The highly interdisciplinary delegation of 15 professors brought together a wide variety of expertise, in engineering and sustainable development, industrial engineering, science, data science, economics, law, accounting, teaching English, early childhood education and management of external resources.
This professional development program, offered in a two-week intensive format, enables professors to be more effective in teaching their university discipline in English. It builds on OLBI expertise, not only in language instruction but also in university pedagogy, multilingual teaching and educators’ professional development. It also illustrates the University of Ottawa’s contribution to internationalizing post-secondary teaching.
This program delivers:
- English-language skills development
- University-level teaching strategies
- Evidence-based English medium instruction (EMI) teaching practices
- Opportunities to put learning into practice and reflect on teaching methodologies
- Strategies to motivate multilingual student groups of diverse backgrounds
- Activities to build self-confidence in presenting material and explaining complex concepts in English
- An immersive, stimulating, rewarding cultural experience
The program includes lodging, meals and health insurance. It’s offered in three delivery modes: in person at uOttawa, online, or on the campus of the participating university (custom institutional program). Depending on the structure that a cohort chooses, the program can include activities such as microteaching, observation, feedback and teaching simulations.
TIER is aimed at these audiences:
- University professors teaching or transitioning to teaching in English (EMI)
- Program co-ordinators
- Those leading development of EMI programs or institutional internationalization initiatives
At the end of the TIER program, participants are more confident and effective in teaching their disciplines in English. The knowledge and teaching approaches acquired benefit participants’ colleagues as well. This sharing helps improve programs of study at home universities, while raising the profile of participating universities such as Bucaramanga. Overall, TIER expands international university networks in collaboration with uOttawa through peer-to-peer contact.
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