Are there admission requirements for the program?

TESOL courses are are upper-level undergraduate courses. You must meet the entrance requirements of Acadia University. You must also have some undergraduate course experience or permission from the program coordinator.

I don't have any teaching experience. Will the courses be too difficult for me?

The TESOL Certificate is designed for people from a broad spectrum of backgrounds. The courses will focus on the practical application of theoretical concepts in TESOL. They will be hands-on, and you will get the opportunity to interact with ESL students, as well as experienced ESL teachers.

The practice of teaching an ESL class is a challenging and rewarding proposition. Having experienced and supportive people around you to provide feedback and to discuss your teaching is valuable regardless of your level of experience.

We recommend that all students take a look at the core texts prior to the certificate, and do some reading in areas that they might be unfamiliar with.

I’m an experienced language teacher. Will the course material be relevant to me?

See above.

English is not my first language. Can I take the certificate?

If English is not your first language, you will be required to submit proof of English language proficiency. The minimum requirements are TOEFL iBT of 93 or equivalent. If you do not meet the requirements for the course, you can choose to study in our EAP program. Completion of the EAP Bridging Level would also fulfill the language requirement.

Please note that in order to apply for TESL Canada Certification, you must meet the language proficiency requirements designated by TESL Canada.

What is the difference between taking the course online or on campus?

Whether you study on campus or online, you will have the same high-quality instruction, practicum options, and ability to apply for TESL Canada certification. Studying online allows you to study from any location, at your own pace, and to adjust the program to your lifestyle.

What order do you recommend I do the three courses?

It is recommended that you study the two theory courses (EDUC 4683 and EDUC 4863) before studying the methodology course (EDUC 4673). This way, you can build your knowledge of teaching practice on a solid theoretical foundation. However, if it is not possible to complete the courses in this order due to time or scheduling constraints, you will still benefit from all three courses no matter in which order they are taken.

Will I get a chance to teach any ESL classes during the course?

If you select the integrated practicum option, you will get over 10 hours of teaching experience within the program. If you select the off-site practicum you will complete your 10 hours of observed teaching with your approved practicum supervisor at a later date.

How much time will be spent teaching?

The Acadia TESOL Certificate includes over 100 hours of instruction by qualified, experienced ESL instructors, 10 hours of observation of ESL classes, and 10 hours of practice teaching in an ESL class.

I am unable to take my Practicum on campus. Can I take it off campus?

You can do your practicum in any ESL class with at least 5 students, of whom 80% must be over the age of 18.

The ten hours of directed observations must:

  • be conducted in adult settings (a minimum of 80% of students must be 18 years of age or older) with classrooms of five or more ESL/EFL students

The ten hours of supervised teaching must:

  • be under the direction of a qualified practicum supervisor and/or sponsor teacher to ensure proper assessment and constructive feedback to the trainee
  • provide assessment and feedback orally and in writing to the trainee
  • be conducted in adult settings (a minimum of 80% of students must be 18 years of age or older) with classrooms of five or more ESL/EFL students
  • cover a range of lesson types (see handbook for more information)

Your practicum supervisor must hold TESL Canada Standard One or equivalent. 

Please have your potential practicum supervisor fill in a credentials form (included in the practicum handbook) and submit it to Acadia along with a resume at least three weeks before you start your practicum. This will enable Acadia to ensure that your supervisor meets the minimum requirements.

 

Am I eligible to receive a Student Loan or Financial Assistance for the Acadia TESOL Certificate Program?

Students who have a TESOL Certificate status are not eligible to receive student loan funding. Students must be in a degree program to be eligible for a student loan.

Do I need a computer?

Technology is an important element of the program and classroom experience, and we recommend that all students choose to bring a laptop computer, provided that it meets the minimum requirements for the course. Students will require a computer and internet connection to complete related course work.

The online TESOL Certificate requires a computer and internet connection that meet minimum requirements. Questions about minimum computing requirements should be addressed to tesol@acadiau.ca.

What resources will I have access to on campus?

You will have access to Acadia’s library system for the duration of the course. All texts on the reading list will be put on reserve at the library, and there will be photocopying facilities there. The reading list for each course is included in the detailed course description.

You will also have access to Acadia's fitness facilities and many other student resources on campus.

Does the TESOL certificate qualify me to teach in a LINC Program?

Yes, provided you also hold a university degree. Though individual LINC training centres will have different hiring criteria, in general they will require a university degree and a TESOL certificate. Since our TESOL certificate is accredited by TESL Canada, it exceeds the minimum requirements of most LINC training centres for the certificate component.

More information on the LINC program can be found here.

 

Is there a career advisor that I can talk to about work placement opportunities?

Professional development and job searching will be topics of discussion during the certificate. All of your instructors have international work experience and can help provide you with advice and guidance on work placement.

If you would like to discuss these issues prior to registering for the course, please contact tesol@acadiau.ca and we will be happy to discuss your particular situation, and the professional possibilities that the TESOL Certificate would open up for you.