Language Proficiency Program

Teaching at UC Berkeley

Many international graduate students report that their work as Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) is among the most rewarding experience of their graduate careers. Working as a GSI offers you an opportunity to improve and refine your English language skills while sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for your academic discipline with others. Through teaching, you will enhance communication skills that will benefit you in your future career, whatever direction you choose. In addition, undergraduates at Berkeley benefit from the diverse cultural perspectives of international GSIs.

If you are interested in applying for a UC GSI appointment, contact the Graduate Assistant or Student Affairs Officer in your department for information about the application process. Language support for GSIs at UC Berkeley who do not speak English as a native language is provided by the Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) Teaching and Resource Center's Language Proficiency Program.

English Language Proficiency Testing

Students who do not speak English as a native language and do not hold a Bachelor's degree from an institution in the United States must demonstrate oral English proficiency to be appointed as a GSI. In those countries where the TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) is administered, English language proficiency is determined by the speaking section score of the TOEFL iBT. In those countries where the TOEFL iBT is not available, students can demonstrate their proficiency by taking and passing the Test of Spoken English (TSE) before enrolling in Berkeley or the SPEAK test offered on the Berkeley campus. University policy calls for completion of the oral English proficiency screening requirement before the GSI appointment can be made.

Find out how you can satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement by taking an eligibility quiz.

Last update: 8/26/09

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