ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM

     One of the special programs offered at WSU is an intensive  English as a Second Language Program (ESL). The ESL Program has been a part of the university since September 1982. Since that time the program has had approximately 800 graduates representing different countries such as Lithuania, Japan, Kuwait, Peru, Palau, and many more. Each semester (term) there is an average of 80 students from many countries all over the world in the ESL Program.

PURPOSE

     The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program prepares non-English speakers to use spoken and written English easily and effectively. The approach to language learning revolves around the assumption that a second language can best be learned by actual practice, by meaningful use, and by living in the country where the language is spoken. The design of the Weber State University-ESL Program aids students in learning and retaining useful English language skills. It also allows the motivated student with weak English skills to enter the program at the beginning of an academic year and progress to regular academic courses in 4 quarters. Students who complete the Weber State University-ESL Program and wish to continue on at Weber State do not need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

     The ESL Program at Weber State University welcomes international students, permanent residents and U.S. citizens  who wish to study English as a second language.

OVERVIEW

• Intensive English  training
• Academic credit
• Class size averages about 15 to 20 students
• Trained teachers with Master Degrees
• 2½ months to 12 months to complete the program
• Concurrent ESL and academic courses for advanced students
• Computer-assisted writing support program
• Social/Cultural activities

PLACEMENT TEST

     All new ESL students take the Weber State University ESL Placement Test.  The Placement Test is a 3-hour test. It tests the students'  knowledge of English.  Students are then placed into classes in the proper levels of ESL (1,2,3,4,or 5)  according to their English language abilities.  A non-refundable fee of $10 is charged for the Placement Test.

CURRICULUM

     Throughout the ESL Program, the emphasis is on oral and written communication at a university level. Personal instruction by experienced tutors is also available for all ESL classes. Writing courses are enhanced by a computer lab which gives students experience in computer use, keyboarding, word processing, and on-line skills.

     All levels of ESL offer a full-time program of instruction which gives the students 4 hours per day of intensive language classroom instruction. In addition, students are required to complete special assignments outside of class providing approximately 20-25 hours of structured language acquisition.

LANGUAGE SKILLS PRACTICED AT EACH LEVEL

     English 2510(Level 5) is the most advanced ESL course in the program. Students at this level receive classroom instruction and practice  advanced writing. This course is designed to be a "bridge" between the intensive ESL curriculum and main stream academic course work. Students in Level 5 are required to register for English 2510. The remaining hours are selected from academic courses.

CREDIT

     Students who complete the ESL Program can receive university credit for the five most advanced levels. Students planning to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree can use their ESL credits to fulfill the foreign language requirement. For students working towards a Bachelor of Science degree, ESL credits may be used as electives.

   Get to know our ESL Faculty

                                                                           

Welcome From the President / Living on WSU Campus / Community Information
Our Student Affairs / Magic of University Life / Entrance to WSU
Weber State University Home Page

Weber State University
English as a Second Language
1209 University Circle
Ogden UT 84408-1209

If you have any questions or comments
e-mail us at: ESL@weber.edu