Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Microcredential (Madrid)

The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) microcredential is an introductory program for students who have little or no English language teaching experience, and who would like a credential that allows them to teach English to speakers of other languages around the world. This 8-credit hour microcredential can be completed in the spring semester while students are enrolled in other courses in their degree programs or while studying abroad at the Madrid Campus, or it can potentially be completed during an intensive summer session, starting in late May and finishing in late June. The requirements for this micro-credential are based on those required for the CELTA, which is the most prestigious, internationally-recognized qualification for teaching English as a foreign language. 

Admission Requirements

For current, active Saint Louis University students wishing to declare a microcredential, complete the Update for Student Curriculum Record form. 

For non-Saint Louis University students, click here to apply as a Visiting/Non-Degree Seeking Student. 

To qualify for this microcredential, students must have completed ENGL 1900 Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research (3 cr) or equivalent and be in good standing with a GPA of over 2.00.  

• Design an English language course adapting to different cultural contexts and assessing learner background, preferences and needs, while acknowledging own educational and cultural biases
• Be aware of the critical role of language learning in a global society as a means of creating opportunities and enhancing social equity
• Explain and exemplify specific areas of linguistic study (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics)
• Explain and apply to a range of interactive, communicative situations the basic tenets of specific theoretical and analytical models of language, which are informed by a range of disciplinary perspectives (such as communication, philosophy, psychology, sociology)
• Assess student language proficiency

Non-course Requirements

Community ESL program (0 credits/ 30 service hours)

As part of the Intercultural Seminar and Practicum, students have to teach during 11 weeks in the Community ESL program at the Madrid Campus. This volunteer program also fulfils the University Undergraduate Core Reflection in Action requirement.

Additional Academic Requirements

Saint Louis University has graduation requirements for all degree-seeking students. Students are responsible for understanding these Graduation Requirements. 

Academic Standing

Students who do not achieve the “C” or better grade in a required course will be expected to repeat the course in an attempt to achieve the “C” or better grade. Students may repeat a required course one time. Failure to achieve the “C” or better grade after one repeat attempt will be dismissed from the microcredential.

Saint Louis University has undergraduate and graduate standards regarding a student's Academic Standing. Students are responsible for understanding the Academic Standing policy.