University of Wisconsin–Madison
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Basom Hall and Bascom Hill are flanked by autumn-colored trees with changing leaves at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on Nov. 10, 2021. (Photo by Althea Dotzour / UW–Madison)

Welcome to the GELLT Program

Questions? Reach us via email at GELLT@english.wisc.edu

Welcome to UW-Madison’s Global English Language Learning and Teaching Program. Our mission is to support the University’s international students. We provide a wide range of academic English language courses for undergraduate and graduate students. We train international teaching assistants to become more effective teachers and prospective English language teachers who desire TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. Our program supports the University’s community and international outreach goals. We look forward to meeting you and answering any questions you may have.

Headshot of Joseph Nosek, ESL Director. Joseph wears eyeglasses and sat in front of a bookcase. He wore a grey suit and a blue shirt.

Welcome from the Director

Hello, and welcome to the UW-Madison Program in Global English Language Learning and Teaching (GELLT). We have a wide range of courses to suit your needs. Our highly talented and dedicated instructors have many years of teaching experience here and abroad.

Students including Alka Lakadia, a third-year international student from India studying computer science and data science and Rolla Al Hanaya, a fourth-year international student from Saudi Arabia studying data science, listen to an “Intro to Big Data Systems” lecture in Morgridge Hall on the first day of the fall semester at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on Sept. 3, 2025. Alka Lakadia says that she knew from middle school that she wanted to study in the U.S. and came to UW because of the highly ranked CS program. (Photo by Taylor Wolfram / UW–Madison)

Degree Students

Any non-native English speaker admitted to the university may take academic English language courses.

Teacher is explaining the context of the course with students.

TESOL Certificate

A Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is offered as a Graduate version and Undergraduate version (including Special students who have completed an undergraduate degree) to those who wish to teach English as a foreign or second language, normally in positions abroad.

A UW student enjoys a warm day while studying among the colors of the fall leaves on Bascom Hill at the University of Wisconsin-Madison during autumn on November 9, 2021. (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW-Madison)

The MSN-ESLAT

The University of Wisconsin-Madison assessment test (MSN-ESLAT) is conducted online through Canvas, the University’s online learning platform. Please note that the exam given through Canvas includes only Reading & Writing, not Listening.

SPEAK

SPEAK Test

UW System policy requires non-native English speakers to demonstrate proficiency in spoken English before they are assigned classroom duties as teaching assistants. The SPEAK test is used to evaluate the spoken English of International TAs. The test is available only to enrolled students holding or under consideration for a teaching assistantship.

Students in ESL 116 course work in the Active Learning Lab in the English as a Second Language (ESL) Department inside Helen C. White Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Nov. 23, 2016.

International TA Training

The ITA training course helps non-native English speaking TAs to improve their classroom teaching skills and oral communication.