TESOL Diploma Program

The Diploma Program is an intensive,
four-week summer professional training program designed for teachers and prospective teachers of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). 

The program covers all essential aspects of English language teaching from a practical classroom perspective. It offers concrete experience with methods and techniques that reflect current principles of communicative language teaching and learning.

The faculty members selected to teach in the Diploma Program are professionals with advanced degrees and extensive experience in TESOL and teacher preparation.

The Diploma Program involves an 80-hour a preparation that is fast-paced but grounded in the best principles and practices. Classes meet daily for the entire day. Diploma students are invited to participate in various activities offered on weekends by our International Student Services.

This program is ideal both for new entrants to the TESOL field and for working teachers who wish to gain a professional qualification or to update their methodology.  Graduates of the program have obtained jobs as teachers in language institutes, schools and colleges in the U.S. and overseas.

Courses

  • Strand 1:  New Teachers
    Introduction to TESOL 
    Language Awareness
    Lesson Planning and Classroom Management
    Teaching Integrated Skills
    Teaching Practicum
  • Strand 2:  Experienced Teachers
    Lesson Planning and Classroom Management
    Special Topics in TESOL
    Teaching Integrated Skills

University Credits

The TESOL Diploma Program is a non-credit program. However, successful completion of the Diploma Program and capstone paper will allow 4 credits of advance standing toward Saint Michael's graduate MATESOL program. MATESOL applicants must have a bachelor's degree and at least 3.0 GPA.

Job Placement Assistance

Upon completion of the program, students receive a formal letter reflecting the student's strengths in coursework, including their student teaching. This serves as a reference when applying for a teaching position.  Students may also use the job listings we post for positions available around the world.  Trainees who have finished the program are now working in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

About Saint Michael's College

Saint Michael's is an International Campus in Vermont
Saint Michael's is a liberal arts college known for its international character and its commitment to social justice. Saint Michael's has been a leader in international education since it established the Applied Linguistics Program in 1954. 

Outside of class, students can enjoy Vermont's beautiful summer. Known for its clean air and water, the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, nature, and outdoor recreation, Vermont is a vibrant place to spend your summer. The Saint Michael's campus and surrounding area are safe.

Burlington, Vermont's largest city, is only minutes away. A busy and friendly urban center of 50,000 people, Burlington has four universities/colleges as well as numerous cultural activities, great shopping, and a wide variety of restaurants. Travel from anywhere in the world is easy with the Burlington and Montreal International airports nearby, and connections to and from Boston and New York.

Information on Housing and Insurance

Accepted students who desire on-campus room and board must complete the Diploma Program Housing form.  When forms are received, housing is assigned and students are billed accordingly. Diploma Program students are housed in single rooms in residence halls. Residence halls are traditional dormitory-style complexes with rooms furnished with twin beds, desks with chairs, chests of drawers, and closet space. 

Housing Information
Housing facilities may be occupied between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on the day prior to the first class for which students are registered. Linen service, blankets, and pillow are included in the student's fee. Air conditioners, pets, and smoking are not permitted in campus residences. All facilities are non-smoking.

Students living in residence halls or in a single room in a townhouse are expected to participate in the College meal plan. Meal tickets are valid from Sunday dinner of the first week of classes until lunch, the Friday of the last week of class, inclusive. Cafeteria meals are typical of USA colleges and universities.

Medical Insurance
Health insurance is required of all students in the Diploma Program and is included in the student's fees.

How to Apply to the TESOL Diploma Program

Application Process
Enrollment is limited, so please submit your completed application by the May 1st deadline. High school graduation is required. All applications must be supported by the following:

  • Transcript from the highest educational level attained
  • One-page statement of purpose explaining your interest in the Diploma Program
  • Two letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the applicant's academic/ professional potential for the Diploma Program

      International Students must also include:

  • Completed Affidavit of Financial Support
  • Official TOEFL transcript (Minimum score of 550/79 IBT)
  • Photocopy of passport page 

Please submit all application materials at the same time.

Some partial scholarships may be available, granted on the basis of need and merit. Applicants must complete the Diploma Program Financial Aid form.

Address completed applications to:
Diploma Program, Applied Linguistics Department
Saint Michael's College
One Winooski Park, Box 253
Colchester, Vermont 05439  USA


For more information please contact:
Meg Provost, Program Assistant
Telephone: 802.654.2684
Fax: 802.654.2595
Email: mprovost@smcvt.edu