Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is World Learning, and what is the School for International Training?

World Learning is a private, nonprofit international organization with both academic and field project capabilities. Through its four program units – School for International Training (SIT), World Learning for International Development, World Learning for Business, and the Experiment in International Living – World Learning is a leader in the fields of sustainable development, teacher education, language training, international exchange, study abroad, peacebuilding, and NGO management.

The School for International Training, located in Brattleboro, Vermont, is World Learning's accredited institution of higher education. Established more than 40 years ago, SIT offers Master of Arts degree programs in teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice, intercultural relations, sustainable development, intercultural service, leadership, and management; and a Master of Science degree program in organizational management. Also offered is a certificate and diploma program in NGO leadership and management and more than fifty undergraduate-level study abroad programs.

The mission of SIT is to enable participants to develop the skills, knowledge, attitudes and awareness needed to contribute effectively to global understanding and world peace. SIT is recognized nationally and internationally for its work in language teacher education and has been educating learner-oriented and culturally sensitive language teachers in its Master of Arts in Teaching program for over thirty years. It has prepared over 2000 active professionals who are working in the field today making significant contributions as classroom teachers, administrators or consultants throughout the USA and in over 70 countries around the world.

2. What is TESOL Training Costa Rica?

TESOL Training Costa Rica (TTCR) is an education center located in a small town near La Fortuna, Costa Rica.  Currently TTCR offers the SIT TESOL Certificate course, professional development workshops for English teachers and places volunteer English teachers in rural communities.  

3. Why should I take the SIT TESOL Certificate course?

The SIT course provides practical ESOL teacher-training in which participants develop skills in planning lessons and teaching speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, and culture. The sessions are highly interactive and experiential. The course includes planning lessons and teaching twenty-four hours of classes to "real" ESOL students. Trainers observe your teaching and give practical advice after each session.

4. Who teaches the course?

SIT TESOL Certificate course trainers are highly qualified, experienced ESOL teachers who have worked with adult learners and have previous training experience. They are licensed by SIT through a rigorous, multi-step process and bring a strong passion and dedication to their work.

The trainers teach the course content, process discussions, coach participants in developing lesson plans and in planning and teaching. They also observe participants' teaching and provide feedback to participants after each teaching session.

5. Is the course in Costa Rica the same as the SIT courses at other sites?

All courses are delivered by SIT-licensed trainers and focus on the same content areas, teacher skills, and course outcomes. In addition, each course is assessed by an evaluator who observes lesson planning and practice teaching sessions. The evaluator reviews participants' written work and collects direct feedback from course participants. The evaluator ensures that SIT's high standards are upheld.

6. What kind of people take this course?

Participants are a diverse group. Some are college-age students who are interested in traveling and working overseas. There are also working professionals preparing to enter TESOL as an alternative career or in retirement. Non-native English speakers with strong English skills also take the course so they can teach English in their own countries or elsewhere. Many experienced teachers find the Certificate course a valuable introduction to SIT's model of reflective practice.

7. What are the entrance requirements?

You must have a high school degree and show a capacity for college-level education including a good understanding of the English language and solid writing skills. You must remain calm under pressure, be willing to accept the authority of your trainers, commit to conveying a difference of opinion in a respectful manner, and be willing to work as a positive team player. All applicants must submit an application along with a one-page essay as well as have an oral interview (which can be done by phone) with the program manager. Non-native speakers need a minimum TOEFL score of 550 for the written test or 213 for the computerized version, or an IELTS Band 6.0 or higher. Non-native speakers must also have a second interview to ensure their listening/speaking skills are adequate to take the course and to teach English. All participants must show a willingness to plan and teach in groups and to work reflectively. Participants who attend the Brattleboro course must fill out a medical form and have a doctor fill out a portion of it as well. The doctor's portion of the form must be based on a physical from within the past 12 months.

8. What kind of job will I be able to get with this certificate?

This certificate can help you find an entry level position in a language institute or an adult education program in Latin America, the United States or overseas. If you hold a university degree and have residency in Costa Rica you can also get a job in the public sector.  Most college and university teaching positions require you to have a master's degree. SIT also offers a Masters of Arts in Teaching degree.

9. How will this course help me find a job?

 During the course there will be at least one session dedicated to the job search and individual counseling is available.   Graduates of the course have access to our connections in Costa Rica and also to SIT's alumni listserv which offers both a discussion and job information.

In addition, SIT TESOL Certificate holders are invited to apply for teaching jobs at the over 125 schools in the International House (IH) network through IH London. Available positions can be accessed on-line at www.ihworld.com/recruitment.

10. Will SIT’s TESOL Certificate enable me to teach ESOL in U.S. public schools?

The SIT TESOL Certificate may qualify you for an aide position in a public school ESOL program. However, to teach in the public schools in the U.S. you need public school certification, a process which generally involves an undergraduate degree followed by a period of full-time student teaching in a public school under the direction of a veteran teacher. Specific requirements vary from state to state.

11. Can I get college credit for the course? Are CEUs available?

Participants at this site can petition any college or university to recognize the course hours spent in the program and issue academic credit. If you are interested in pursuing this option you should check with the Registrar's Office at whatever college or university you are attending or plan to attend. Twelve CEUs are available for an additional cost of $300 to those who successfully complete the course.

12. After I finish the certificate course, if, at a later date, I decide to complete SIT's program leading to a Master of Arts with a concentration in TESOL, is there any special financial aid available for certificate alumni?

Yes. Any SIT TESOL Certificate holder who enrolls in one of the SIT Master of Arts in Teaching degree programs will be given a tuition reduction of $2,000.

13. Does everyone who attends the course get a certificate?

No. Acceptance into the course is not a guarantee that you will receive the certificate. If trainers feel that any participant has not successfully completed or mastered any segment of the course, or has not completed the written work satisfactorily, the participant will not be awarded the certificate, but will be awarded a letter of course attendance and learning instead. To complete the certificate successfully, you must meet all the program requirements:
1) attend all the program sessions (allowances are made for absence due to emergency situations);
2) communicate effectively and fluently in written and oral English;
3) successfully meet the goals and objectives of the program;
4) successfully complete all the student teaching requirements and all program assignments.
Trainers in the course will meet with you to give you feedback on all aspects of your work in the program. You will also do a self-assessment and a peer assessment as part of your program.

For more information, please contact:

TESOL Certificate

School for International Training
Brattleboro, Vermont 05302-0676
Tel: 802-258-3310
Fax: 802-258-3316
Email: tesolcert@sit.edu