Teaching English as a Foreign Language

The teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) certificate at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is designed to provide the basic coursework for future EFL (English as a foreign language) teachers.

This certificate is a popular choice for those who want to teach English in countries like Japan, China, Mexico, Poland, Romania or Korea. Education students may also choose to add this certificate to their teaching of English to speakers of other languages minor for additional teaching opportunities.

Coursework throughout the TEFL certificate will help you apply knowledge of language acquisition, linguistics, student learning and pedagogical theory to instructional design. You will plan, implement and reflect on effective teaching practices as well as engage learners in interactive activities through various differentiated teaching approaches.

What classes do teaching English as a foreign language students take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

• English linguistics 
• Second language acquisition theory 
• The theory and application of phonetics 
• Structure of the human language

Learn more about the teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) certificate in the UWEC course catalog. 

Understanding TEFL as it relates to TESOL

What is the difference between Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)?

Professionals in the field use the distinction between second language environments, where English is spoken in the community outside of the classroom, and foreign language environments, where the students' native language is spoken outside of the classroom. If you want to teach in the U.S. (a second language environment) with a state of Wisconsin license, you would pursue the TESOL minor. If you want to teach overseas, you would pursue your TEFL certificate.

Can I obtain the TESOL minor for an in-state license and complete the TEFL certificate so I can teach internationally?

Yes, you may add the TEFL certificate to your TESOL minor with very little additional course work.

Find more information about minoring in TESOL

Thinking about earning a certificate in teaching English as a foreign language? Here are other programs you may be interested in exploring.