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Practical TESOL skills

Bring your teaching to life, learn about British education and explore Yorkshire.

Russell Group University
Experience studying at a leading UK university, rated both gold for teaching and top 10 for research.
Consistently high ranking
In the UK, and one of just six post-war universities to have appeared in the world top 100.
University of the Year shortlisted
Shortlisted for the prestigious University of the Year award by the Times Higher Education (THE) in 2023.
Top 20 in the UK
20th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, with 11 subjects ranked in the UK top 10.

Tailored for pre-service and in-service teachers aged 18 and over, this intensive two-week course integrates school visits with hands-on teaching practice to build a solid grasp of classroom management, while building day-to-day pedagogical techniques and approaches.

Programme dates

  • 2-15 June 2027

Course details

Practical TESOL skills

Designed for both teachers and pre-service trainee teachers, this intensive two-week programme combines UK school visits with observed teaching practice to turn academic theory into real-world classroom success. The course introduces a variety of practical techniques and approaches, helping you expand your skills and master classroom management. Through this immersive overseas experience, you will build the professional confidence and communication skills needed to return to the classroom ready for the new academic year.

Programme Aims

The aims of this programme are to develop your teaching skills and increase your confidence in English Language communication skills. In particular it will help you to:

  • Expand your repertoire of practical teaching techniques.
  • Introduce you to a range of ELT approaches.
  • Give you confidence in managing a class.
  • Expose you to the UK school system.
  • Provide you with the opportunity to put theory into practice through observed teaching practice.
What are the academic requirements to apply?

Our summer school has no formal academic requirements, but we expect you to have a clear motivation for applying and enthusiasm for the subject. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your interest through your application form.

What level of English do I need to join?

We do not ask for proof of your English language proficiency; however, to ensure all students receive the full value of the programme, applicants should have an intermediate level of English (minimum CEFR B2 or IELTS 6.5).

How do I apply?

After you have submitted the application form, please allow five working days for your application to be assessed.

What happens after I apply?

We aim to inform applicants of the outcome of their application within five working days.

If your application is successful, you will receive an Offer Letter by email. This letter confirms the programme and academic option you have selected, the start and end dates, and the payment deadline. In order to accept your place on the programme, you will be asked to pay the programme fee in full via the University’s online store by the indicated deadline. Please refer to the terms and conditions regarding payment.

Please allow at least three working days for our team to confirm receipt of your payment and documents. On
confirmation of your place, you will receive an acceptance letter by email.

Please note that your place on the programme is not confirmed until payment has been received.

Study and Skills

  • 21 hours of practical methodology workshops, including classroom management and creating engaging and dynamic lessons.
  • Designed and delivered by experienced teacher trainers from our Global Opportunities team.
  • Dedicated sessions on lesson planning and delivery.
  • Combine hands-on learning with real-world experiences!

Culture and Free Time

Put your learning into context, expand your network and make new friends through our cultural visits and optional free-time activities:

  • Two full-day excursions to places of historical, cultural and geographical interest around Yorkshire.
  • One morning in local primary or secondary schools
  • Sightseeing visits and tours in York
  • Regular optional free-time activities led by University of York students

Download the 2027 timetable

Assessment and Certificate

Students will complete two assessed elements:

  • A personal learning log to track and reflect on progress.
  • An assessed lesson to showcase newly acquired skills in a practical, creative way.

Upon successful completion, participants receive a University of York Certificate of Completion, recognising their achievements and providing a valuable addition to their academic portfolio. Students who have completed the course will qualify for a 10% York Graduate Loyalty Discount at the University of York.

Programme fees

Our fees  
Tuition fee per session £1,995 
Early Bird Tuition Fee (before 31 March 2027) £1,875

The tuition fee includes all tuition and course materials, transport and entry fees for timetabled trips and visits, a welcome dinner, optional free time activities*, Wi-Fi on campus and in York city centre and a certificate of completion. 

*some activities may have an additional cost. This will be communicated on arrival.

 
Accommodation fee per session (optional) £600
The accommodation fee includes accommodation for 14 nights in a single room on campus.  

Accommodation and Catering

If you book accommodation with us, you will be staying in a single room with shared bathroom (usually one bathroom per 5 to 6 students) in one of our 11 colleges situated on our wonderful parkland campus. Your fellow students will be staying in the same accommodation block, but you will have the privacy of your own room.  

Each accommodation block has a shared kitchen and you will be provided with basic kitchen equipment on arrival. There is a small supermarket on campus as well as a variety of food outlets and cafes.

Discover your accommodation

Getting to the University of York

Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from the University, including any necessary visas or immigration permissions. 

If you need to apply for a passport or renew/replace your passport, you should begin this process as soon as possible after you have been accepted onto the programme. 

We advise that you do not start to make travel arrangements until you have received your Acceptance Letter and the programme is confirmed. We also strongly advise that you invest in a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers cancellations, personal possessions and healthcare. Please see our terms and conditions for more details. 

Do I need a visa?

If you are not a UK or Irish citizen, you may need immigration permission to enter the UK and take part in the programme. 

Overseas students who will be studying in the UK for 6 months or less can do so on a Standard Visitor Visa and this will likely be the most appropriate route for most of our students. 

You can check if you need a visa and how to apply at the UK Visas and Immigration website. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct immigration permissions to participate in the programme.


If you need a visa, you should apply after your place on the programme has been confirmed and you have received a Letter of Acceptance. Your Letter of Acceptance will include your passport number so please make sure this is valid and correct.

Ready for an unforgettable experience?
Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Terms and conditions
When applying to study on this programme you are required to accept our terms and conditions.