Internships

Vanderbilt University English Language Center (ELC) internships give Vanderbilt undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to engage with the ELC from behind the scenes. Interns have the opportunity to assist with program development and implementation, interact with the dynamic Vanderbilt international population, and be part of the daily operations of the ELC.

The ELC offers three types of paid internships. Vanderbilt undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply.

General Internship 

General Interns work in the ELC office suite during Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Internship Components:

  • Interacting with international students and instructors on various matters of student orientation and language programming
  • Assisting with program development and implementation
  • Utilizing varied educational materials and devices and data-managing programs related to the VUELC Teaching Resource library

Student Coach in the ELC's Individual Language Coaching Program

Student Coaches provide Individual Language Coaching with Vanderbilt students who use English as an additional language during Fall and Spring Semesters. Coaching is provided through an online platform.

Internship Components:

  • Meet with clients in client-led discussions about language use, U.S. academic expectations, and U.S. culture
  • Provide feedback on clients' written and spoken language use
  • Explain language use in the U.S. academic context and in every day life
  • Provide resources to clients for self-directed practice
  • Participate in training
  • Communicate with ELC staff who oversee the program

Student Coaches must have experience with English tutoring or teaching and must be able to explain and exemplify English grammar and use. 

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Internship

This internship is available as needs arise. Originally conceived as an opportunity to learn about pedagogy in English as an additional language settings, the internship has evolved to also or alternatively include development of materials for use in such settings.

Possible internship components:

  • Real-world exposure to various aspects of English language teaching
  • Participation in committees regarding English-language-program and curriculum design
  • Access to extensive English-language-teaching materials and resources
  • Opportunities to engage with international students at various levels of language proficiency
  • Mentorship (shadowing seasoned instructors, conference proposal submission, etc.)
  • Feedback on micro-teaching

For more information about ELC internships, contact Assistant Director Sandra Bancroft-Billings at sandra.bancroft-billings@vanderbilt.edu.