The latest in training and pedagogical techniques for English teachers from around the world!
Since 1985, the ELI has been a leader in short-term English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher training. The Delaware EFL Teacher Training Institute (DEFT) is an intensive certificate program designed to meet the specific needs of EFL teachers, supervisors, or teacher trainers in other countries by providing:
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Class observations
- Practica
- Training in current methods, approaches, and techniques.
DEFT also includes developmental coursework in written and spoken English, as needed.
Please see the topics below to learn more about DEFT:
Program duration
Typically, the DEFT program is offered for four weeks; however, for special groups, the ELI is able to customize the program length in order to meet the needs of the participants.
For more information, contact Nigel Caplan at nacaplan@udel.edu.
DEFT Instructors
Program instructors are members of ELI faculty who have developed their expertise training English teachers in the U.S. and abroad.
All faculty members have either a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (MA-TESL) or in Applied Linguistics; several faculty members also have obtained their doctoral degrees.
Course Offerings
EFL Teaching Methodology
- Reflective Teaching
- Classroom Management
- Motivation
- Alternative Assessment
- Goals and Objectives
- Teaching Speaking through Cooperative Learning
- Teaching listening to large classes
- Scaffolding and Vocabulary building
- Reading skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Teaching with technology
English language development
- Skill-based instruction in listening/speaking and/or reading/writing
- Faculty mentorship
U.S. Culture
- Revolutions – The United States and its History of Change
- Foundations of American Education
- What is “American?”
Cultural Programming
DEFT also includes an option of cultural and recreational trips, such as:
- Day trips to historic Philadelphia and the Amish country of Lancaster, Pennsylvania;
- Weekend excursions to New York City and Washington, D.C.
Accommodations
Program participants are housed on or near campus in residence halls, homestay families, or nearby hotels.
Schedule
This program may be scheduled at most times throughout the year for a minimum of 12 participants in a group. We will be happy to design a program tailored to meet the needs of your EFL teachers.
Upcoming Dates: January 13, 2025 – February 7, 2025
Individuals: DEFT for individuals is a four-week program.
For more information, please contact Nigel Caplan at ud-eli@udel.edu.
Admissions Process
Groups:
The group coordinator should contact nacaplan@udel.edu.
Individuals:
For more information, please contact Nigel Caplan at nacaplan@udel.edu.
Price
Academic Year 2024-2025
| Item | Price |
| Tuition | US$ 4,339 |
| Room and food (estimate) | 1,200 |
| Health insurance | 165 |
| Student Wellbeing fee | 90 |
| International Sevice Fee | 90 |
| Carpenter Sports center Fee | 26 |
| Books (estimate) | 250 |
| Total estimated fees | US$ 6,159 |
- Prices are in US dollars.
- Academic Year 2024-2025 prices are effective from August 21, 2025.
- Prices are subject to change without notice.
Read our Teacher Training Mission
Through an unwavering commitment to excellence and renewal, the ELI faculty and staff endeavor each day to enhance our reputation as a leader among TEFL training programs. Our leadership is based on a clear understanding of our goals and the means to achieve them.
As teachers, tutors, administrators and staff, we strive to:
- Meet or exceed our teaching professionals’ expectations for developing their linguistic, pedagogical, and professional skills.
- Contribute to international understanding by engaging teaching professionals in meaningful intercultural exploration.
- Provide our teaching professionals with the support and services they require to live and study successfully in the United States.
- Meet the ordinary and extraordinary needs of our teaching professionals, ensuring that their experience at ELI is productive and fulfilling.
- Provide only the most talented and experienced teacher training specialists and staff and promote their continued professional growth.
- Assume personal responsibility for solving problems, value each other as highly as we do our clients, and support each other in our work.
- Manage our resources, attaining financial viability without compromising the outstanding value of an ELI education.
- Enrich the University of Delaware and the local community, fostering cross-cultural communication and interaction.
Adopted July 30, 2014