Here, for your clarification, we've fielded some questions commonly asked about the TESL Certificate Program at Worldport ESL. Please remember, if you can't find the information you want somewhere in the site, contact us!

I'm interested in taking this course for my TESL certificate but I live outside North America. Do you accept applicants from around the world? Absolutely! This is the essence of the Worldport ESL course. As distance education, this ESL teacher training and certificate program is available no matter where you live. Often, people who have accepted teaching positions in other countries realise quickly after being in the classroom that they are lacking expertise. The convenience of the program is undeniable in these situations - you can do it while you're working. Of course, you don't need to currently be teaching to take the program.

Do I need previous teaching experience to be eligible for admission? No, you don't. It's only one aspect we consider in an applicant. The course provides excellent training for new teachers, and fresh perspectives for experienced teachers as well.

The focus of Worldport ESL's certificate training is on teaching English as a Second Language. If I want to teach English as a Foreign Language, shouldn't I choose an EFL program? The terms ESL and EFL are often used interchangeably because teaching practices often apply to both. The Worldport course itself covers applications for teaching both ESL and EFL classrooms. Worldport's focus on ESL reflects the view that English has become more a necessity than a foreign topic of casual interest and distant observation. Our certificate training helps teachers to meet current needs of learners worldwide - learners who want or need to know how to really use English to communicate.

How long is Worldport's TESL Certificate Program? The program, equivalent to 130 hours of ESL teacher training, is designed in 12 weeks of work which usually take 12 weeks to complete. There is flexibility. You can move through the program more quickly or more slowly, depending on your other commitments and your learning pace.

The 12 weeks of course work - can I choose which order I do them in? Each week, the training builds on your previous work, so you complete the weeks in sequence.

When should I apply for admission? Apply for admission as soon as you wish. The program does not have rigid terms with particular start dates. Applications are reviewed on a continual basis, so admissions are possible any time. If you apply today and are accepted, it's entirely feasible to begin the course within a week or two.

If I am accepted into the program, do I start right away? Yes. If your application for admission is accepted, you pay your tuition and we send the course materials to you by courier. We assume that you'll start shortly after you receive your materials.

What is the tuition for this course? Tuition is $935.00 Canadian. We do not charge "foreign student" fees, so students outside Canada simply pay the equivalent, based on current rates of exchange.

When and how do I pay my tuition? Your tuition is due only if you are accepted into the program after your application is reviewed. Tuition is payable to Worldport ESL by international bank transfer, or by Canadian or U.S. dollar certified cheque or money order. If you are accepted, we'll review these payment options in your notification of admission and, if you live outside Canada, we'll inform you of current monetary equivalents.

What's an international bank transfer? It's a bank-to-bank transaction, also called a wire transfer. If you prefer this method, we'll give you the information your bank needs to transfer your tuition to the school's bank in Canada.

If I start the program but then decide to stop, do you have a refund policy? Yes, we do. If for some reason you don't wish to continue, you can withdraw, return the materials, and receive a refund based on the amount of time lapsed. Our graduated return policy is fully explained in the site.

I don't see anything about a teaching practical in this course. Is there one? The course is administered fully as distance education, so the training is accessible wherever you are. In a distance education program, a teaching practicum is not a feasible requirement. Ask around. As standard practice, you'll find that schools are governed by strict regulations, given their liabilities, which prevent anyone other than their own employees from teaching a class.

I'm definitely interested in taking this course but before I decide for sure, can I talk to someone about it? Certainly! You can expect individual attention, just as all our students receive. For answers to your questions, you can contact us by email, telephone or fax, or by using the contact form in the web site.

email: teachesl@worldportesl.com
telephone: 1 519 977 7100
fax: 1 519 977 7677