Frequently Asked Questions

What is TESL, ESL, TEFL, etc.?
The One Practice, Many Names: The profession originally known as ESL (English as a Second Language) has gone through many changes in name. TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) refers to teaching English in an English-speaking country; TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) refers to teaching English in a non-English-speaking country. Then came TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Though the names differ from one certification program to the next, the teaching techniques are well established. Get a certificate in one, and you can apply it to any program be it TEFL, TESL, TESOL, ESL, EFL, ELL or ESOL.
What about accreditation?
Credits for the graduate TESL Certificate are awarded by Seattle Pacific University which is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges and recognized by the Washington State Board of Education. WAL's programs, curriculum, syllabi, assessment practices, faculty and student evaluations are monitored by its partner universities and have been reviewed and reported on by university faculty as part of their accreditation reviews.  The courses required for WAL's TESL and Bilingual Education Certificates meet all Washington State requirements for an endorsement onto an active teaching credential.  Washington State endorsements are also recognized by other states in the United States.
How long will it take me to finish the TESL certification?
The time required to complete the TESL certification program varies depending on how quickly you take the courses. If you are unable to transfer any undergraduate course credits toward your certification, you will have to complete all 8 courses through WAL. You can take up to 4 courses per quarter on-site, 2 courses per quarter online, and you are able to take all 8 courses during the summer intensive session over an 8 week period.  International students on an F-1 visa are required to take the program full-time.
What is the difference between the certificate and the endorsement?
The TESL certificate is available to all students who hold a Bachelor's degree and, if they are non-native English speakers, present a TOEFL score of 580 (90 iBT). It is an internationally recognized certificate for teaching English abroad. The ELL and Bilingual endorsements are designed for K-12 educators who wish to endorse their teaching credential through Washington State's Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
What kind of undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree is required as a prerequisite for the program?
A potential student in the TESL program may have an undergraduate degree in any field. We have had students who have been awarded an undergraduate degree in everything from Law to Anthropology.
What is the total cost of the program?
The total cost of the program depends on many factors. If you are able to transfer courses from your previous university credits, it's possible that you will not have to take all 8 courses. If you decide to take a mix of online and on-site courses, this will also change the amount you will have to spend. To determine your total tuition, calculate how many on-site (or online, or a mix of both) you will take, and then add the university credit fee per course to that number. Remember that the SPU credit fee for on-site courses is $150 whereas the credit fee for online courses is $186.
Is on-campus housing available during the summer intensive program?
Yes, on-campus housing is available during the summer intensive session. For more information, please contact the SPU Housing Office: (206) 281-2188 or housing@spu.edu.The housing form is here.  Call for information about PLU on-campus housing.
What are your policies on attendance and grading?
WAL follows all SPU grading policies. Please click here for grading information borrowed from the SPU online catalogue. Please click here for information about on-campus classroom attendance. 
 
After I graduate from the program, will you help me with job placement?
WAL is, primarily, a teaching institution and not a placement agency. However, we will forward any teaching opportunities that we receive to students enrolled in the program. Instructors can write letters of recommendation and can provide general advice regarding where to look and what issues are important when securing a job. With WAL's graduate level certification in-hand, students should not have any difficulty finding employment abroad. Students will receive a university transcript and the certificate. The TESL certificate is co-signed by SPU and WAL, and lists the total contact hours of instruction (240) and graduate level credits (24 quarter-SPU).
Can I take all my courses online?
Yes, you may take all of your courses online. Because only two or three courses are typically offered per quarter, you will be able to complete your certificate in 4 quarters, or one academic year.  International students in the United States on an F-1 visa may not take online courses except as permitted under F-1 regulartions.
What's the difference between a Master's program in TESOL and the TESL certificate/endorsement?
While WAL's program is a graduate level program, it does not lead to a Master's degree. However, many MATESOL programs will accept two courses (or 6 transfer credits) toward a Master's degree in TESOL.
Do you provide financial aid/scholarships?
WAL is a small, private, non-profit school and is therefore unable to offer financial aid and scholarships. Sources of aid are only available for full-time SPU students enrolled in the WAL program. However, we can accept Americorps, VISTA, vocational rehabilitation, and Boeing vouchers. Alternative loans are also available through many lenders for tuition. The Northwest Education Loan Association's website is a great resource for loan options: www.nela.net. For more information, please see our Funding Opportunities page or contact our office.