While TEFL projects in Peace Corps countries all prepare Volunteers to be effective English teachers, the Peace Corps TEFL Certificate Program specifically targets skills and strategies for Teaching English as a Foreign Language in a structured professional program. The program includes 120 hours of training and two years of supervised teaching experience.

CAL supports the Peace Corps by serving as the external validator of the Peace Corps Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate program. Our work includes review of certificate program standards, educator qualifications, and review of assessments. CAL also advises the Peace Corps on current pedagogy and research related to TEFL and foreign language education, and provides support for dissemination activities.

About the Peace Corps

As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Peace Corps volunteers work at the grassroots level with local governments, schools, communities, small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions that address challenges in education, health, economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development. When they return home, volunteers bring their knowledge and experiences – and a global outlook – back to the United States that enriches the lives of those around them. President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961 to foster a better understanding among Americans and people of other countries. Since then, more than 215,000 Americans of all ages have served in 139 countries worldwide.

Visit www.peacecorps.gov to learn more.