Saint Michael’s College Applied Linguistics Department is proud to host a Coverdell Fellows Program for returning Peace Corps volunteers who have served in the English language teaching field. Applicants can build on their Peace Corps teaching experience and receive considerable benefits from their service while working toward their Master of Arts degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL).

The benefits package offered to Coverdell Fellows is equal to more than a 33 percent discount of total program tuition costs:

• Advanced Standing for Peace Corps service (equivalent to 9 credits, currently a $5,580 value) based on the following:
  • Peace Corps training in TEFL with associated practical teaching experience
  • Reflective paper based on PC experience
• Scholarship (for 1 additional course – currently $1860)
• Waiver of application fee ($50).
• Waiver of Diploma fee ($60)

Program Description

A volunteer teaching internship experience in a local English language training program for a period of at least 9 months.

MATESOL Course work of 27 credits taken over three semesters. Program courses include the following 3-credit courses:

• GSL 500- Foundations of Linguistics
• GSL 502- Pedagogical Grammar
• GSL 506- Becoming a TESOL Professional
• GSL 542- Introduction to Language Teaching
• GSL 543- Teaching Oral Skills in ESOL
• GSL 544- Teaching Reading and Writing in ESOL
• GSL 604- Second Language Acquisition
• GSL 620- Principles of Testing and Assessment in Language Teaching
• 1 additional elective course

Two electives are waived in light of Peace Corps training and teaching experience. The extended teaching internship will substitute for the teaching practicum requirement (GSL 688).

Additional Admission Requirements

Copy of signed Peace Corps Description of Service that shows training and experience in English language teaching.