The International Teaching Assistant Program (ITAP) supports international graduate students on the path to success in their work as teaching assistants at Cornell.

Getting started

1. Review the Graduate School's information on English Language Proficiency Requirements for detailed information on who should participate in a language assessment. This policy does not apply to DACA students.
2. Review our information on language assessments and how to schedule one.
3. Participate in a language assessment if required:
   • Students who achieve a score of Advanced Low or above (some departments require Advanced Mid) may move on directly to their TA appointments without enrolling in ALS 5780. Most students achieve this level.
   • Students who achieve a score of Intermediate High are required to take an ITAP course concurrent with full TA duties.
   • Students who achieve a score of Intermediate Mid (or below) must take an ITAP course until they score Intermediate High, at which point they will be able to TA while taking an ITAP course concurrently (see above).
   • See Understanding your language assessment results for more information on interpreting your rating.

Upcoming events

Classroom Communication Skills for International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) Spring 2025

A series of workshops designed to support ITAs in developing and refining their teaching skills.

Navigating Cross-Cultural Communication in the Classroom

• When: Friday, February 14, 2025 (in-person). Register for Navigating Cross-Cultural Communication in the Classroom.
• Description: Would you like to explore the implications of cultural differences that may arise in your classrooms? As a TA at Cornell, you may be exposed to considerable cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity among your students. Join this workshop to examine the relationship between cultures and educational systems and discuss how this may influence teaching at Cornell.

Communicating Effectively During Office Hours

• When: Friday, March 7, 2025 (in-person). Register for Communicating Effectively During Office Hours.
• Description: Would you like to build your confidence in individual conversations with your students? During office hours, an instructor is often required to explain at length a variety of concepts in their field. In this interactive session, we will discuss possible scenarios that may arise during office hours and practice important communication skills that can be effective in working with students.

Delivering Effective Classroom Presentations

• When: Friday, March 28, 2025 (in-person). Register for Delivering Effective Classroom Presentations.
• Description: Are you interested in creating a successful presentation? Would you like to become a confident presenter? Join us as we explore proven strategies for organizing your content effectively, using language to hold your listeners’ attention, overcoming nervousness about public speaking and using nonverbal communication to connect with your audience. 

Supporting your success

The International Teaching Assistant Program consists three parts: language assessments, courses, and summer orientation. Explore the information below to find out how CTI can support your success as a teaching assistant at Cornell.

Language assessments

The language assessment process ensures that every international graduate student meets the expectations for oral English proficiency defined by the Office of the Provost so that you experience the greatest possible success in your teaching, studies, and research at Cornell.

ITAP courses

ALS 5780, 5790, and 5800 (the ITAP courses) support international students who have been appointed to be teaching assistants to build and refine their oral English proficiency.

Additional support is always available; please contact the ITAP team for more information.