INDEX

WELCOME LETTER FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, Dr. Thomas Clayton

I.

II.

III.

IV.

V.

PREPARING FOR YOUR JOURNEY ________________________________ 2

Program dates
Visa information
Making your flight arrangements
Submitting your flight information
University contact information when traveling
Health insurance information
What to pack
Who to contact with questions

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE _____________________________ 7

Transportation from the airport to campus

Contacting your family
Family visits
Vacation dates
Testing and orientation
TB test
Housing information
Your meal plan
Transportation
Required check-in workshop
Required orientation program

ACADEMIC PROGRAM _________________________________________ 12

Program goals
English language courses
TESL curriculum

FINISHING THE PROGRAM ______________________________________ 17

Program requirements
Certificates of completion

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS _________________________________ 18

Center for English as a Second Language

1673 Patterson Office Tower
Lexington, KY 40506-0007
859 257-7003
Fax: 859 323-1072
http://esl.as.uky.edu

Dear Go Teacher Scholar:

Congratulations! We are pleased to invite you to the University of Kentucky for the Go Teacher Program.
You are in the non-degree seeking English Language Program and will have methodology courses in
Teaching English as a Second Language. On behalf of the University of Kentucky, welcome to our
community.
Your necessary immigration documents will be provided to SENESCYT. Be sure to schedule your visa
appointment with the U.S. consulate or embassy soon to receive your visa and make travel arrangements.
The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, Kentucky. You should fly directly to the Lexington
Bluegrass Airport (Airport code LEX). This airport is conveniently located just a few miles away from
the University of Kentucky campus. There are convenient flight options coming from the Atlanta
Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, or the Chicago OHare Airport. If
you are able to arrange your international flight to bring you through Atlanta, Charlotte, or Chicago, you can
then connect directly to Lexington.
Please arrive to Lexington on January 5 or January 6; your program classes begin on Wednesday,
January 14. The last day of the program is Friday, August 7. Please schedule your return flight for
Saturday or Sunday, August 8 or 9.
We will be providing further information on travel and housing to you by e-mail. Please monitor your email (the address you provided to SENESCYT) for further information.
We will be providing information about the Center for English as a Second Language at the University of
Kentucky, and about Lexington, Kentucky, to help you plan for your journey to Lexington!
We look forward to having you on campus as a UK student. If you need further assistance, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,

Thomas Clayton
Executive Director, Center for ESL
1673 Patterson Office Tower
Lexington, KY 40506-0027
e-mail esl@uky.edu

I. PREPARING FOR YOUR

JOURNEY
PROGRAM DATES
Arrival Dates:

January 5 and 6, 2015

Required Go Teacher orientation:

January 7 - 13, 2015

Academic courses begin:

January 14, 2015

Academic program ends:

August 7, 2015

Departure dates:

August 8 and 9, 2015

Vacation dates:

January 19 Martin Luther King Day

March 16 20 Spring Break
July 4 Independence Day

VISA INFORMATION

SENESCYT will notify you when they have received your DS-2019. You will need this document
to apply for a J-1 visa from the closest U.S. embassy or consulate in Ecuador. You will need to
pay the SEVIS fee online at http://www.fmjfee.com. A receipt of your payment should be
provided to the consular officer.
It is advisable to view the US Embassy website http://www.usembassy.gov to prepare for your
visa interview and pay the visa application fee. When you travel to the United States, be sure
to keep all of your documents with you and do not put any of them into the checked baggage.
After you arrive, a border officer will inspect your documents. Make sure that your I-94 card
reads J-1 D/S.

10 POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN APPLYING FOR A NONIMMIGRANT VISA

1.
TiestoYourHomeCountry
UnderU.S.law,allapplicantsfornonimmigrantvisas,suchas
studentvisas,areviewedasintendingimmigrantsuntiltheycan
convincetheconsularofficerthattheyarenot.Youmusttherefore
beabletoshowthatyouhavereasonsforreturningtoyourhome
countrythatarestrongerthanthoseforremainingintheUnited
States."Ties"toyourhomecountryarethethingsthatbindyouto
yourhometown,homeland,orcurrentplaceofresidence:job,
family,financialprospectsthatyouownorwillinherit,investments,
etc.Ifyouareaprospectiveundergraduate,theinterviewingofficer
mayaskaboutyourspecificintentionsorpromiseoffuture
employment,familyorotherrelationships,educationalobjectives,
grades,long-rangeplansandcareerprospectsinyourhome
country.

5. BeBrief
Becauseofthevolumeofapplicationsreceived,allconsularofficers
areunderconsiderabletimepressuretoconductaquick and
efficientinterview.Theymustmakeadecision,forthemostpart,on
theimpressionstheyformduringthefirstminuteoftheinterview.
Consequently,whatyousayfirstandtheinitialimpressionyou
createarecriticaltoyoursuccess.Keepyouranswerstotheofficer's
questionsshortandtothepoint.
6.
AdditionalDocumentation
Itshouldbeimmediatelycleartotheconsularofficerwhatwritten
documentsyouarepresentingandwhattheysignify.Lengthy
writtenexplanationscannotbequicklyreadorevaluated.
Rememberthatyouwillhave2-3minutesofinterviewtime,ifyou
arelucky.
7. NotAllCountriesareEqual
Applicantsfromcountriessufferingeconomicproblemsorfrom
countrieswheremanystudentshaveremainedintheUnitedStates
asimmigrantswillhave moredifficultygettingvisas.Statistically,
applicantsfromthosecountriesaremorelikelytobeintending
immigrants.Theyarealsomorelikelytobeaskedaboutjob
opportunitiesathomeaftertheirstudyintheUnitedStates.
8. EmploymentandFamily
GoTeacherscholarsarenotpermittedtoworkwhileintheU.S.
YourmainpurposeincomingtotheUnitedStatesshouldbeto
study,notforthechancetoworkbeforeoraftergraduation.You
mustbeabletoclearlyarticulateyourplantoreturnhomeatthe
endofyourprogram.
FamilymembersarenotallowedtoaccompanyGoTeacher
scholarsthroughtheprogram.
9. DependentsRemainingatHome
Ifyourspouseandchildrenareremainingbehindinyourcountry,be
preparedtoaddresshowtheywillsupportthemselvesinyour
absence.Thiscanbeanespeciallytrickyareaifyouaretheprimary
sourceofincomeforyourfamily.Iftheconsularofficergainsthe
impressionthatyourfamilywillneedyoutoremitmoneyfromthe
UnitedStatesinordertosupportthemselves,yourstudentvisa
applicationwillalmostcertainlybedenied.Ifyourfamilydoesdecide
tojoinyouatalatertime,itishelpfultohavethemapplyatthesame
postwhereyouappliedforyourvisa.

Eachperson'ssituationisdifferent,ofcourse,andthereisnomagic
explanationorsingledocument,certificate,orletterwhichcan
guaranteevisaissuance.IfyouhaveappliedfortheU.S.GreenCard
Lottery,youmaybeaskedifyouareintendingtoimmigrate.A
simpleanswerwouldbethatyouappliedforthelotterysinceitwas
availablebutnotwithaspecificintenttoimmigrate.Ifyou
overstayedyourauthorizedstayintheUnitedStatespreviously,be
preparedtoexplainwhathappenedclearlyandconcisely,with
documentation,ifavailable.
2. English
AnticipatethattheinterviewwillbeconductedinEnglishandnotin
yournativelanguage.OnesuggestionistopracticeEnglish
conversationwithanativespeakerbeforetheinterview,butdo
NOTpreparespeeches!IfyouarecomingtotheUnitedStatessolely
tostudyintensiveEnglish,bepreparedtoexplainhow Englishwillbe
usefulforyouinyourhomecountry.
3. SpeakforYourself
Donotbringparentsorfamilymemberswithyoutotheinterview.
Theconsularofficerwantstointerviewyou,notyourfamily.A
negativeimpressioniscreatedifyouarenotpreparedtospeakon
yourownbehalf.Ifyouareaminorapplyingforahighschool
programandneedyourparentsthereiscasetherearequestions,
forexampleaboutfunding,theyshouldwaitinthewaitingroom.
4. KnowtheProgramandHowItFitsYourCareerPlans
Ifyouarenotabletoarticulatethereasonsyouwillstudyina
particularprogramintheUnitedStates,youmaynotsucceedin
convincingtheconsularofficerthatyouareindeedplanningto
study,ratherthantoimmigrate.Youshouldalsobeabletoexplain
howstudyingintheUnitedStatesrelatestoyourfutureprofessional
careerwhenyoureturnhome.

10. MaintainaPositive Attitude

Donotengagetheconsularofficerinanargument.Ifyouaredenied
astudentvisa,asktheofficerforalistofdocumentsheorshewould
suggestyoubringinordertoovercometherefusal,andtrytoget
thereasonyouweredeniedinwriting.

practiceadvisoryprovidedbynafsa:associationofinternationaleducators

MAKING YOUR FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS

After you have been approved for your visa you can make travel arrangements to the United
States. The most common question received about traveling with a J-1 Visa is about arrival
and departure. You have a grace period of 30 days after the program end date to depart the
United States. UKs program ends on August 7, so if your visa expires on August 5, it is still OK
and you are expected to finish the program and depart on August 8 or 9.
1.

2.

3.
4.
5.

Make your arrangements to fly directly into Lexington, KY (LEX). Plan to arrive in
Lexington, KY on January 5 or 6th. Your orientation program will begin on January 7, 2015.
After you make your travel arrangements and have your flight itinerary, complete the
travel and housing form at the web address provided in your letter of welcome. The
university will receive your information, make plans for your arrival, and begin to select
your roommates.
If your information shows you will arrive before January 5, you will be provided with hotel
information so you can make hotel arrangements until your campus apartment is available.
This is a personal expense to you. Your scholarship covers housing beginning on January 5.
If you have been approved for late arrival, you will be provided with a letter of invitation
for late arrival. This letter should be kept with your visa, passport and Form DS 2019.
Before you travel, you will receive information from University of Kentucky about who to
contact if you experience any travel delays. If your flight is delayed, please call or have an
airline representative call to inform us of your delay and new arrival time. We must notify
many people at the university so they do not worry about you.

LATE ARRIVAL

We understand that there may be delays in finalizing your travel arrangements to the United
States and therefore you may be unable to arrive before January 7, 2015. The program classes
begin on January 14. You are invited to join the academic program at the University of
Kentucky no later than January 21 if necessary to accommodate your travel needs. You should
plan to arrive in Lexington, Kentucky at the Lexington Bluegrass Airport (airport code LEX) no
later than January 6, 2015 and be ready for program testing shortly after arrival, if at all
possible.
We look forward to your visit to the United States of America for this exciting educational
opportunity. We are confident that your visit will be beneficial to you academically and
professionally and strengthen the relationship between our institutions.

SUBMITTING YOUR FLIGHT INFORMATION

After you make your travel arrangements and have your flight itinerary, complete the travel
and housing form, which will be sent to your email. The university will receive your
information and will make plans for your arrival and will begin to select your roommates.
If your information shows you will arrive before January 5 or 6, you will be provided with hotel
information so you can make hotel arrangements until your campus apartment is available.
This is a personal expense to you. Your scholarship covers housing beginning on January 5.
4

UNIVERSITY CONTACT INFORMATION WHEN TRAVELING

During your trip, you will be able to call a representative of the University of Kentucky at any
time. The contact number is (859) 221-0856 . Please use this number if your plans
change. Since transportation from Bluegrass Airport to the university will be provided for you,
we need to know when you will arrive in Lexington. Also, if you experience any problems
during your travel, we may be able to assist you and answer your questions.

HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION

The health insurance coverage made available to you in the United States covers new
illnesses, pre-existing conditions, and accidents only. The insurance does not cover:

routine dental care including exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns etc. Have your dental
work done before coming to the US
routine vision care such as eye exams or replacement of glasses etc. Bring an extra set
of prescription glasses with you!
over the counter medication (medicine you would purchase without a prescription
from a doctor).
Prescription medication is covered, but there is up to a $10 copay on all prescriptions.

When you arrive to the University of Kentucky, you will receive your health insurance card
during your orientation program. The health insurance agent and representatives of UK
Student Health Care Center will have a meeting with you to explain your health care options
during the program. Expenses for over-the-counter medications and non-approved expenses
are not covered by the scholarship and are to be paid directly by you.

WHAT TO PACK

We suggest that you bring the following:

A textbook that you regularly use when teaching or studying English. In the summer,
teachers plan to work with you to design some fun supplementary communicative
activities to go with the lessons.
Good walking shoes. There are many inexpensive places in Lexington that sell shoes if you
choose to buy them here, but you will walk a lot the first few days. There are many
beautiful places to walk, and you will walk during many trips and activities. You may also
choose to walk from your apartment to class (about 1.4 miles) if you do not want to take
the bus.
Cool and warm clothing. Although Lexington enjoys a fairly moderate and seasonal
climate, you may find summer warmer and winter colder than you are used to. Your
apartments and classrooms are cooled and heated. There is occasionally snow and you will
need a coat, but it does not typically last long during the winter.
A supply of medication if you take it. Most medication in the US must be prescribed by a
doctor, and it is very expensive.
5

A flash drive and/or MP3 player if you would like to download and save samples of online
materials and music. You can also buy these here.
A camera to record all of your wonderful adventures, if you choose. However, you may
purchase a camera here in Lexington fairly inexpensively.
If possible, a few photos of family, friends, and Ecuador to show your friends, colleagues
and teachers. We would like you to share your life in Ecuador with us!
Enthusiasm and an open mind. This is the most important thing. We will work hard to
provide you with a good program, but we want you to also be open to new adventures!

MONEY

During orientation, we will help you open a bank account and deposit your first check. You will
receive food stipend checks each month, which you can deposit into your bank account and
use for meals. You should bring a small amount of cash with you to cover any immediate
expenses.

WEATHER AND CLOTHING

Summer in Lexington is warm. You will need light, comfortable clothes. Winter in Lexington
generally means there is light rain and it is somewhat chilly. You will need an umbrella or
raincoat and some warm clothing, but if you would rather not bring a lot of heavy clothing or
rain gear, you can buy inexpensive clothing and rain gear in Lexington.
Dress in Kentucky is quite informal. Kentuckians typically choose comfort over fashion. It is
common to see university students in jeans and T-shirts when they go to classes and even
professors dress informally. At formal concerts some people dress very nicely, but most
people wear casual dress pants or skirts.
While in Lexington you will do a lot of walking. Therefore, it is very important that you pack
comfortable shoes. The UK campus is large, and you will be walking across campus and
possibly to your apartments. While in Kentucky, you may want to go for a walk or hike. You
will enjoy these activities much more if you are able to walk comfortably.

WHO TO CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS

The emergency contact number, (859) 221-0856 can be called at any time. Please use this
number if you have a serious problem or if your travel plans change. For questions about
preparing for your journey or basic Go Teacher program issues, you may call the CESL staff
offices at (859) 257-7003 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. EST.

II. What to Expect When you Arrive

TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT TO CAMPUS

Upon arrival in Lexington, you will be met immediately by a member of our staff at the
airport. Transportation from Bluegrass Airport to your apartment near campus will be
provided. If you are not met, for any reason, please use the complimentary airport phone to
call the contact number, (859) 221-0856.

CONTACTING YOUR FAMILY

Shortly after you arrive in Lexington, we will provide a free phone call for you to call your
home country. In addition, your apartment will have immediate internet access for you to use
to contact home.

FAMILY VISITS

Family members are allowed to visit you during your stay. They need to travel on a visitors
visa. You must abide by the rules of the living community. This means your family members
may not stay with you overnight. There are plenty of hotels in Lexington for your family to
stay during their visit.
If you wish to invite your family for a visit, UK will provide you with a sample letter of
invitation to send to your family member(s). This letter, along with a copy of YOUR DS 2019
and a verification of enrollment from UKs International Center, is sent to your invited family
member(s) and they take it to the embassy to request a visitors visa.

VACATION DATES

During your academic program you will have a few vacation days. We receive many questions
about traveling, especially during extended breaks such as fall break.

Traveling within the

United States

Traveling outside the

United States

Allowed?

Meal allowance
provided?

Do I need
paperwork signed
by International
Services?

Yes

Yes, if the dining

center is closed, your
meal allowance will
be provided on a
debit card

No

Allowed?

Meal allowance
provided?

Do I need
paperwork signed
by International
Services?

Yes

Only for days you are

in the USA.

Yes, begin to work

with ISSS 3-4
weeks before your
travel dates

Do I need proof
of enrollment
from the
Registrars
Office?
No

Other information

Do I need proof
of enrollment
from the
Registrars
Office?
Yes, you will
need to request
your verification
of enrollment
with the
registrars
office.

Other information

1-Keep your important

paperwork with you at all
times.
2- Your travel plans should
be submitted to the Go
Teacher office in the
Division of Continuing
Education.
3-You may not miss any
classes before or after break
to extend your travel.

1-Keep your important

paperwork with you at all
times.
2- Your travel plans should
be submitted to the Go
Teacher office in the
Division of Continuing
Education.
3-You may not miss any
classes before or after break
to extend your travel

TESTING AND ORIENTATION

The CESL offers six levels of instruction, beginning with Level 1. Students are placed in the
levels appropriate to their needs and skills, determined by performance on the Michigan
Placement Test which you will take shortly after your arrival. Students typically advance one
level per 8-week session. In two, 8-week sessions in the CESL, Ecuadorian participants will
receive approximately 308 hours of intensive English instruction.

LEVEL ONE

Classes meet daily for one hour of listening/speaking,

one hour of reading, one hour of writing, and one
hour of grammar. Students become familiar with the
interactive language classroom. They produce nonacademic English on familiar topics and teachers give
regular feedback and evaluation. Instructors and staff
help students adjust to their new cultural setting and
offer assistance in and out of class. Computer assisted
instruction (CAI) is introduced.

LEVEL TWO

LEVEL THREE

LEVEL FOUR

LEVEL FIVE

LEVEL SIX

TOEFL

Classes meet daily for one hour of listening/speaking,

one hour of reading, one hour of writing, and one
hour of grammar. Students work toward gaining
control of such basic patterns as understanding and
responding to questions and statements;
understanding the main idea of conversations;
reading intermediate materials on cultural topics;
writing narrative and descriptive paragraphs about
familiar topics. Students use the prewriting, drafting,
and editing stages of the writing process.
Classes meet daily for one hour of listening/speaking
and one hour of reading, one hour of writing, and one
hour of grammar and TOEFL preparation. Level Three
is the bridge between basic English instruction in
Level One and Two and academic preparation in
Levels Four and Five. It emphasizes production,
fluency, and accuracy. Common activities are listening
and reacting to authentic speech, working in groups
on presentations and analysis of materials, reading
newspapers and a collection of stories or a novel to
gain cultural literacy.
Classes meet daily for one hour of listening/speaking,
one hour of reading, one hour of writing, and one
hour of grammar and TOEFL preparation. Level Four is
the first of the two academic-preparation levels.
Students read, summarize, analyze, debate, and
synthesize interdisciplinary texts and lectures. They
write major essays, using word processing equipment,
on analysis, reaction, synthesis, and comparison; they
ask questions about and take notes from lectures; and
they learn to conduct formal presentations. Students
learn how to document sources and learn the
academic definition of plagiarism and cheating.
Classes meet daily for one hour of listening/speaking,
one hour of reading, one hour of writing, and one
hour of grammar and TOEFL preparation. Level Five is
the second half of the CESLs two academicpreparation levels. Language and culture appropriate
to United States educational institutions are
developed. Students continue to work in the
computer lab, when appropriate with their writing
instructor.
Level 6 is currently the highest level in the Intensive
Program. This level differs from the other levels
because of a greater emphasis on integrating all skills.
This level is designed to be repeated by students who
are advanced but require further language study for
their intended majors. Topics may change every
semester.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is
given to all students in the Intensive English Program
at the end of each session.

TB TEST

The University of Kentucky is in the process of developing TB test policies. Details will be
available upon arrival.

HOUSING INFORMATION

Participants will live in the Red Mile Village apartments, or other similar apartments, within
close proximity to the UK campus. Four single bedrooms with individual baths are clustered in
a suite surrounding a common kitchen and living area. Apartments are fully furnished,
including television, and utilities are included. Units have washers / dryers. The apartment
complex has a recreational facility and on-site security. Linens, shower curtains, kitchen
utensils will be provided by the project. The project will lease the apartments and place the
Ecuadorian participants in suites by gender. Participants may be housed in university
dormitories in June and July and then transition to apartment complexes in August.

Photos courtesy of Red Mile Village Apartments

YOUR MEAL PLAN

Your meal package provides 5 meals per week at the student dining center.
You will set up a bank account during your orientation and funds for all other meals and any
additional meals needed when the dining center is closed (spring break for example) will be
deposited into this bank account. You will have a debit card from your bank to purchase
groceries for meals not provided by the dining center.

PAYMENT PROCEDURES

Upon arrival, you will be issued a Plus Card (similar to a debit card) with a pre-loaded
balance to cover meal expenses in May. You can use this card to pay for meals at selected
restaurants and in university dining facilities.
You will be issued monthly checks for January, February, March, April, May, June, July, and
August (through the end of your visits). We will help you open bank accounts where you can
deposit your checks and withdraw money as you need it.

10

MEAL OPTIONS

You will have three meal options:

1. Eat in University dining facilities
2. Eat at restaurants near campus
3. Purchase food at grocery stores and prepare meals in your apartments.

TRANSPORTATION

You will have a bus pass to use for the public transportation system in Lexington. You will
receive a public transportation brochure that has maps and hours in your packet. If you wish
to read about the transportation service before traveling, information is available on the Go
Teacher web site.

REQUIRED CHECK-IN WORKSHOP

All J-1 exchange visitors are required to attend a Check-in Workshop. During this workshop, your visa
documents will be collected by an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) who will report your arrival to
the Department of Homeland Security. Failure to attend a check-in workshop will result in the
cancellation of your visa status, and you will not be able to register for classes. Bring the following
documents to your Check-in Workshop:
Passport
Visa
DS-2019

REQUIRED ORIENTATION PROGRAM

A unique orientation program is prepared for Go Teacher scholars. Shortly after, your days
will be full of sessions to support your success as a student at UK. Placement testing, along
with many other sessions, will begin shortly after your arrival in January. You will receive more
information about testing when you arrive.
On these program orientation days you will learn to set up your University of Kentucky email,
get a UK Student Identification Card, learn about cell phones in the United States, go to the
bank, etc. You will also learn to use the local transportation and do some initial home and
grocery shopping. You will receive a schedule and more detailed information upon your
arrival.

11

III. Academic Program

PROGRAM GOALS

The curriculum is designed to provide Ecuadorian teachers with opportunities to develop their
own language skills in the intensive English program; and they learn the most up-to-date
language teaching pedagogy, observe and practice teaching skills, learn more about American
culture, share Ecuadorian culture, network with other teaching professionals, and gain
confidence and experience to share with colleagues back in Ecuador.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES

The CESL offers skills-based language classes, in Grammar, Reading, Writing, and Oral
Communication (Listening / Speaking). Students receive 20 hours of instruction weekly in five,
8-week terms during the academic year and summer (two each in the Fall and Spring
semesters; one in the summer), and in one 4-week summer term.
The Ecuadorian participants will be placed in CESL during the 2015 Spring and Summer
sessions (01/14/15 through 08/07/15). The Ecuadorians will be integrated with participants
from around the world, in classes of 12 to 18 students. The integrated experience will benefit
Ecuadorian participants by encouraging the use of English and facilitating friendships formed
through the use of English. The CESL currently enrolls students from Brazil, Iraq, Korea,
Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and other countries.

TESL CURRICULUM

In the 2015 Spring and Summer sessions beginning in January, students will participate in an
exclusive Go Teacher TESL program designed by the Center for Intercultural and Multilingual
Advocacy (CIMA) in the College of Education at Kansas State University. This TESL
professional development focuses not only on intensive English development through
listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking, but also on those methodological,
theoretical, and pedagogical elements of effective teaching. Special emphasis is placed on
culture and language contexts, second language acquisition, cross-cultural communications,
and applications to practice; a heavy emphasis is also placed on reading comprehension and
writing within the context of effective pedagogy for English language learners. This
programming is grounded in strong research and theory that together provide a foundation
for practices that accelerate the acquisition of English. The Go Teacher program includes the
following three core blocks of TESL professional development:

12

Culture & Language in Classroom Practice: In this first block of professional development, you
will examine the many ways in which school educators may build capacities for cultural and
linguistic diversity in the classroom. Special emphasis is placed upon readiness for mutually
accommodative professional practices with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students
and families in the following areas: foundations of culture and language; critical reflection on
practice; maximizing the assets that CLD students and families bring to learning; school and
classroom ecology; curriculum conscientiousness; differentiation of instruction for cultural
and linguistic diversity; and applications of a framework for advocacy.
ESL/EFL Methods: This block of professional development will provide you with a theoretical
understanding of contemporary instructional approaches, methods, strategies, and
techniques that have proved effective for culturally and linguistically diverse learners who are
acquiring English as a second language. Through hands-on application and exploration, you
will practice and assess the effectiveness of multiple instructional approaches for meeting the
site-specific needs of student populations. An emphasis is placed on teaching and learning
strategies that are designed to promote listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the
classroom.
Applied Linguistics/SLA: In this block of professional development, you will explore the
theoretical underpinnings of language acquisition and linguistics that support educators in
planning appropriately-adapted curriculum and instruction for English language learners.
Through a critical analysis of the stages of second language acquisition and the transfer of the
native language to the second language, you also will learn to recognize the linguistic needs of
students as they engage in academic tasks. This professional development encompasses
problematic aspects of English language learning, the ways in which languages may differ, and
certain universal aspects of languages.
In the Go Teacher program, the individual learning profile of each participant is taken into
consideration. Supplemental pedagogical programming is provided for those with advanced
levels of English proficiency. We at CIMA look forward to meeting you! Our collaboration will
continue to advance English education throughout Ecuador and inform the perspectives and
practices of the entire K-State community.

13

Alignment of Core TESL Program Curriculum to CREDE and TESOL Standards

All TESL professional development is aligned with the Standards for Effective Pedagogy and
Learning as well as the domains and standards set forth by TESOL.
CREDE Standards for Effective Practice
The Center for Research on Education, Diversity & Excellence (CREDE) has been instrumental
in guiding practitioners to implement effective pedagogical practices with CLD students.
CREDE developed a set of five standards for high-quality teaching, referred to as the Standards
for Effective Pedagogy and Learning (Tharp, Estrada, Dalton, & Yamauchi, 2000; CREDE, 2002).
Briefly, the standards are as follows:
1. Joint Productive Activity Teacher and students producing together
2. Language Development Developing language and literacy across the curriculum
3. Contextualization Making meaning: Connecting school to students lives
4. Challenging Activities Teaching complex thinking
5. Instructional Conversation Teaching through conversation
The National Education Association has endorsed these standards for all students.
Fundamentally, the standards emphasize (a) academic language development; (b)
contextualization of academic concepts within the experience and knowledge that students
bring from home, community, and school; and (c) student engagement.
TESOL Domains and Standards for English Language Acquisition
The TESOL Standards for P-12 Teacher Education Programs address the need for consistency
throughout the United States in how teachers are prepared to teach English as a second
language (ESL) to children in P-12 schools. When the ESL Standards for Pre-K-12 Students
(TESOL, 1997) are used as a guideline to create a scaffold of language objectives, the task
becomes manageable in providing academic and linguistic instruction to students. With the
language component added to lessons as objectivesthe teacher becomes an intentional
language teacher who is also helping students demonstrate multiple standards." (TESOL,
2003)
Domain 1 Language
Candidates know, understand, and use the major concepts, theories, and research related to
the nature and acquisition of language to construct learning environments that support ESOL
(English Speakers of Other Languages) students language and literacy development and
content-area achievement.

Standard 1.a. Candidates demonstrate understanding of language as a system and

demonstrate a high level of competence in helping ESOL students acquire and use
English in listening, speaking, reading and writing for social and academic purposes.

Standard 1.b. Language acquisition and development- Candidates understand and

apply concepts, theories, research, and practice, to facilitate the acquisition of a
primary and a new language in and out of classroom settings.
14

Domain 2 Culture
Candidates know, understand and use the major concepts, principles, theories, and research
related to the nature and role of culture and cultural groups to construct learning
environments that support ESOL students cultural identities, language and literacy
development, and content-area achievement.

Standard 2.a. Nature and role of culture. Students know, understand and use the major
concepts, principles, theories, and research related to the nature and role of culture in
language development and academic achievement that support individual students
learning.

Standard 2.b. Cultural Groups and Identity. Candidates know, understand, and use
knowledge of how cultural groups and students cultural identities affect language
learning and school achievement.

Domain 3 Planning and Managing Instruction

Candidates know, understand, and use standards based practices and strategies related to
planning, implementing, and managing ESL and content instruction, including classroom
organization, teaching strategies for developing and integrating language skills, and choosing
and adapting classroom resources.

Standard 3.a. Planning for Standards-Based ESL and Content Instruction. Candidates
know, understand, and apply concepts, research, and best practices to plan classroom
instruction in a supportive learning environment for ESOL students. Candidates serve
as effective English language models, as they plan for multilevel classrooms with
learners from diverse backgrounds using standards based ESL and content curriculum.

3.b. Managing and Implementing Standards Based ESL and Content Instruction
Candidates know, manage, and implement a variety of standards-based teaching
strategies and techniques, for developing and Integrating English listening, speaking,
reading and writing, and for accessing the core curriculum. Candidates support ESOL
Students in accessing the core curriculum as they learn language and academic content
together.

3.c. Using resources effectively in ESL and content instruction: Candidates are familiar
with a wide range of standards-based materials, resources, technologies, and choose,
adapt, and use them in effective ESL and content teaching.

Domain 4 Assessment
Candidates understand issues of assessment and use standards-based assessment measures
with ESOL students.

Standard 4.a Issues of Assessment for ESL. Candidates understand various issues of
assessment (e.g., cultural and linguistic bias; political, social, and psychological factors)
in assessment, IQ, and special education testing (included gifted and talented); the
importance of standards; and the difference between language proficiency and other
15

types of assessment (e.g., standardized assessment tests of overall mastery), as they

affect ESOL student learning.

Standard 4.b. Language Proficiency Assessment. Candidates know and use a variety of
standards-based language proficiency instruments to inform their instruction and
understand their uses for identification, placement, and demonstration of language
growth of ESOL students.

Standard 4.c. Classroom Based Assessment for ESL. Candidates know and use a variety
of performance-based assessment tools and techniques to inform instruction.

Domain 5 Professionalism
Candidates demonstrate knowledge of the history of ESL teaching. Candidates keep current
with new instructional techniques, research results, advances in the ESL field, and public policy
issues. Candidates use such issues to reflect upon and improve their instructional practices.
Candidates provide support and advocate for ESOL students and their families and work
collaboratively to improve the learning environment.

Standard 5.a. ESL Research and History. Candidates demonstrate knowledge of history,
research, and current practice in the field of ESL teaching and apply knowledge to
improve teaching and learning.

5.b. Partnerships and advocacy. Candidates serve as professional resources, advocates

for ESOL students, and build partnerships with students families.

Standard 5.c. Professional Development and Collaboration: Candidates collaborate

with and are prepared to serve as a resource to all staff, including paraprofessionals, to
improve learning for all ESOL students.

16

IV. Finishing the Go Teacher Program

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

To successfully complete the Go Teacher program, you must achieve a grade of 70 percent or
higher in your academic courses (English and TESOL ).

CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION

The following certificates, approved by the Ministry of Education in Ecuador, will be received with
successful completion of the academic program at K-State:

Certificate of program completion from the English Language Program

Certificate of TESL program completion from the College of Education.

17

V. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: May I work during the Go Teacher program?
A: The "Go Teacher" program is considered a full time program in order to improve your

knowledge of the English language as well as your teaching techniques and methodologies.
Students are NOT to work and should dedicate themselves fully to the academic program.

Q: Can my family stay with me for the seven-month program?

A: Your family members may visit you on a visitors visa, but arrangements and the
scholarship DO NOT support your family living with you for the program.
Q: May I have a drivers license in the United States?
A: Rules for this may vary from state to state. Please talk with your point of contact for
logistics within your institution.

18