Studying TESOL in the capital of the United States is unlike studying TESOL anywhere else. The large number of international workers, students, visitors, and immigrants in Washington, DC, and the surrounding areas contributes to a multilingual, multicultural, and multinational vibe in every English-learning classroom in the area.

Our network of community partners ensures that AU TESOL students can experience a wide variety of ESOL classrooms and contexts, from free adult education programs serving immigrant and refugee populations to university programs that prepare learners for the workplace and beyond.

Community Partners

AU TESOL students are connected with unique educational programs and nonprofit organizations where they conduct observations, tutoring, and practicum teaching. Here are a few examples:

1. Washington English Center: In-person and virtual adult ESOL classes are offered from beginning to high intermediate levels. All classes are co-taught by trained volunteers who collaborate to meet the needs of the highly diverse learner population. AU TESOL alumni have served as teachers, trainers, and curriculum developers for the program.
2. Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School: As the first public charter school for adults in the United States, Carlos Rosario provides ESOL, citizenship, GED, and digital technology classes in addition to workforce certification programs in a variety of fields. Their educational programs are accompanied by counseling and other support services that assist the primarily Spanish-speaking and Amharic-speaking learner population.
3. The Family Place DC: Their mission, “to empower low-income families and to foster the optimal development of their young children through educational and support services,” is carried out through their non-profit services, their adult ESOL classes, and their Spanish literacy program.
4. AU English Language Training Academy (ELTA): Several levels of academic ESOL are offered right here on AU’s campus. ELTA students study academic reading, writing, and speaking as well as US culture, communication, and intercultural understanding. The goal of many ELTA students is to develop their English proficiency in order to enroll in undergraduate or graduate programs in the United States.
5. American Culture and Language Institute (ACLI), Northern Virginia Community College: Alumni and MA students have worked in various capacities at the ACLI in support of English language learners, including as program director and instructors.