The SLAT-CESL Visiting Scholars Program, run jointly by SLAT and CESL, is designed for scholars who do not hold a Ph.D. and wish to perfect their teaching and research skills.
Program Highlights
In this program, you will have the same access to facilities and resources as regular visiting scholars, but you also will take English tutoring and a teacher-training practicum. Participation in self-paced online workshops through SLAT about using technology for teaching, as well as having group meetings about research approaches, is expected.
You will work on various SLAT modules to develop your skills as a language instructor and apply what you have learned in targeted portfolio activities.
In addition, you will enjoy the many rich opportunities available to visiting scholars, including auditing courses and participating in colloquia, to collaborating on research, sharing research findings, and participating in a vibrant educational and research institution.
CESL vs. SLAT?
Scholars may have either CESL or SLAT as their primary center of activity. CESL accepts scholars for up to 6 months and is most appropriate if you are interested in researching language teaching within the context of higher education. SLAT accepts scholars for up to 1 year and has a broader range of research topics available. Learn more about SLAT.
Program Application Process
1. Interested scholars submit an Initial Inquiry form by using the INQUIRE NOW button below.
2. If accepted, the scholar must then complete the full Visiting Scholar application and provide the required documents:
- Visiting Scholar Application
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- Proposal for research, (please follow our research protocol in creating your proposal)
- Two (2) professional letters of recommendation
- An original letter of financial support from the home institution or sponsor for all expenses during your stay in Tucson
- A letter of guarantee of employment upon return to the home institution
- A cover letter explaining why CESL seems to be the best location for conducting research
- Documentation of English proficiency (from last two years)
- Copy of passport for scholar and any dependents
3. Scholars should also read about J-1 Visa requirements on the website of the UA Office of International Faculty and Scholars.
4. Once all materials are received, and application, FedEx, and IFS fees are paid, the DS-2019 request will be processed.
5. You will then be contacted with more details.
If you successfully complete the program, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement from SLAT and CESL.
Application fee (non-refundable) $75
| Program Costs | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $2400 |
| Program Fee | $285 |
| DS-2019 Processing fee (check OIFS website for the most current costs) | $450 (plus $50/dependent)* |
| FedEx Fee | $80* |
| Total Payable to CESL | $3290 (Plus OIFS fees, if applicable) |
*Processing fees are non-refundable
General English proficiency requirements
Applicants can provide proof of English proficiency using one of the four methods below:
1. Recognized English Language Test
A score sheet from one of the following four tests indicating that the prospective exchange visitor has taken the test within the past two years and obtained at least the minimum score indicated.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based Test (iBT)
- Minimum Score: 80
- Website: TOEFL iBT
- International English language Testing System (IELTS)
- Minimum Score: 6.5
- Website: IELTS
- Cambridge English: First (FCE), Advanced (CAE), or Proficiency (CPE)
- Minimum Score: Pass
- Website: Cambridge Assessment
- Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
- Minimum Score: 785
- Website: TOEIC
2. Signed Documentation from an English Language School
A signed letter from an internationally recognized English language school affirming that they have assessed the prospective exchange visitor’s English language proficiency within the past two years at the equivalent of level B2 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). Further, the letter must indicate: (1) any and all accreditations possessed by the school; (2) the method of English language proficiency assessment; (3) the date of assessment; and (4) the dates the prospective exchange visitor attended courses at the school.
3. CESL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)
CESL now offers a test of spoken English proficiency. The test is designed to measure communicative competence. Test-takers are assessed based on the fluency, accuracy, and range of their spoken language production. Their assessed level of oral proficiency is based on the language scale developed by the world-standard Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). After completing the interview, test-takers will be sent an Official Score Report specifying their level of oral proficiency (not overall proficiency).
This proficiency test has been specifically designed to assess the oral proficiency of potential visiting scholars to UA, and satisfies requirements of the International and Faculty and Scholars for issuing a J1 Visa.
4. Degree from Academic Institution in an English-Speaking Country Utilizing English Language Instruction, Earned within Past Two Years
A diploma (bachelor’s degree or higher) issued within the past two years by an academic institution in an English-speaking country that utilizes English language instruction. In addition to submitting the diploma, verification that the institution utilizes English language instruction must also be submitted. Verification of English language instruction could take on many forms, including but not limited to a printout of the institution’s website or signed documentation from an official at the institution, but personal attestations from prospective exchange visitors and parties not affiliated with the institution will not be accepted as verification. Please note that we do not accept graduation from an English-speaking institution alone.
At CESL, scholars in the SLAT-CESL Visiting Scholars Program participate in a Teacher Training practicum (which includes observation of classes and practice teaching paired with a mentor teacher) and tutoring. For the SLAT portion, we have selected various modules produced by COERLL, a Language Resource Center at the University of Texas at Austin similar to CERCLL here at the University of Arizona as well as by other organizations, to support your development as a language teacher. The modules are organized in a way that will make your learning experience seamless. You will be completing these modules over the time you are at the University of Arizona. You will have the opportunity to apply what you have learned in targeted portfolio activities. You will have a tutor who will be available to answer any questions you may have about the modules and review with you the portfolio activities that you created. You will create the portfolio activities in Google Doc so that they can be linked easily into the teaching e-portfolio that you will build at the end. We hope that you will find this to be a meaningful experience. The modules included are:
- Introduction
- Teaching the Language Modalities
- Focus on Language
- Enhancing Language Teaching and Learning
- Research Literacy for Language Teachers
- Action Research: Conducting Research in your Classroom
- My E-Portfolio
How early do I need to apply?
Please begin the application process at least 5-6 months ahead of your expected arrival date.
What fees do I have to pay?
If you are a regular visiting scholar, you have to pay the DS-2019 fees and the FedEx fee only. If you are in the SLAT-CESL Visiting Scholars program, you also have to pay an application fee, tuition, and a program fee.
Can I bring family members with me?
Yes. See the requirements at: UA Office of International Faculty and Scholars
If I join the program, what do I receive?
At the end of the program, you will receive a certificate documenting that you successfully complete the program.
Can I attend UA classes?
You cannot register for classes, but you can audit classes (sit in on them), with the instructor’s agreement. Talk to your faculty mentor about this.
If I’m conducting research, are there any special steps I need to take?
Yes, you will need to follow UA’s research protocols. Talk to your faculty mentor about this.