TEFL: An Introductory Course

An Introductory Course

Supported by Collaborations and Study Abroad and the School of Modern Languages and delivered by International Education Institute staff at St Andrews.

What is the TEFL course?

This course is designed as a basic introduction for anyone interested in teaching English as a Foreign Language at home or abroad. The aim of the course is to provide trainees with an understanding of the way that language operates, as well as fundamentals of language training and teaching methodology and to give them a basis upon which to build professional teaching skills.

While the course is open to all, the International Education Institute have put together this particular programme to prepare students who have applied to be British Council Language Assistants as part of their St Andrews degree programme. Collaborations & Study Abroad and the School of Modern Languages are delighted to be able to support students who fall into this category by contributing to the costs of the course.

What does the course include?

The course will cover:

  • Teaching young learners
  • Teaching the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing
  • Planning lessons
  • Producing materials
  • Communication in the classroom and managing behaviour
  • Dealing with errors and correction
  • Peer teaching and feedback

Where is the course held?

The course is held in the University's International Education Institute department in Kinnessburn, Kennedy Gardens.

When is the course held?

Courses last for three days and run from Saturday to Monday over the first weekend of the Spring Break directly after teaching stops in March each year and then in May, the course coincides with the end of the exam diet when students still have access to accommodation. Exact dates and fees can be found on the International Education Institute website under Dates and Fees.

How much will it cost?

The full course fee is £225, including a non-returnable deposit of £50. However, 2nd year Modern Languages students who have applied to the Language Assistantship Programme as part of their WIYA can apply to pay only the £50 deposit as subsidies are available to these students on a first come first served basis through Study Abroad.

How do I apply?

Please complete the TEFL application form available on the International Education Institute website.

Quotes from previous TEFL participants

  • "Teaching by example! Quality of teaching was great!"
  • "Don't underestimate how little we know! Going back to basics was really useful!"
  • "The Chinese teacher came in and only spoke to us in Mandarin - this gave me loads of inspiration and ideas."
  • "I loved the Human Rubik Cube!"
  • "The teachers were friendly and approachable and willing to have a laugh."
  • "I didn't like the idea of three days - but now I understand why it's needed."
  • "The course was so helpful and very relevant."
  • "Learned a lot of new skills – I didn’t realise there was so much to think about!"
  • "Very interesting to have an insight into teaching – what it actually involves and how much planning goes into it."
  • "It was very helpful in building awareness and confidence – now I know what is expected of me and have inspiration for it."
  • "Lots of ideas for classroom activities!"
  • "Speaking to past Language Assistants was very helpful."

Further information

Email: ie@st-andrews.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1334 462265