Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate Program
CLED’s Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate Program is an innovative combination of online and on-site classes to give you the best of both worlds. Our teacher-trainees enjoy not only the convenience and flexibility of an online course but also the dynamic interaction of an in-person practicum. The curriculum emphasizes Communicative Language Teaching and focuses on the practical application of foundation theory. While this certificate program is titled "Teaching English as a Foreign Language," or TEFL, the training provided is also appropriate for prospective trainees in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
The first unit, TEFL Online, runs for 19 consecutive weeks. Students are in contact with the instructor up to 3 times a week through an Internet-based system which can be logged into from anywhere in the world. In addition to participating in online classes, trainees also observe English classes in their local neighborhood.
The second unit, TEFL Practicum, is a 5-day intensive program that takes place at Georgetown University and includes class observation and teaching practice. During the practicum, trainees teach lessons using the principles learned in the online course. The practicum is taught either over 5 Saturdays or in a week-long session. The Saturday option is not available to international students requiring a visa.
Trainees must successfully complete both TEFL Online and TEFL Practicum in order to receive the GU-TEFL Certificate. At the end of the program, our graduates are able to enter the job market with not only a certificate from Georgetown University, but also a substantial teaching portfolio that clearly demonstrates the skills and knowledge acquired.
GU-TEFL graduates may also choose to pursue further study in teaching or linguistics. Some of our trainees have entered postgraduate programs at Georgetown University, Columbia University, The Monterrey Institute, and Johns Hopkins University. In fact, TEFL Online is a required course in GU's Master of Arts in Teaching (MA-TESL) program.
What our alumni say about our program:
"The Georgetown University TEFL program changed the direction of my life. After spending more than 18 years in the corporate world as a Certified Meeting Professional, I finally found my passion in TEFL. I am currently teaching English to employees at the Carvel Ice Cream Factory. I also teach at a church and this summer I will be teaching at a program that is being held at Harvard University. In September I will being teaching a class for the Town of West Hartford. There is nothing better than hearing your students say "thank you, teacher" at the end of a class." ~ Mary, Spring 2010 GU-TEFL graduate
"The Georgetown TEFL course gave me exactly what I wanted and more. Teaching English as a second or foreign language is a new career for me (my fourth to be exact!) I'm trailing my spouse in his career move overseas and needed a portable, employable and satisfying professional skill. Georgetown's TEFL course was just the right mix of guided independent study, online discussion and practical application through practice teaching. At first I thought I was just learning a skill; mid-way through the class I realized I was really acquiring a profession. From theory to lesson planning to classroom reality, I'm super-prepared and feel I have something of real value to offer my students. Georgetown TEFL also inspired me to continue to learn through websites, professional organizations and other resources." ~ C.P., Fall 2010 GU-TEFL graduate
"I thought the TEFL Program was one of the most important things I've done and it is what I end up spending most of my time talking about and what I'm asked most about in job interviews. Every education job I've interviewed for has asked me about my experience working with "diverse" student populations, and I really feel that the TEFL certificate has provided me with invaluable experience in that area. What I loved most about the program was how our readings and homework throughout the semester culminated in a hands-on practicum. I always refer to the practicum as a "teaching bootcamp," because after completing that intensive week of team teaching and reflection, I felt as if I could go into any classroom and confidently teach students from any variety of different levels and backgrounds." ~ Alison, Spring 2010 GU-TEFL graduate
"I had already been teaching for a few years when I decided to do the TEFL Certificate Program. TEFL is an internationally recognized certificate but where you choose to do it is of utmost importance. I gained so much from the program at Georgetown CLED. Both the online portion and the practicum were highly beneficial. It has been three years since I completed it, and every day I get a chance to see once more that I learned and improved so much as a language instructor. It was absolutely rewarding and an invaluable experience." ~ Gulsah, Spring 2008 GU-TEFL graduate
Dates & Prices
The TEFL Program is run in the Fall and Spring semesters. The Fall 2011 application period is now closed.
Spring 2012 TEFL Program
- Online: January 4-May 11, 2012
- Practicum at GU: Either 5 Saturdays (April 14, 21, 28 and May 5, 12), or a one-week session (Monday-Friday May 21-25, 2012; or Monday-Friday June 4-8, 2012)
- Graduation event: Monday June 11, 5:30 pm.
Application deadline: December 1, 2011. Apply now!
Find out more at these Information Sessions:
- Monday October 3, 6:00-7:00 pm, Arlington Central Public Library, 2nd floor Meeting Room, 1015 N. Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22201
- Saturday November 5, 4:30-5:30 pm, Georgetown University,
ICC Building, Room 118, 37th and O St NW, Washington, DC 20007
TUITION AND FEES: $3,820 (includes $100 non-refundable application fee and $20 transcript fee) due at time of application.
10% tuition discount for Georgetown University students, graduates and employees.
Current GU employees may use Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) benefits.
The TEFL certificate program is approved for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.
Additional Costs/Fees:
Textbooks: $150 (estimated)
Refund Policy:
Before the first day of class: 100% tuition cost
On the second day of class: 80% tuition cost
On the third day of class: 50% tuition cost
No refunds after third day of class.
