It was a little over the top, actually, in terms of wanting us to write essays and so on--this is in addition to asking us for references from two people, etc.! And we're not the [also volunteer] teachers, we're just extra-fluff-on-top tutors! I guess it weeds out the people who aren't serious about making the commitment.

... And yet, it wasn't quite at the let's-get-down-to-business level of a course that would give you actual ESL teacher certification. Maybe one day I'll do one of those.