Resources

Developed as a series of workshops for post-doctoral scholars and researchers, this self-paced resource allows enrollees to access content and independently work on their speaking and writing. Enrollees may schedule Individual Language Coaching to discuss the content.

Eligible students may also enroll in an in-person version of this course which is offered every two years on odd Fall semesters (e.g., Fall 2025).

The objectives of this resource are to help postdocs with the following:

• adapt more quickly to the US academic environment
• communicate effectively in 1-on-1 interactions, groups, and during presentations
• comprehend rapid American speech in presentations and discussions
• read and write English efficiently and effectively
• develop strategies and use a range of tools to support independent, life-long language learning

Postdocs will be able to:

• articulate the expectations of advisors and postdocs in an academic setting
• recognize that these expectations might be different from the postdoc's home context
• apply strategies to better help them understand and be understood in 1-on-1 and group interactions
• apply strategies to help them conceptualize, write, and edit texts according to  academic expectations
• use a variety of language learning and editing tools to help them improve their language skills independently

Eligibility

Postdoctoral Fellows at Vanderbilt University who are affiliated with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs may enroll in this self-paced learning resource.

This self-paced resource is intended to help Vanderbilt University scholarship fellows adjust to communication styles and expectations within a U.S. academic environment.

It is designed to help fellows at an intermediate to advanced level of English.

 The resource contains four modules:

1. Scholarly Reading Strategies
2. Present Like an Established Scholar
3. Compose your Academic Writing
4. Additional Language Development Resources

Additionally, enrollees may sign up for Individual Language Coaching to support their self-paced learning.

Eligibility:

Recipients of Humphrey, Fulbright, or similar fellowship at Vanderbilt University may enroll in this self-paced learning resource.

The goals of English for Business Purposes (EBP) are to help students do the following:

• adapt more quickly to the U.S. academic environment
• communicate effectively in 1-on-1 interactions, groups, and during presentations
• comprehend rapid US speech in lectures and discussions
• read and write English efficiently and effectively
• develop strategies and use a range of tools to support independent, life-long language learning

Students will be able to:

• articulate the expectations of U.S. professors and students in an academic setting
• recognize that these expectations might be different from the student's home context
• apply strategies to better help them understand and be understood in 1-on-1 and group interactions
• apply strategies to help them read and interpret challenging written texts
• apply strategies to help them understand challenging spoken texts
• apply strategies to help them conceptualize, write, and edit texts according to  academic expectations
• use a variety of language learning and editing tools to help them improve their language skills independently

Enrollees have the option to meet with a language coach for individual feedback.

Eligibility:

Vanderbilt University undergraduate business minors are eligible to enroll in this self-paced learning resource.

Please note: The TEFL Introduction Program does NOT offer a TEFL certificate or other credentials.

The TEFL introductory program is designed to help Vanderbilt students develop cross-cultural understanding and awareness while simultaneously providing them with an introduction to effective methods of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). By participating in all aspects of the program, students will develop basic competencies that will allow them to work successfully with learners who use English as an additional language (EAL) in a culturally sensitive manner. The program was created for potential study-abroad students, study-abroad returnees who seek ways to apply their cultural experiences, and those interested in applying for related US contexts and overseas placements, such as the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program.

Program Details

The core of the program is three components:

• Using Cultural Competencies in Teaching
• TEFL Approaches, Methods, and Materials
• Guided Lesson Planning

Eligibility

Currently enrolled VU students who are in good academic standing and VU affiliated scholars interested in teaching EAL learners may enroll in this self-paced learning resource.

The program may be particularly beneficial for students who want to participate in:

• the JET Program
• the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program
• other teaching-abroad opportunities

Enrollees may meet with a language coach to discuss resource content.