Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the CIES-TEFL Online certificate?

The CIES-TEFL Online certificate is a 150-hour course designed to prepare individuals to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) within one semester. The program is structured to provide an overview of the field of TEFL, teaching methodologies, and practical applications to teaching grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and culture in diverse EFL contexts.

The online environment allows students greater flexibility to fit their schedule and is accessible worldwide. In each course module, participants are provided with content, lectures, and guided activities to ensure maximum interaction, support, and exchange between course participants. One-to-one teacher support is available as needed, as well as weekly online video meetings with the class cohort to cultivate an engaging community of learning and teaching.

Additionally, students in the CIES-TEFL Online certificate course develop their teaching skills through real-world teaching of English language learners. Students complete the course with a lesson plan portfolio of teaching materials, resources, and lesson plans to utilize wherever they are in the world. 

​​CIES is known as the place "Where the world comes to learn English". This naturally makes CIES a great place "Where the world comes to learn how to teach English…online"!

What will I learn in the CIES-TEFL Online certificate? 

The CIES-TEFL Online course covers the following areas of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL): 

  • An overview of the field of English language teaching and research 
  • Teaching methodologies and approaches 
  • Practical applications to teaching grammar, reading, writing, listening, speaking
  • Teaching students of different ages and levels 
  • Teaching in culturally diverse contexts
  • Approaches to teaching and tutoring in-person and online 
  • Maintaining teacher well-being in and out of the classroom   
  • Sustaining professional development through communities of teaching practice     

What makes the CIES-TEFL Online certificate a trustworthy and outstanding program?  

How will the CIES-TEFL Online certificate benefit me?

CIES-TEFL online certificate students will graduate with the following credentials, resources, skills, and opportunities: 

  • A 150-hour certificate from the Center for Intensive English Studies, Florida State University
  • Real-world teaching experience with English language learners
  • A lesson plan portfolio of teaching materials, resources, and lesson plans to utilize wherever they are in the world
  • Lifetime access to the online CIES-TEFL course and materials.   
  • An ever-growing network and community of teachers made up of CIES faculty, alumni, and peers to assist in job counseling, lesson planning, teaching, and overall teacher well-being
  • A professional path towards a deeper understanding of yourself, a greater understanding of diverse people, cultures, and perspectives, and an ability to help others reach their goals and dreams while achieving your own    

How much time do I have to complete the CIES-TEFL Online certificate? 

  • The course is completed over 14 weeks. Course participants complete activities within set dates to promote maximum interaction between students and to provide a supportive structure.    

What is the breakdown of hours for the CIES-TEFL Online certificate?

  • Course module activities: 50 hours (course readings, discussion boards, reflection activities)
  • Lesson plan portfolio: 35 hours (15 for design + 10 for peer and instructor feedback)
  • Tutoring practicum (online and/or in-person): 50 hours (20 tutoring sessions + 20 for planning + 10 for journaling)  
  • Online class observations: 9 hours (7 for observations + 2 for journaling)
  • Teaching video: 6 hours (2 hours for planning + 1 for teaching + 3 for self, peer and teacher feedback)

Total: 150 hours 

Can you tell me more about the tutoring practicum? 

  • CIES-TEFL Online certificate students are paired with English language learners (ELLs) for online tutoring. Students can also work with ELLs in-person or online that they have connected with. Tutoring is viewed as a synergistic and mutually-beneficial activity between tutor and tutee. Best practices of working with ELLs will be covered throughout the course, as well as resources to use during tutoring sessions. Students keep an online journal to log, reflect, and share their tutoring experiences.      

What technology will I need to use during the CIES-TEFL Online course? 

  • The CIES-TEFL Online course is conducted entirely online through Florida State University’s Canvas learning management system. CIES-TEFL Online students will submit their course assignments electronically through Canvas. Incoming CIES-TEFL online students are advised to familiarize themselves with Canvas by reviewing the Student Resources materials available in the FSU Canvas Support Center here: https://support.canvas.fsu.edu/home. Additionally, weekly online video meetings via Zoom are held to cultivate an engaging community of learning and teaching.
  • Required for online coursework:
    • a computer connected to the internet OR 
    • the mobile Canvas app
  • Required for Zoom meetings:
    • the free version of Zoom video conference software (https://zoom.us) 
    • a computer or mobile device with a microphone and video camera

I don't live in the United States. Can I still register for the CIES-TEFL Online course?

  • Yes! Anyone anywhere can register for the CIES-TEFL Online course. 

Do I have to be an FSU student to earn the CIES-TEFL Online certificate course?

  • No. Anyone anywhere can register for the CIES-TEFL Online course. 

Who can I contact to discuss the CIES-TEFL Online certificate course? 

  • For questions about course registration, please contact cies@fsu.edu or (850)644-4797. 
  • For questions about the course structure, please contact Dr. Ramin Yazdanpanah.  

Can I earn the CIES-TEFL Online certificate course if English is not my first language?

  • Absolutely! Some of the best teachers of English are non-native English speakers. Please review our English Language Proficiency Requirements for non-native English speakers and be sure to submit the appropriate proficiency exam scores with your CIES-TEFL registration.

Do I receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course?

  • Yes. Students who complete the CIES-TEFL Online certificate course will receive a certificate from the Center for Intensive English Studies, Florida State University.

What kinds of job opportunities are available after completing the CIES-TEFL Online certificate course?

  • We provide job counseling to connect our graduates with employment opportunities. Additionally, we use our extensive network of international students, teachers, and former TEFL alumni. Job counseling and preparation throughout the course enable students to conduct research towards finding employment in countries where they would like to teach.

Do FSU students receive university credit for the CIES-TEFL Online certificate course?

  • The CIES-TEFL Certificate is not credit-bearing at the University. 

Once I'm registered for the CIES-TEFL Online certificate course, where can I find additional practical details to make sure I'm prepared for the first day of class?

  • Once your course registration has been approved, you will receive an email welcoming you to the CIES-TEFL Online certificate program that includes Canvas login details and guidance on what to do next. All relevant information for the CIES-TEFL Online certificate course is provided on the Canvas course. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.