Whether you are visiting scholar from outside the U.S., a newly arriving professor or TA from abroad, or an experienced international faculty member, you bring valued international perspective to the University of Minnesota's academic environment. You may also have unique concerns about teaching and learning at this institution.

The Center for Teaching and Learning offers courses, individual consultations, and online resources specifically designed to support non-native English speaking instructors.

Language and Teaching Consultations

Individual consultations are available to instructors who wish to enhance their spoken language proficiency or discuss strategies for teaching students in the U.S. Consultees may opt for one-time, short-term or ongoing sessions.

• More about Consultations

Resources for Teaching Assistants

International TA Program

Through its core courses, the International TA Program provides graduate students with an opportunity to sharpen their use of discipline-specific English, master a variety of teaching and presentation strategies, and engage in meaningful analysis of the culture of teaching and learning at the University of Minnesota.

• More about the International TA Program
• Other English as a Second Language Programs and Classes

Common Questions for International TAs

These listening materials are designed to help you become better acquainted with a variety of typical student questions, common idioms used within them, and fast, reduced speech, a manner of speaking often used by American students.

• More about Common Questions

SPEAK Test

Non-native speakers of English who want to be eligible for a Teaching Assistantship need to take the SPEAK Test.

• More about the SPEAK Test

Partners in English Volunteer Program

The Partners in English program is a resource for language & teaching practice and for cultural exchange. Volunteers are paired with international graduate students for conversation and/or practice teaching sessions in English.

Sessions are structured as one-to-one meetings between volunteer and international partner or as small group meetings – depending on the preference of volunteer and students. Meeting sites include offices in the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University Office Plaza or locations agreed upon by volunteer and partner.

If you would like to get involved as either an international student seeking a volunteer partner, or a volunteer seeking to help international graduate students to practice speaking/teaching in English, please sign up for Partners in English.

Register Now for Fine Tune Your Accent - Spring 2010

The fall series has filled, but Spring registration is open.

In this workshop series, international faculty, scholars, and graduate students will uncover the nuances of English pronunciation that matter most for conveying meaning effectively in U.S. academic settings: fluency, emphasis, and tone of voice. Participants will learn and practice research-based speaking strategies to enhance classroom teaching and conference presentations. Registration is limited.

Fine Tune Your Accent Descriptions and Registration