The Master´s Program "Teaching English to Young Learners" at the University of Education Freiburg
The MA program E-LINGO brings together students from around the world and diverse professional backgrounds to study in a blended learning or fully online environment. The program prepares graduates to teach English to children in primary and preschool settings.
For international graduates with a background related to the English language, the southwest region of Germany offers a suitable Master's program that allows students to balance academic study with work and family commitments.
“E-LINGO is both very flexible and practical”, says Prof. Dr. Annika Kolb, Professor of English Language Education and Director of the E-LINGO Master’s program at the University of Education Freiburg. The two-year program can be completed part-time and offers two study formats: fully online or blended learning with two in-person days in Freiburg each semester. A two-week placement in a language classroom or related setting ensures students gain hands-on experience during their studies.
But the practical elements go even further. "We aim to bridge theory and practice through classroom-based projects and collaborative student work", Kolb explains.
Excellent Career Prospects After Graduation
This program is an ideal form of professional development for individuals already working in primary or preschool education or in English-language-related fields, such as publishing or translation.
"Some students are planning on switching careers entirely, others want to advance in their current field, and for some, it's a pathway to living and working in Germany", Kolb comments about her students’ motivations for joining the program. She adds that the vibrant community of alumni and faculty is one of E-LINGO’s greatest assets: "We even have alumni who went on to start their own language schools."
The demand for qualified English teachers for young learners has been growing steadily since E-LINGO was launched nearly 20 years ago, around the time when many countries, including Germany, introduced English instruction at the primary level.
A unique program in Europe with moderate tuition fees
"There’s no comparable program in Germany - or even in Europe", Kolb says. While there are many TEFL programs in the UK, none of them offer a combination of online study and a specific focus on young learners. Compared to many MA programs in the UK, US or Australia, the tuition fees are moderate: tuition is €1,600 per semester, plus a €200 registration fee.
"We've had students from the U.S. who are happy to fly to Germany once a semester for our in-person sessions—because it’s still much more affordable than studying in the U.S.", Kolb notes.
For those who choose to visit Freiburg, the city itself is another draw. Regularly ranked as one of Germany's most livable cities, Freiburg is also one of the most popular university towns in Baden-Württemberg. "Freiburg definitely is a very attractive location", Kolb points out.
Want to learn more about E-LINGO?
Learn everything about E-LINGO here and apply for the MA until May 31.
Here you can read more about the Universities of Education in the German Southwest.
Author: Leonie Rörich