The Center for International Foreign Language Teacher Education (CIFLTE) at Teachers College, Columbia University currently offers three programs for enrollment: the TCSOL Certificate Program in New York, the TCSOL/TESOL Dual Certificate Summer Program in Osaka Japan, and the CIFLTE Online Foreign Language Learning Program (COF).
The first two programs are designed to offer state-of-the-art training to students and professionals interested in learning how to teach Chinese and/or English. The COF Program, meanwhile, provides one-on-one and small group language tutoring for a variety of languages. Tutoring is offered in a blended format, allowing for both face-to-face and online interactions. In addition to our teacher trainer and tutoring programs, the Center also periodically offers workshops on research methodology and/or best instructional practices. You can view upcoming events on our program calendar.
Please feel free to browse our site to see current and former TCSOL events, newsletters, past student projects, testimonials from students and alumni, and other features of the programs offered at the Center. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
2024-2025 AY Schedule: Friday, September 13, 2024 - Friday, May 9, 2025
Note: All current TC, Columbia, and Barnard students are exempted from most application requirements, and are required to submit just the TCSOL application, statement of purpose, and application fee.
Duration: One academic year
Location and Modality: (1) In-person in New York City, or (2) online via Zoom
Application Deadlines (2024):
Application guidelines: Application form, statement of purpose, English and/or Chinese language score reports*, academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, resume, application fee
Tuition: $12,500 for the academic year
Documentation: A certificate of completion issued by Teachers College Columbia University
*We accept scores from TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC for English and from HSK for Chinese. See the individual program pages for more details.
2024-2025 AY Schedule: July 15 - Aug 2, 2024 *
Duration: Three weeks
Location and Modality: In- person in Osaka, Japan
Application Deadlines (2024):
Application guidelines: Application form, statement of purpose, English and/or Chinese language score reports*, academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, resume, application fee
Tuition:
Documentation: A certificate of completion jointly issued by Teachers College Columbia University and by Osaka Gakuin University
*We accept scores from TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC for English and from HSK for Chinese. See the individual program pages for more details.
Students' testimonials for the TCSOL Certificate Program in New York:
The TCSOL program stands as an epitome of knowledge, experiential learning, and innovation, taking learners through the nuanced aspects of the Chinese language, its pedagogy, acquisition, assessment, and Chinese educational linguistics. The curriculum of this program is meticulously designed, covering a broad spectrum of theoretical knowledge and practical applications. The faculty deserves the highest praise for their expertise, passion, and commitment. They were not just educators; they were mentors who guided us at every step and fostered an environment of mutual respect and learning.
--- Davynn Xu
Though called a ‘certificate program’, the naming is too humble for the quality of the teaching and the dedication from every professor, instructor, staff, and even guest lecturer!
---Justin Zhao
I’m glad I decided to join the program because the knowledge I gained from the courses is extraordinary. The experience was invaluable which enlightened me to consider how teaching effectively cultivates the language skills of L2 learners and how practices promote teachers to validate and improve relevant theories in the future.
---Jiaxuan Yu
The top-notch updated instructions, introduction to traditional teaching, and modern methodologies made me a more professional language instructor and educator. I have more confidence in front of my Gen Z college students and language conferences. It also helped me to create more engaging & thorough curricula. I have a more profound understanding of connecting theories to practice. I have more knowledge of my role in language teaching and facilitating my students to achieve their real-world communicative goals.
---Pui Shan Fiona Hui
For additional insights into our alumni network within the TCSOL field, kindly visit our Alumni page.
Below Are Our Non-Certificate Programs
CIFLTE Online Foreign Language Learning (COF) offers state-of-the-art learning of foreign languages primarily online.
The CIFLTE Fellow Program provides state-of-the-art training in Chinese pedagogy and guidance on foreign/second language research.
CIFLTE periodically offers workshops on research methodology, language acquisition, and/or best instructional practices. Learn more about our Continuing Professional Development workshops as well as past workshops.