Teaching English As A Second Language Portland State University

Overview

The Teaching English As A Second Language programme at Portland State University provides students with the essential skills and theoretical knowledge required to teach English in international settings. This undergraduate certificate serves as a versatile addition to a primary major or a previous degree, acting as a gateway to global employment. Students engage with a curriculum that balances linguistic theory with hands-on instructional techniques.

Designed for those who wish to work abroad without committing to a full two-year master's degree, the curriculum addresses the evolving needs of global education. While this certificate does not provide licensure for domestic public schools, it is highly valued by private language academies and international corporations.

Why Teaching English As A Second Language at Portland State University?

Portland State University offers a personalised learning environment where small class sizes allow faculty to provide consistent, individualised feedback. The teaching staff brings extensive global expertise, with many members having served in the U.S. Peace Corps or conducted teacher training across Africa, Europe, and the Americas. This wealth of practical experience directly informs the classroom experience.

Practical application is a cornerstone of the experience, featuring a supportive practice teaching environment where students work alongside partners and receive mentorship from veteran educators. The university maintains strong links with community partners, enabling students to engage in real-world projects such as designing instructional webcasts or conducting online tutoring for international learners.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 34599 per year
• National fee: USD 34599 per year
• Local fee: USD 12999 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of seven core courses designed to build a foundation in linguistics and pedagogy. Modules may include:

• Applied Linguistics
• Language Learning
• Cross-cultural Interactions
• Practical Teaching Skills
• English Grammar for TESL
• Lesson Planning
• Practice Teaching

Careers with Teaching English As A Second Language

Graduates of this programme typically pursue instructional roles outside of the United Kingdom and United States. Alumni are employed in private language schools, middle schools, and high schools across Asia, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. The department actively assists students in securing volunteer and networking opportunities to bolster their professional profiles.

Common career paths include working as English language instructors for international corporations or providing online language tuition. Many graduates eventually return to further their academic credentials by pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages to advance their standing as language professionals. The university has successfully placed students in teaching positions in countries such as South Korea, China, Ecuador, and Colombia.