International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) account for a large percentage of graduate assistants at the University of Southern California. The University is pleased to have such a large number of ITAs. Opportunities to interact with teaching assistants from other cultures can be a great benefit to students. At the same time, the University must ensure the quality of education at the undergraduate level. In order to do this, USC requires a high level of English proficiency for all those involved in teaching. 

The American Language Institute is responsible for evaluating English proficiency, and for providing the necessary training to help ITAs obtain the language skills necessary to fulfill their responsibilities. This training may include participation in the ITA Institute and enrollment in courses which focus on the communication skills needed for teaching. If you are interested in learning more about the training available to ITAs at the University of Southern California, please contact the ITA Coordinator at ita@usc.edu.

ITA Institute

The ITA Institute is offered in partnership with the Center for Excellence in Teaching. It is a weeklong program at the beginning of August designed for international teaching assistants. The Institute includes sessions on TA roles and duties, teaching styles, developing and improving oral communication skills, understanding the language of the American classroom, presenting information, handling question-and-answer sessions and eliciting student participation in class. All attendees receive copies of the Center's publications, A Guidebook for ITAs and Teaching Nuggets.

The ITA Institute is highly recommended as it provides valuable information about teaching at USC. It also prepares ITAs for the ITA Oral Interview Exam, required of most international teaching assistants. If you would like to participate in the Institute, please contact your TA Coordinator/Graduate Advisor. If you need housing and meals during the week of the ITA Institute, CET can accommodate you for free. To accept this offer, please inform your TA Coordinator or Graduate Student Advisor. Housing and meals are available for spouses and children as well, but for a small fee. Note: Children are not allowed at scheduled events.

Sample Comments from Previous Participants:

"I think the ITA institute was a great experience. More than just learning about teaching styles, we got a chance to interact and communicate with fellow ITAs and get involved in team activities."

"The training is helpful for my teaching and living here. It's wonderful!"

"It was very helpful to improve my language skills and learn more about teaching methods."

"Excellent teachers, excellent courses!"

Testing and Placement

All new ITAs for whom English is a second language must demonstrate their competence in spoken English before assuming classroom or laboratory duties. Normally this is done by taking the ITA Oral Interview Exam.The ITA Oral Interview Exam is graded on a scale of 1 to 7, and placement is as follows:

6.0 - 7.0		Cleared to teach. No ALI requirements. Often examinees are given recommendations for courses that they may choose to take, or their departments may require them to take.
5.5		Cleared to teach. Must take ALI 270, 271, 103 AAPSE, 103PN, or other assigned course.
5.0		Cleared to teach. Must take ALI 270, 271, 103 AAPSE, 103PN, or other assigned course.
3.5 - 4.5		Not cleared to teach. Must take ALI 244, 254, 103PN, or other assigned course in order to assume future teaching responsibilities.
3.0 - 1		Not cleared to teach. See ALI Advisor.

Common Questions about the ITA Oral Interview Exam

1. What is the ITA Oral Interview Exam?
The ITA Oral Interview Exam is a ten to fifteen minute interview with two examiners. It has two parts:

• A brief interview in which the candidate talks about his or her educational experience and interest in graduate studies at USC (3-5 minutes)
• An explanation of a term in his/her field. The examiners will act as students and will ask questions about the term (5-6 minutes)

• Student's native language is English. This applies to students from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (except Quebec) where English is both the first language of the country and the language of instruction.
• Student has a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university located in the U.S. or in another country in which English is both the language of instruction and the only official language of the country. Please note: a graduate degree from a U.S. college or university does not exempt students from taking the exam.
• Student scored 29 or better on the speaking section and 25 or better on the listening section of the TOEFL internet-based test (iBT).

3.  How do I register for the exam?
Contact the ITA Program Coordinator at ita@usc.edu

4.  How do I get my test results?
Test results are made available usually within one day of the exam. Instructions for getting your results will be given at the end of the oral interview.

5. What is a PT restriction?
All new ITAs receive a PT (pending test) restriction. This restriction will prevent you from receiving your tuition assistance until you have demonstrated adequate English proficiency or enrolled in your required ALI class. Those ITAs who have scored a 6 or higher on the ITA Oral Interview Exam, or have received a waiver, will have their PT restriction removed immediately. Those who are required to take an ALI class will have their restriction removed after the deadline to add or drop classes provided they have enrolled in their required ALI class. All late charges resulting from the PT restriction will also be removed.

If you have any other questions, please email the ITA Program Coordinator at: ita@usc.edu or 213-740-0096

English Classes for ITAs

There are several classes that ITAs can take in order to improve their English. ITAs who score between 5.0 and 5.5 on the test will be required to take ALI 270 or ALI 271.Those who score below 5.0 will have additional ALI requirements. Besides required classes, ALI also offers additional courses for those who want to further improve their English. These include courses in pronunciation, oral skills, advanced writing for publications and dissertations, and advanced academic and professional spoken English.

All ALI classes have a mandatory attendance policy. 

Tuition Remission
Tuition remission may be used to pay for ALI classes provided that the student's award is enough to cover the cost. Students are responsible for all tuition not covered by their award. Teaching assistants denied clearance for classroom duties may continue to receive their stipends and tuition remission depending on their department. When possible the department will assign them alternative duties. When alternative assignment is not possible the department may provide one semester of non-assigned support.