For complete admission requirements and to fill out an online application, visit our Apply page.
Housing
For information about on-campus housing, contact Residential Life at 651-523-2061. On-campus housing is not available in August. Housing other sessions is based on availability.
National Accreditation
Hamline University's School of Education programs are accredited by the Board of Teaching of Minnesota and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Advanced TEFL courses are part of the ESL Licensure Program, which has received national recognition from TESOL.
DISCLOSURES
View disclosure tables for the TEFL certificate