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Info
July International Advising Hours Update
International Advising will NOT be available Tuesday, July 14 or Friday, July 17.
ISSS will be open for document pick-up and routine questions.
International Teaching Assistant Program
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The University of North Texas provides English language proficiency screening and instructional support for international graduate students whose primary language is not English and who will be serving in teaching roles, including Teaching Assistants, Teaching Fellows, and Research Assistants.
It is our goal to comply with state law, to support Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows with their classroom communication skills in English, and to ensure that undergraduate students continue to receive clear and comprehensible instruction at UNT.
As per UNT Policy 06.023 (Program of Assistance for Teaching Personnel Whose Primary Language is Not English) and Texas Education Code, Section 51.917, the university is required to assess the language proficiency of all teaching personnel whose primary language is not English and provide a program of assistance to those who need support.
This process helps ensure that all instructors are prepared to communicate effectively in the classroom and support student learning.
Students serving only in non-instructional grading or support roles are not required to complete the ITA language assessment.
ITA Program Calendar
| Semester | Registration Opens | Assesment Period |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | July | August |
| Spring | December | January |
Workshops are held throughout he semester.
Exemptions
Students may be exempt from the ITA language assessment if official scores within the past two years are submitted and verified by UNT.
| Exam | Required Speaking Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 25 or higher for exams taken beofre January 21, 2026 5 or higher for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026 |
| IELTS | 7.5 or higher |
If you meet exemption requirements, email the following information to internationalTA@unt.edu
- Score report
- Student ID number
- Academic department at UNT
- Appropriate contact in your department including email
Language Proficiency Assessment
Students who do not meet exemption requirements must complete a speaking proficiency assessment prior to instructional assignment.
All assessments are conducted by UNT’s Intensive English Language Institute (IELI). Please note that all interviews will be conducted remotely via Zoom or Teams.
The assessment evaluates spoken English communication skills in an academic setting.
Assessment Process
Step One: Register
The form must be completed before your language assessment.
Step Two: Schedule Your Assessment
You will need to sign up at least 24 hours in advance.
Step Three: Attend Your Assessment
- The ZOOM link is provided on the schedule sign up page.
- Please arrive five minutes early and wait for the host to admit you
Teaching Fellows:
- Prepare an 8–10-minute teaching demonstration and presentation
- Topic may be any academic lesson in your major area that is appropriate for college level freshmen or sophomores.
- You will be asked general questions about the topic.
Assessment Results & Next Steps
After the assessment, students will receive one of the following results:
- Approved: Demonstrates sufficient English proficiency and is permitted to work as a TF/TA/RA.
- Required ITA Training: Additional language support is required. Students may work for a department for one semester on the condition that they participate in the ITA Workshops.
Workshops
The workshops are a semester-long training program that includes weekly one-hour communication and presentation sessions.
These workshops are offered free of charge to students.
Workshops include:
- Fluency skills
- Pronunciation skills
- Presentation skills
- Teaching skills
- Strategies for overcoming communication difficulties.
Teaching Fellows will have additional workshops and will give a teaching demonstration upon completion of the program.
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