by Alex Masse, Staff Writer
On January 21, the faculty of education held an information session for their Master’s program, Teaching Languages in a Global Context (TLGC). The program is a full-time 16-month intensive program for students from all over the world and is open to students regardless of experience teaching language. While it does contain two fieldwork courses, it focuses on theories and research and does not provide teaching certification.
The program accepts a cohort of 18–22 students, who will take “seven 5-credit courses over three terms.” Additionally, because of its focus on international students, “cultural and academic literary support” is available.
The TGLC is focused on the “globalized context of teaching additional languages.” Program Coordinator Roumiana Ilieva explained in a previous info session held in December 2020 that “we live in a global world, where things are interconnected, but at the same time, localized. So it is really useful and important to be strengthening our perspectives [ . . . ] through understanding how other people have experienced language learning and teaching.”
The program is expected to begin in Fall 2021, end with a comprehensive three-part examination in Fall 2022, and will hold Convocation the following June. The course will focus on everything from language acquisition theory to socio-cultural perspectives on education and identity.
Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree with a CGPA of 3.00. They also need to take a English language proficiency test if English is not their main language and show evidence of ability for advanced work, such as through a letter of reference or a writing sample. Additionally, the website states that “teaching or tutoring experience is an asset.” Applicants must also submit their transcripts, resume, and a letter of intent. Following this, they will attend a 30-minute interview and write a short essay.
“Some of our applicants might not have a lot of work experience,” said Ilieva. “So if you don’t [sic] don’t worry [ . . . ] you can just go with academic [references].”
Due to the ever-changing situation of COVID-19, the faculty is currently unsure how classes will be delivered, but intends to be face-to-face as soon as SFU allows in-person attendance again.
There will be another information session for this program on February 16 and the deadline to apply is March 15 2021. For more information, there is a contact form available on the faculty website. The full list of requirements can be found on the program’s Admission Requirements page.
