1. Weekly English conversation practice with American college/university students for 13 weeks/semester
2. 1-hour classes with a tutor via Zoom, Teams, or other online apps.
3. Learn about college/university culture in the United States.
4. Meet new friends across the globe!

Students and professionals around the world who want to:

1. Practice speaking English.
2. Improve their English language skills.
3. Learn about the United States.
4. Prepare to study abroad or work in an English-speaking country.

Yes; however, the ELP program is most suitable for intermediate to advanced English learners (CEFR levels B1-C1). We do plan to offer beginner level courses in the future.

We offer the ELP program twice a year: Fall semester (September to December) and Spring semester (end of January to late April/ early May). Classes are typically in the evening between 6:30 PM and 11 PM (if you live in Asia). Occasionally we offer morning classes as well. Please check the registration form to find out the availability of classes each semester. The registration form opens 2x a year: in August and early January.

We have 3 models/types of courses within the ELP program:

1. English for Conversation Practice: This is for anyone who wants to practice speaking English. This class is offered every semester.
2. Special topics courses – These courses are offered based on tutor availability. Sample courses:

   1. Academic English Writing and Research

   2. Creative Writing

   3. English Conversation and Drama

   4. Social Media

   5. TOEFL/IELTS Prep

3. Partner programs – Partner institutions can request a uniquely-designed ELP class to meet the needs of their learners.

No. The ELP program is a free program that is open to anyone. If you plan to apply to PFW for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, then the Office of Admissions will need to see your transcripts.

Look for the registration link found on our Instagram page @pfwtesol in August for the fall semester or early January for the spring semester.

If you are in the TENL program, then the ELP program is part of your coursework. If you are not part of the TENL program but are a current PFW student or alumn(ae), you are welcome to volunteer with the ELP program. However, as a volunteer, you are still subject to the same expectations as the TENL students. This is because we expect all ELP tutors to demonstrate a high level of commitment, professionalism, and care for ELP participants. “Volunteer” does not mean lower quality teaching and service.

Roughly 1-2 hours/week for 13 weeks/semester plus an additional 5-6 hours on a Monday evening, 7:15-8:30 PM, for reflection meetings. The reflection meetings, which are led by the ELP program director, are intended to support you and other ELP tutors. These meetings are spaces where you can share ideas for your classes, insights from your experiences, and the joys and struggles of teaching online. Since you will be in charge of running your own ELP class section, you will need to allocate time for planning and preparing your lessons as well.

Our most successful ELP tutors have the following traits in common.

• They are committed and display professional behavior
• They are interested in and care about the well-being of their ELP students (the ELP participants)
• They are flexible and do not panic when things don’t go as planned, which is also a trait of many experienced teachers. In addition, ELP tutors who are also in the TENL program utilize their knowledge of language acquisition theories and effective language teaching practices when conducting their classes. In the process, they grow into more effective teachers.

Contact the ELP program director, Prof. Mary Encabo Bischoff, during the following time frames:

• If you would like to be a tutor for the fall semester, then contact her no later than August 5.
• If you would like to be a tutor for the spring semester, then contact her by December 16.

Please contact her if you are certain that you can commit to serving as a tutor. It is difficult to make changes once the ELP classes have been scheduled. ELP classes occur either between the times of 7 AM and 11 AM or 7 PM and 11 PM. Make sure you can dedicate at least 1 hour between those timeframes for your ELP class.