Teacher Training: TESL Programs
Teach Abroad or Teach Locally, Your Teaching Career Starts Here
Next Start Dates: November 18, 2024 / May 12, 2025 / October 27, 2025
TESL Certificate Admission Requirements
International Student
- Complete high school or be a mature student of 18 years and older
- Reach IELTS 5.5 (academic) or TOEFL level 70 or achieve VGC Level 6 Upper Intermediate or pass the VGC placement test
- Pass an admissions interview
Domestic Student
- Complete high school
- Pass an admissions interview
TESL Diploma Admission Requirements
International Student
- Complete high school or be a mature student of 18 years and older
- Reach the required IELTS 7 (academic) or TOEFL level 100 or achieve VGC Level 8 Advanced or pass the VGC placement test
- Pass an admissions interview
Domestic Student
- Complete high school
- Pass an admissions interview
Get your TESL Certificate in Vancouver at VGC! This accredited program provides pedagogical theory, teaching methodology, strategies and practical approaches to developing the skills and knowledge base you require to become an effective English language teacher. You will be given the opportunity to show application of methodology and skills in a real teaching and learning environment.
This program includes the following areas:
- Learning and teaching: background and theory
- Practical methodology: teaching skills and systems
- Language awareness
- Observations
- Practicum
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this program you will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- plan a series of ESL lessons that cover different skills and systems for learners at different levels.
- competently deliver the lessons you have planned to a class of ESL learners. (For diploma students only)
- provide and receive meaningful feedback to and from peers.
- reflect on your own learning and teaching, act on feedback, and demonstrate improvement.
What’s the Difference: Certificate vs Diploma?
Diploma: If you want to have the option of teaching both here in Canada and abroad, then the diploma program is for you. As well as providing you with a solid background in theory and methodology, this 5 week program incudes a 1 week practicum where you will have the opportunity to teach real classes of our students taking ESL courses at VGC.
This experience is invaluable preparation which equips you well to find a job anywhere. This program meets the minimum requirements necessary to teach ESL both domestically and abroad.
Certificate: Are you interested in learning more about the theory and approaches behind ESL teaching? Are you interested in teaching abroad? The certificate program gives you the same in-depth background in theory and methodology but without the week practicum portion.
Which one to take: TESOL, TESL, TEFL?
Confused? These programs are essentially the same – you will receive the same set of instructions and learn the same skills. The difference in the names relate to where you’re taking the program:
- TESOL – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, is the general name for the field of teaching the English language
- TESL – Teaching English as a Second Language, teaching programs that run in English-speaking countries
- TEFL – Teaching English as a Foreign Language, teaching programs that run in countries where English is not the primary language
INTERESTED IN TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD?
Launch your international adventure of teaching English overseas with our TESL program’s RO Working Holiday opportunity! Eligible Canadian citizens aged 18-35 who successfully complete our TESL Diploma Program can embark on a journey to teach English abroad, with assistance in finding work and securing the necessary visa through VGC. This program is available in countries with youth mobility agreements with Canada, offering a seamless way to gain international experience. For more information and to start your global teaching journey, contact us today!
Watch our Student’s Experience
- Program Information
Monday to Friday – 8:45am to 3:25pm (PST)
Class start and end times may vary as schedules will be modified to accommodate Canadian holidays.
PTIB Approved Program
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. - Post Program Career Occupations
Students graduating from this program can work as ESL teachers or ESL tutors (NOC LIST 4021, 4031)
- Duration
- Certificate: 4 weeks in length, 105 hours in total
- Diploma: 5 weeks in length with final week as in-class Practicum, 130 hours in total
- Fees
TESL Certificate:
- Domestic Students
Tuition: $1,300
Application Fee: $200
Administration Fee: $75
Text Books: $85
Course Materials: $30 - Other (if applicable): $494
- International Students
Tuition: $1,300
Application Fee: $200
Administration Fee: $75
Text Books: $85
Course Materials: $30 - Other (if applicable): $494
TESL Diploma:
- Domestic Students
Tuition: $1,625
Application Fee: $200
Administration Fee: $75
Text Books: $85
Course Materials: $515 - Other (if applicable): $515
- International Students
Tuition: $1,625
Application Fee: $200
Administration Fee: $75
Text Books: $85
Course Materials: $30 - Other (if applicable): $515
Please visit our Fees page or contact marketing@vgc.ca to learn about our special price promotions.
- Domestic Students
- VGC Working Holiday Visa (RO)
Eligible Canadian graduates from VGC’s TESL program may be eligible to participate in the Working Holiday Program. Contact marketing@vgc.ca to learn more this opportunity and get your visa to teach English abroad in select countries with VGC!
Would you like to know more about our TESL program or special promotional offers?
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