Course Schedule

Opportunities abound in teaching second languages. If you are teaching or want to teach second languages in Canada or abroad, our flexible certificate programs are ideal for you. These programs offer an innovative curriculum delivered by university-calibre experts.

If you are a new or aspiring teacher looking for immediate classroom application, here or abroad, start with a Level 1 certificate. It will give you the fundamentals of teaching second languages, classroom basics and knowledge of teaching skills and systems to work in the field with confidence.

If you want to gain a more in-depth understanding of language theory and expand upon practical classroom skills, you can take the four required courses from TSL Level 1 plus four additional Level 2 courses. This will provide 250 hours of comprehensive study for those wanting to proceed to the next level of competencies in the TSL field.

The Teaching Second Language Certificate – Level 2 meets the needs of teachers looking beyond the fundamentals to more in-depth study.

This certificate is perfect if you:

  • Teach – or aspire to teach – ESL in Canada or abroad
  • Are pursuing TESL Canada Standard 2 Certification
  • Enjoy online learning

This certificate is offered online, with some classroom based courses available. The optional TSL practicum is offered at the University of Calgary main campus.

Online learning is a learning option that caters to busy schedules by taking the learning experience out of the traditional classroom. It is learning that relies on the Internet for access to learning materials as well as interaction with instructors and fellow learners.

In most online courses, you will work within scheduled start- and end-dates, and assignment timelines. In most cases, the times you choose to work will be entirely up to you. It is strongly recommended that you log into the University's online learning software three to four times per week to keep pace with the class. Readings, assignments and contributions will be required on a weekly basis. Graded assignments, participation marks, and sometimes exams contribute to your final letter-grade mark. You should plan on studying and working approximately six hours per week per course.

Before taking your first online course, it is recommended to take the free course, Digital Skills for Learning Online.

All Continuing Education certificates have been developed with part-time learners in mind. Online programming allows you to complete this program at a pace that can fit your needs and schedule.

The Teaching Second Language Certificate – Level 2 is a 120-hour program. It is possible to add an optional 30 or 50 hour Teaching Practicum. A 30-hour practicum is available to those students who have completed a 20-hour practicum already but would like to upgrade their practicum requirement.

This interactive program can be completed in approximately one to two years entirely online from anywhere with a reliable Internet connection. Intake is year round and courses can be taken in any order unless noted otherwise.

To learn if fast tracking is an option for this program, please call to speak to a student advisor.

A degree or diploma is not required to enrol in this program. However, a degree (with any major) recognized in Canada is required for TESL Canada professional certification.

You must be a minimum of 18 years of age to be admitted. Successful completion of a Grade 12 diploma and relevant work experience are recommended. If English is not your first language, please review the English language proficiency requirements.

You can take courses first and enrol in the certificate later; however, as programs are subject to change, we recommend you apply for admission to the certificate program as early as possible. The certificate admission fee is $105. Once admitted, you can be confident that completed and eligible courses will apply to your certificate.

Depending on selected options and required prerequisites, the approximate cost to complete this certificate is $4,700.

Prior learning from other post-secondary institutions

Advanced standing may be granted for equivalent, graded courses completed at other post-secondary institutions. Credit may be granted up to a maximum of 80 hours towards this certificate.

To apply for advanced standing, click here.

Transferring credit from other Continuing Education certificates

If you have completed requirements for another University of Calgary Continuing Education certificate, you may be able to transfer some credits between programs. For details, please review the Transferability section in the certificate programs that you have completed. To transfer credits, please contact a student advisor.

Please Note:

The combined total of Transferability and Advanced Standing credits cannot exceed 120 hours for this certificate.

Receive a discount of 5% per course by registering at the same time for three or more courses. During checkout, be sure to select the 'Apply a discount' option next to each eligible course. Choose '5% Bundle Discount' from the menu. Some restrictions may apply (i.e. all courses must take place within the current academic year).

TESL Canada

The Teaching Second Language Certificates specializing in English as a Second Language, Levels 1 and 2, can be applied toward TESL Canada Professional Certificate Standards 1 and 2, providing students have passed the ESL teaching practicum. It is important to note that TESL Canada certification requires candidates have a university degree with any major recognized in Canada. Please check the TESL Canada website for accreditation applications.

It is the student's responsibility to ensure all requirements for graduation are fulfilled and to apply to graduate.

View our Graduation page for details.

This certificate program is not eligible for application for a study permit. International students who wish to live and work in Canada should see our International Professional Programs.

Click here for contact information.

Courses

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