Hosted at the University of Ottawa from June 22 to July 17, the program combined a two-week immersive experience in Ottawa with pre- and post-program online learning to support lasting professional development.
Participants from disciplines such as engineering, data science, law, economics and education came together with a shared goal: to strengthen their ability to teach their university courses in English.
Preparing professors for a global classroom
As universities expand international partnerships and English-medium instruction (EMI) (the use of English to teach subjects in locations where it’s not most people’s first language), educators need more than language proficiency—they need the confidence and pedagogical strategies to engage diverse, multilingual classrooms.
Drawing on OLBI’s internationally-recognized expertise in language education, multilingual pedagogy and faculty development, TIER equips university instructors with practical tools they can immediately apply in their teaching.
What participants gain
Through the program, participants develop:
- Advanced English communication skills for university teaching
- Evidence-based English-medium instruction practices
- Innovative teaching strategies for multilingual classrooms
- Hands-on experience through microteaching, peer feedback and teaching simulations
- Greater confidence in presenting complex concepts in English
A rewarding cultural immersion experience in Canada’s bilingual capital
Proven impact
The program’s impact was reflected in the post-program evaluation, completed by all participants. Every participant reported overall satisfaction with the balance of academic content, language learning and cultural activities, and said they would recommend the TIER program to a colleague.
Participants also rated the English-medium instruction component highly, with unanimous agreement on the relevance of the sessions to their teaching needs, the clarity of instruction, the sequencing of the four-week learning experience and the value of the microteaching activities.
Most importantly, every participant reported increased confidence in teaching in English and identified concrete changes they plan to implement in their own classrooms. Participants indicated that they would introduce more student-centred learning, incorporate open-ended questioning and interactive teaching strategies, and adapt their assessment practices to better integrate language development in subject-area instruction.
Lasting impact beyond the classroom
The benefits of TIER extend well beyond individual participants. Professors return to their institutions with new teaching strategies, increased confidence and practical approaches that can be shared with colleagues across departments. By investing in faculty development, universities strengthen their academic programs, support internationalization and expand global partnerships.
The recent collaboration with the Autonomous University of Bucaramanga demonstrates how TIER fosters meaningful international connections while preparing educators to teach and lead in an increasingly global academic environment.
Join the TIER network
Universities interested in strengthening their professors’ capacity for English-medium instruction are invited to explore the TIER program. Institutions can register a cohort or request a proposal tailored to their academic priorities and internationalization goals.
Learn more about the TIER program. Register your cohort or contact us to discuss a customized partnership.
Testimonials from participants
“I learned strategies to encourage student participation, integrate learning technologies into my teaching and understand how students feel when they attend a class taught entirely in English. The biggest lesson I learned is that teaching in English is not simply translating what I already do in Spanish. It requires different teaching strategies, different classroom dynamics and a stronger focus on helping students feel comfortable participating. (…)
“Now I am redesigning my classes to make students more actively involved in the learning process while they practise English. (…)
“The TIER program is … a life-changing experience, both professionally and personally. You will improve your teaching, strengthen your confidence, meet incredible people, and become part of an international academic community...”
Fabio Gómez
Professor of supply chain management and logistics
Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga (UNAB) | Colombia
“TIER helped me understand that EMI is not about translating my classes — it is about rethinking how I present content, structure explanations and engage students, so that the language supports learning rather than getting in the way…
“Receiving feedback helped me identify moments where my phrasing was unclear and adjust my delivery in real time. This will directly benefit my students, since many economics concepts and journal articles are only available in English.
“Being at the University of Ottawa, exchanging EMI strategies with professors from different disciplines and countries, gave me a much broader view of how content teaching in English actually works.
“To any professor considering TIER: it will not just improve your English — it will change how you think about teaching your subject in a second language.’
Álvaro Javier Vargas Villamizar
Professor of microeconomics, game theory and econometrics
Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga (UNAB) | Colombia
“I thought TIER would mainly help me improve my English. Instead, I discovered a program that also strengthened my teaching skills, my confidence, and even (fostered) my personal growth. Beyond the language, I learned new ways to communicate, engage students, and create a more inclusive learning environment. I also discovered strengths in myself that I had never recognized before …
“The person I was before this program is very different from the person I am today. I leave Canada with greater confidence, a clearer vision of my future, and the motivation to create a positive impact in my institution and my country.’
Daniela Jaimes Cordero
Project leader, External Resources Management Unit
Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga (UNAB) | Colombia