Over head picture of campus and the Rideau Canal taken with a drone

Teaching, Immersion & English Refinement (TIER) Program

English-medium instruction program that strengthens faculty English proficiency, modern teaching practices, and curriculum design skills in a fully immersive academic environment, with integrated use of educational AI tools to support innovation in teaching.

Program at a Glance

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  • Format: 2-week intensive (customizable up to 4 weeks)
  • Audience: University faculty teaching or transitioning to EMI (CEFR B1–B2+)
  • Core elements: EMI pedagogy, classroom observation, microteaching, language labs, cultural immersion
  • Location: University of Ottawa, Canada
  • Language of instruction: English
  • Cohort: 12-24 participants and can be tailored to a single faculty or multiple departments.

Why Universities Partner With TIER

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  • Strengthen bilingual or EMI pathways
  • Improve faculty teaching confidence in English
  • Enhance curriculum quality and international competitiveness
  • Support accreditation or institutional internationalization strategies
  • Expand global networks through collaboration with a leading bilingual university
  • Provide faculty with authentic cultural immersion in Canada’s capital (e.g., Parliament, national museums)

The TIER Program delivers immediate, practical benefits for both faculty and the institution.

Who the Program Is For

  • Professors and lecturers teaching (or transitioning to teach) in English
  • EFL/ESL instructors seeking updated pedagogy
  • Program coordinators involved in curriculum reform or internationalization
  • Faculty with CEFR B1 English proficiency or higher

Cohorts are typically 12–24 participants and can be tailored to a single faculty or multiple departments.

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“Participating in the TIER program [...] was a truly enriching professional and personal experience. The quality of the classes, the commitment of the teachers, and the welcoming campus environment exceeded my expectations.”

Sandra

Program Structure

Each TIER Program includes three core components found below, expanded depending on program length:

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Partner With Us

Our team will be pleased to discuss your institutional goals and create a program tailored to your needs. Contact us to schedule a consultation or request a detailed sample itinerary.

Contact us

Centre for Language Learning

70 Laurier Avenue East, Room 101
Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada

Tel. : +1-877-868-8292
        +1-613-562-5980
[email protected]

DLI O19397188593

Office Hours

Monday to Friday

September to May
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

June to August
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.