Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The Tel Aviv MA TESOL Program

A two year MA program in English Language Teaching (conducted in English) at Tel Aviv University

This Tel Aviv MA program offers students the opportunity of becoming professional experts in English teaching worldwide.

Given that the English language is the global language in this day and age, learned and taught in most countries around the world, there is a growing demand for well-trained TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) experts who have professional knowledge in English language teaching, curriculum planning, designing on line programs for English learning, language testing and assessment, and more.

The TESOL Masters program at Tel-Aviv University geared specifically for English speaking students from countries other than Israel was established in 2003 with the specific aim of offering  an excellent program which combines a strong background in applied linguistics (e.g., second language acquisition, multilingualism, language testing and assessment and research methods), along with pedagogical knowledge and  extensive teaching experiences. Students who have graduated from the program hold key positions in teaching English, designing and running English teaching programs and conducting research on language teaching and policy issues around the world In addition to participating in a rich academic program, students gain hands-on experience in teaching English by being placed as English teaching assistants in major schools in the central area.

The faculty of the language education program at Tel Aviv University established in 1981 has international reputation in this field. The faculty members, Prof. Elana Shohamy,. Prof. Dorit Ravid, Dr. Ofra Inbar and Dr. Michal Tannenbaum, are known for their ample publications in this field which include major books and articles in the areas of language teaching, language assessment, language policy, and language development in multilingual societies. Their expertise in applied linguistics is evident by their research, large number of workshops, publications on the topic in major international journals and keynote speeches at conferences world-wide (e.g., IATEFL, 2009).

The studies of the Tel Aviv MA TESOL are conducted in English but students also learn Hebrew prior to and parallel to their studies in Ulpan classes.

Applicants from United States and Canada may qualify for graduate student loans in their respective countries. Tel Aviv University is a fully recognized university of international status, and as such is listed as an approved university both for the granting of loans and the deferment of payments on existing student loans.

TESOL in Tel Aviv Tel Aviv University – Israel’s largest, most vibrant and most comprehensive institution of higher education – offers a streamlined MA program in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). The Program integrates high-level academic studies with practical experience in Israeli schools. Drawing students from North and South America and Europe, the program is taught entirely in English and has been in operation since 2003.

Program Features

Academic experience

• All-English study curriculum
• Three semesters – beginning August 2010 and ending June 2011
• Hands-on teaching in Israeli schools
• Taught by world-reputed faculty including Prof. Elana Shohamy, Prof. Dorit Ravid, Dr. Ofra Inbar and Dr. Michal Tannenbaum
• Personal guidance and professional support
• Departmental track record since 1981

Israel experience

• Hebrew-language (Ulpan) studies
• Residence in lively Tel Aviv, Israel’s cultural and business center
• Social and cultural activities
• Tours of the country

To qualify, potential students must have a BA in any field from a recognized institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0, high English-language proficiency, and academic references

TESOL in Tel Aviv

Academic Program: 42 Total Hours (subject to change)

Semester I: August–September 2010

Main focus: preparation for teaching internship and learning basic Hebrew*

Academic Courses

1. Methods in language teaching (3 hrs)
2. Pedagogical grammar (2 hours)
3. Technology in language teaching (2 hours)
4. Second Language Acquisition (3 hrs)
5. The Israeli educational context and system (1 hour)

Total: 11 hrs

Semester II: October 2010–January 2011

Academic Courses

1. Practicum: critical issues (3 hrs)
2. Language policy (3 hrs)
3. Curriculum design in language teaching (3 hrs)
4. Linguistic models (2 hrs)
5. Research methods in language learning and teaching (3 hrs)
6. Research Forum (1 hour)

Total: 15 hrs

Semester III: March–June 2011

Academic Courses

1. The structure of English: contrastive analysis (3 hrs)
2. Assessment in language teaching (3 hrs)
3. Immigrant students and language learning (3 hrs)
4. Language in public space (3 hrs)
5. Learning disabilities (3 hrs)
6. Research Forum (1 hour)

Total: 16 hrs

The program comprises a non-thesis and a thesis track. Students in the non-thesis track are required to submit a final task.

*Hebrew-language (Ulpan) classes are provided by the School for Overseas Students and do not constitute part of the academic program

Words from our graduates

The MA program at TAU has been instrumental in the development of my career in TESOL. The courses and practicums the program offered provided me with valuable knowledge and skills that allowed me not only to teach in Israel and the U.S., but also to engage in research and curriculum development in an educational research organization. The TAU faculty is highly regarded within the field of TESOL, and our professors were very personable and motivated us to develop our research. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is seeking a career in applied linguistics or TESOL.

— Lauren Artzi, currently working at the Centre for Applied Linguistics Washington D.C. (graduated in 2005)

A key component of this program’s success is the dedication of the MA program coordinator and the Tel Aviv University faculty. The faculty at TAU were always available to discuss issues arising from research projects, class discussions, and teaching internships. They were passionate and knowledgeable about their areas of specialization and they always encouraged us to investigate our specific teaching or research interests. I always received thoughtful guidance from our lecturers, whether through connections with outside experts, names of researchers, or article references.

Classroom material was current, relevant, and debates were lively and thought provoking. Our professors tackled both the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject matter and provided real-life classroom examples wherever possible.

Professors were able to recognize the specific challenges that overseas students in a foreign country encounter. They also understood our dual roles as new intern teachers and graduate students of the (TESOL) applied linguistics field.

The amazing TAU faculty played a large part in making my MA degree at Tel Aviv University a memorable and meaningful time in my life.

— Elizabeth Carbone, taught ESL in Toronto (graduated in 2007)

Additional Information

Academic Program

Dr. Ofra Inbar
TESOL in Tel Aviv Program Coordinator
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tuition, Accommodation & Loans:

Alison Rubin
School for Overseas Students Office of Academic Affairs
Tel: (212) 742-9030
(800) 665-9828
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For additional information about this program please go to this page.