Thompson Rivers University

English-as-a-Second or Additional Language (ESAL) Program The Thompson Rivers University ESL program is designed to provide specific and appropriate language training for English as a Second Language speakers who plan to proceed to post-secondary study, focusing on English for academic purposes. Our courses are designed to help prepare students for successful study in the Canadian university context. Successful completion of the program means that a student has a sufficient level of English-language proficiency to undertake studies at English-speaking colleges or universities. The program offers five levels of study ranging from beginner to advanced. Core courses at each level focus on reading, grammar, writing, speaking and listening skills. These are complemented by ESL elective courses that include Vocabulary for Academic English, Pronunciation, and Advanced English for Business Communication. All incoming ESL students are required to take the English Placement Test (EPT) to determine appropriate placement. In addition, all new students are required to attend the Testing and Orientation Week, which is held at TRU the week prior to the beginning of each semester. EPT Test Waivers are also possible with appropriate TOEFL or IELTS scores. All ESL courses are tuition-free for eligible domestic students. This includes Canadian citizens, permanent residents, live-in caregivers and refugees. Mandatory fees such as semester-based fees and ancillary fees will continue to be charged. International students will be charged the regular international tuition fees for all ESL courses.

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Post-baccalaureate Certificate This certificate program is designed to provide a comprehensive course of study to prepare students to work in the ESAL field nationally and internationally. The Teaching English as a Second or Additional Language program is delivered either in one semester full-time or a maximum of three semesters part-time at the TRU Kamloops campus. It includes 195 instructional hours including a minimum of a 20-hour practicum. The components of the program introduce students to the core topics of applied linguistics, curriculum design and instructional methodology, cross cultural studies, as well as to a variety of teaching modules such as Computer Assisted Instruction, Pronunciation Skills and Use of Language Lab and Video Techniques, which promote currency in the field of ESAL teaching. This program is approved by TESL Canada. Click Here to Download the TESL Certificate Program Brochure. Introduction to TESL at Thompson Rivers University This is a five course program (including a practicum) which may be completed in one semester as a full-time student or in a maximum of three semesters as a part-time student. At the completion of this program, students will receive a TESL certificate from Thompson Rivers University and may apply for a certificate from TESL Canada as TRU is a TESL Canada recognized training program. Thus, graduates can receive two certificates for this program. The courses will be:

ㆍTESL 301 Curriculum and Instruction

ㆍTESL 302 Applied Linguistics

ㆍTESL 303 Intercultural communication Studies

ㆍTESL 304 TESL Techniques

ㆍTESL 305 TESL Practicum Cost of the program is currently regular student fees. As this is a post baccalaureate program, all students (except TRU Education students) must have completed a university degree before entering this program. We offer both day and evening courses to allow for working part-time students. We only offer courses on a face to face basis. We will offer the full range of courses every semester including the summer. Class size is limited to 20 students. International Students must pass a language aptitude examination - TOEFL - with an iBT score of 100 or higher or equivalent. All TESL Instructors have at least a Masters Degree in ESL or a related subject. TRU's ESAL Department has 20 years experience in teaching a variety of ESAL courses and programs ranging from short-term language and activity programs to academic university entrance programs. Most of our instructors have international teaching experience. This program qualifies for financial aid.