PITAP
Preparing International Teaching Assistants Program
- About the Program
- How to Register
- Student Testimonials
- PITAP Courses
- Tuition for PITAP
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Resources at UNC
- Community ESL Resources
- Contact Us
About the Program
The Preparing International Teaching Assistants Program (PITAP) is for international graduate students who are or plan to be teaching assistants. Students learn key skills for the undergraduate classroom.
The program helps students:
- Develop teaching skills
- Build cross-cultural communication skills
- Improve spoken English
The program includes:
- Two 2-credit classes (GRAD 810 and GRAD 811)
- One-on-one assistance
- Small group sessions
- Conversation partners with native English-speaking undergraduates
If you are or plan to be an international teaching assistant (ITA), we strongly encourage you to register for PITAP courses.
How to Register
Register for GRAD 810 or GRAD 811 as you would for any other graduate course through ConnectCarolina.
For information about course registration, please see Office of the University Registrar.
Student Testimonials
Here’s what former students have said about the PITAP courses:
“Thank you so much. These courses were the most precious and helpful ones that I’ve ever taken.”
“Learning how to interact with undergraduate students was the most beneficial aspect of the course.”
“Extremely helpful for both my teaching and communication skills. Also extremely enjoyable—I felt among friends.”
“This is a very useful course for me. I feel so relaxed in every class. It accumulated my confidence in future teaching…as well as daily communication with my peers and faculty.”
“It was really good to have a conversation partner. Thank you so much for suggesting this in class.”
PITAP Courses
GRAD 810: Teaching Skills for International Teaching Assistants
In this course, students will improve their speaking and teaching skills. The course focuses on basic skills needed to be an effective Teaching Assistant.
Students will:
- Learn and practice basic teaching skills
- Learn about cultural differences in educational settings
- Improve English language pronunciation and grammar
- Prepare and implement short teaching demonstrations
- Meet regularly with the PITAP Teaching Assistant and practice speaking with conversation partners
Two credits. Pass/Fail. Does not count toward degree requirements or earned hours. Offered both Fall and Spring semesters.
Download the GRAD 810 syllabus (PDF).
GRAD 811— Advanced Teaching Skills for International Teaching Assistants
In this course, students will continue to improve their speaking and teaching skills.
Students will:
- Develop more advanced teaching skills, such as leading discussion groups
- Learn to create a syllabus and lesson plans
- Learn to develop a teaching philosophy
- Learn about cultural differences
- Improve English language pronunciation and grammar
Students will prepare and implement active-learning, student-centered lessons.
Two credits. Pass/Fail. Does not count toward degree requirements or earned hours. Spring semester only. Students must have already completed GRAD 810.
Download the GRAD 811 syllabus (PDF).
Tuition for PITAP
Full-Time Students (9 or more credit hours):
There is no additional tuition charge for enrolling in GRAD 810 or GRAD 811.
Part-Time Students (less than 9 credit hours):
If you enroll in one of the PITAP courses, it may increase your total number of credits, resulting in an increase in tuition. You should discuss tuition with your academic program.
Post-Docs and Other Scholars:
International post-docs and other scholars may audit a course if there is room in the class. Please contact the PITAP Director, at (919) 962-2505 or brybar@unc.edu.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Resources at UNC
The Writing Center: ESL Support
The Writing Center at UNC offers free ESL support for all non-native English speakers.
- Instruction, including workshops, writing groups, self-instruction, and mini-courses
- Online tools on grammar, listening and speaking, vocabulary, and writing
- Campus resources
- Community resources
- “Help for Hire” private tutors
The Writing Center is located at 0127 SASB-North.
Email: wcesl@unc.edu
Telephone: (919) 962-0725
UNC Office of International Student & Scholar Services
- Services and Programs: Programs to connect ESL students to advising, English language opportunities, and tutors.
- International Women’s English Conversation Group
Community ESL Resources
Chapel Hill Institute for Cultural and Language Education (CHICLE)
Private classes are available in:
- Beginning, intermediate, and advanced ESL
- Pronunciation
- Idiomatic English
- Grammar
- Accent reduction
- TOEFL preparation
- Business writing
- Academic writing
Durham Technical Community College
Offers courses for ESL: Beyond Basics ESL Continuing Education classes. For more information, contact (919) 536-7264 ext 3228.
Contact Us
For more information about PITAP, please contact:
Brian Rybarczyk, PITAP Director
Phone: (919) 962-2505
Email: brybar@unc.edu