
Teacher Training in Wellington, New Zealand - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
TESOL Course Introduction
TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and was created for non-native English speakers who want to gain teaching experience and an ESOL teaching qualification. This TESOL course in Wellington is a 5 week full-time course. You will complete full-time study (25 hours per week- including tutor supervised study and lesson preparation time).
This teacher training course provides you with practical teaching experience, develops your knowledge of teaching methodology and improves your own English language skills.
It has been designed to provide an introduction to the theories and techniques for Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language and no previous teaching experience is required.
We are proud to announce that candidates for the TESOL course will also sit the new Cambridge University TKT exam, which will give them an internationally recognised certificate.

University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
Who is the TESOL course for?
TESOL TKT Course Entry Criteria
The TESOL TKT preparation course is open to all non native English speakers that are over 20 years of age and have an upper intermediate level and above.
The TESOL Course is for non-native speakers of English who are either already teaching English in their home countries or would like to in the future.
Participants have come from a range of backgrounds. Some participants have just finished university; some from the business world and some have already been teaching but want to upgrade their skills.
Level of English required:
Candidates must have an upper intermediate level of English, This is equivalent to IELTS 5.5, FCE or TOEFL 500. Applicants need to complete a pre-course task to check their suitability for the course.
TESOL TKT Preparation Course Structure and Content
- Get practical teaching experience
- Develop your knowledge of teaching methodology
- Improve your own English language skills
Teaching Methodology
You learn about the most effective ways of teaching language. The course covers the principles of teaching and learning and provides participants with practical classroom ideas.
Language Development
You develop your own English language skills. This informs your teaching and gives you greater confidence in the classroom.
Observations
You have the opportunity to observe experienced teachers in the school as well as video observations. You also observe each other during teaching practice sessions and are involved in giving feedback about the lessons.
Teaching Practice
You have the opportunity to try out teaching methods and techniques in the classroom. Teaching Practice will include authentic teaching slots with low-level students. These lessons are observed and feedback is given.
Assessment
During the course, you are evaluated on your language use, teaching skills and knowledge of language and methodology. The tutors give help and feedback for these tasks.
A Typical TESOL Day - Sample timetable
| | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 10:30 Teaching Methology |
Using a communicative approach | Managing the class (Instructions & Organisation) |
The learner and the teacher |
Observations | Feedback |
| 11:00 - 12:30 Language Development |
Developing Speaking Skills | Grammar Tense Review | Developing Listening Skills | Pronunciation | TKT exam preparation |
| 12:30 - 13:30 Lunch | |||||
| 13:30 - 15:00 Peer Teaching |
Peer Teaching Prep & Vocabulary | Peer Teaching | Peer Teaching | Peer Teaching | Conversation Class (optional) |
| 15:00 -15:30 Supervised Self Study |
Supervised Self Study | Supervised Self Study | Supervised Self Study | Supervised Self Study | Conversation Class (optional) |
| After 15:30 Workshops and School Activities (optional) | |||||
Take the Internationally Recognised The Cambridge University Teachers Knowledge Test (TKT)
TKT: Module 1 (80 minutes / 80 questions)
Language and background to language learning and teaching
This module consists of three parts:
- describing language and language skills (40 questions)
- background to language learning (15 questions)
- background to language teaching (25 questions)
What does TKT: Module 1 test?
This module tests candidates’ knowledge of the terms and concepts common in English language teaching. It also focuses on the core knowledge underpinning the learning of English and knowledge of the options and resources the teacher can use in the classroom.
TKT: Module 2 (80 minutes / 80 questions)
Lesson planning and use of resources for language teaching
This module consists of two parts:
- planning and preparing a lesson or sequence of lessons (40 questions)
- selection and use of resources and materials (40 questions)
What does TKT: Module 2 test?
This module focuses on the knowledge and skills teachers need to be able to plan a lesson framework or series of lessons. Teaching in this context also refers to any assessment required by the teacher to consolidate learning. It also focuses on the resources that are available to guide teachers in their lesson planning.
TKT: Module 3 (80 minutes / 80 questions)
Managing the teaching and learning process
This module consists of two parts:
- teachers’ and learners’ language in the classroom (40 questions)
- classroom management (40 questions)
What does TKT: Module 3 test?
This module tests candidates’ knowledge of what happens in the classroom during language learning, the teacher’s role and the ways in which the teacher can manage and exploit classroom events and interactions.

2013 TESOL Course Dates & Fees
| 5 week Full time courses | |
|---|---|
| 15 April - 17 May | TKT Exam in Wellington: Tues 18 May (subject to change) |
| 1 Jul - 2 Aug | TKT Exam in Wellington: Tues 3 Aug (subject to change) |
| 7 Oct - 8 Nov | TKT Exam in Wellington: Tues 9 Nov (subject to change) |
| Cambridge TKT Exam to be taken after finishing the course. You need to sign up 7 weeks before the exam date. If you apply 6-5 weeks before the exam date an additional fee of 35 GBP approx. will apply. |
|
| A minimum of 6 students is required for the TESOL course. | |
TESOL Course Fees 2013: NZ$2500
TESOL Enrolment Fee: NZ$110. The price does not include the TKT examination fee since taking the TKT exam is optional.
TKT 2013: NZ$300 approx.
Accommodation 2013
If required, the Teacher training Center can arrange homestay accommodation for the TESOL candidates: NZ$245/week, plus a one off booking fee of NZ$210 - including single room and 3 meals per day.
Accommodation in apartments is also an option that the Training Center can provide, subject to availability. Prices for this option vary according to the time of the year, length of the stay and type of apartment requested, prices can range from NZ$250 to NZ$400 per week; a one off accommodation arrangement fee of NZ$210 also applies for this type of accommodation.
TESOL Course - How to apply
- If you believe you cover the minimum requirements to be considered as a candidate for the TESOL Course ask for the application package, always, mentioning the course starting date of your interest.
- Prospective trainees must complete the pre-Interview task and return this document to the Programmes Coordinator including an updated copy of their CV long time in advance prior the course starting date. These documents can be emailed as attachments to the Coordinator.
- Applicants who have satisfactorily completed the pre-interview task will be invited to attend an interview shortly after this date at the School or on the telephone (at your own cost) if the candidate is not based within the Wellington region.
- Successful applicants will receive an offer of a place on the TESOL course of their choice immediately, if there is a place available.
- After receiving a payment request from StudyCELTA, the deposit must be paid within 7 days of the place being offered in order to secure your place. On receipt of your deposit the TESOL tutors will send you documents to prepare you further.
- The balance is due 4 weeks, at the latest, before the course starts.
How to Pay
All payments need to be done in New Zealand dollars via bank transfer, free of charges, into the StudyCELTA bank account in New Zealand.
Optional: TESOL course + Teacher Assistant Placement - 4 week programme (after the TESOL course)
Experience the New Zealand education system first-hand: Be a Teacher Assistant during 4 weeks!
The Teacher Assistant Placement programme was created especially for teachers, teachers-in-training and Education students who are interested in experiencing the New Zealand education system first-hand.
The first part of this programme is the 5 weeks TESOL Certificate Course, so you can improve your teaching skills. Following the TESOL course, you will be placed into a primary or secondary school and will assist he classroom teacher for 4 weeks.
| Teacher Placement Programme - Be a Teacher Assistant during 4 weeks! |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st term |
2nd term |
3rd term |
4th term |
| Between January 28 and February 7 (to be confirmed) – April 19 | May 6 – July 12 | July 29 – September 27 | October 14 – December 20 |
| The teacher placement programme can take place any time during the above mentioned dates. | |||
Entry criteria - Teacher Assistant Placement Programme
- The Teacher Placement Programme is open to all non native English speakers that are over 18 years of age and have an upper intermediate level and above.
- Visitor Visa or Working Holiday Visa required
- Degree or university-level qualification in Education or related field required
Fees 2013 - TESOL course + Teacher Assistant Placement Programme
TESOL Tuition Fee (5 weeks): NZ$2500
+ TESOL Enrolment Fee: NZ$110
+ Teacher Assistant Placement (4 weeks): NZ$400
= Total fee 2012 & 2013: NZ$3.010*
*Not included in the price:
- TESOL TKT examination fee (NZ$300) since taking the TKT exam is optional.
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses including daily transport
- Optional: Accommodation (please see our accommodation section for further information)
Application Documents - Teacher Placement Programme
If you believe you cover the minimum requirements to be considered as a candidate for the Teacher Placement Programme the following information must be received at least 8 weeks before the programme start date:
- TESOL course application (see section TESOL course - How to apply for further information)
- Completed registration form
- Cover letter
- CV
- A small presentation/photo collage about yourself
- Evidence of qualifications
- Police certificate, medical certificate


