Learn English in the U.S.A.

  United States

De Pere,  Green Bay

Dates: inquire for specific dates

Description: Overview of the ESL Institute
The ESL Institute was established in 1993 to support St. Norbert College's efforts to internationalize the campus and the curriculum. A full-time Director, Academic Coordinator, Office Manager, student intern, and three full-time instructors currently staff the ESL program. The program enrolls 25-50 students during the academic year and 30 - 70 students during the summer. The ESL Director is an active member of NAFSA, TESOL and AAIEP and subscribes to the code of ethics of these professional organizations. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits St. Norbert College and its ESL Institute.

Program Description:
The ESL Institute offers a non-credit, multi-level, intensive English program for international students. Classes are held four hours daily, 8:00 a.m. until noon, in St. Norbert College classrooms. We offer 4 levels of instruction: beginner, elementary, intermediate, and advanced. We offer 8-week sessions during the school year; 4-week sessions during the summer. Average class size is 10 students. Maximum class size is 15 students. Academic year sessions begin: September, October, January, and March.

A 12-week summer program is divided into 3 four-week sessions in order to accommodate short-term students. Students must enroll for all 12 weeks in order to complete a full level. Sessions begin in May, June, and July.

ESL Curriculum and Program Requirements:
Within the broad field of English as a Second Language instruction, The ESLI specializes in English for academic purposes for foreign students who plan to continue their undergraduate studies in the United States. Applicants to the program must be age 17 or older, have graduated from high school and have the financial resources to support themselves while in the program. Because it is a multi-level program, there is no minimum TOEFL requirement for admission. Non-academic bound students are also admitted to the program.

Conditional admission to degree programs is available to qualified students. Tuition scholarships are available to qualified foreign student in College degree programs.

Full-time students have four contact hours daily: speaking-listening (two hours) and reading-writing (two hours) for a total of 20 contact hours weekly. Additional time is scheduled in College computer labs to teach students basic computer skills including word processing, e-mail, and internet. Volunteer tutors are available most afternoons to help ESL students with language skills. Intermediate and advanced level students are required to complete writing assignments on computer. ESL students have free access to the media lab and all computer labs to practice word processing, use e-mail and internet, and work on language skills using a variety of CALL software.

Matriculation into Degree Courses:
Students who have been conditionally admitted to St. Norbert College must either complete the Advanced level in the ESL program or pass the TOEFL exam with a score of 550 (213 cbt) or higher in order to begin a full-time degree program. College-bound students in the ESL program must earn a minimum of "B-" to pass to the next level and to graduate with a recommendation to attend college or university.

Highlights: We are located at Saint Norbert College near Green Bay, Wisconsin (pop. 200,000+) on the banks of the Fox River only eight minutes from Green Bay Airport, three hours by car from Chicago, and two hours by car from Madison and Milwaukee.   St. Norbert College is a highly ranked, private, 4-year, liberal arts and sciences university.

The ESL Institute offers intensive English courses for highly motivated students who wish to read, speak, hear, and write English for professional, personal or academic purposes. We offer:

- Airport pickup at Green Bay Airport (GRB)
- Orientation to campus and community
- Language placement test on orientation day
- 20 hours of class each week; 4 hours daily: reading, writing, speaking, listening
- Small classes: average class size of 10; maximum class size 15
- 4-week sessions each summer: June, July, August. 4 levels.
- 8 and 16 week sessions during the academic year
- Conditional admission to College degree programs for qualified students
- Scholarships to degree programs for qualified students: up to $8,500 per year.
- College dormitories and food service. No homestays.
- Computer labs with e-mail and internet for all students. Some college buildings have wireless computer access.
- Conversation partners and friendship families
- Tutors available afternoons
- Sports Center, Computer labs, Library, and Health Center available to all students
- Graduation ceremony: certificate of attendance, certificate of completion

Application Process for ESL program involves:*
* Written Application
* Financial Statements
* Application fee

Application for degree programs involves:
* Completed application form
* Financial statements
* Secondary school grades
* College/university grades (if any)
* Personal written statement

University Attributes: St. Norbert College was founded in 1898. We are a Catholic, liberal arts and sciences college affiliated with the Norbertines, an order committed to education and service. Our Learning Environment: We offer bachelor's degrees in arts (B.A.), science (B.S.), music (B.M.) and business administration (B.B.A.) in more than 40 areas of study. We also offer master's degrees in adaptive education, theological studies and education. With locally, nationally, and internationally respected professors and instructors -- 89 percent of whom hold Ph.D.s or the highest degrees in their fields -- and a student/faculty ratio of 13.8:1, ours is an environment conducive to learning. St. Norbert College has been ranked among the top 10 Midwestern liberal arts colleges in U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" every year since 1991. Community Life: St. Norbert College's student body -- more than 2000 students from 25 states and 29 foreign countries -- is involved. Service and leadership activities, 20 men's and women's NCAA Division III sports including nationally ranked hockey, football and basketball teams, year-round intramural programs, and more than 80 student organizations keep the campus bustling. Our close-knit community includes 11 residence halls. Location: The St. Norbert College campus is located on the banks of the Fox River in historic De Pere, Wis. ("founded" in 1670 by Jesuit Father Claude Allouez), a residential community of 20,000 people neighboring the city of Green Bay -- named an All-America City in 1999 -- a metropolitan area with a population of about 220,000.

Placement: Since 1977, we've been able to say that 95 percent of St. Norbert College graduates seeking employment or graduate school admission are successful within six months of graduation. Special pportunities: Collaborative research with faculty as early as your freshman or sophomore year; new minors in Leadership Studies and Philippine Studies; options to design personal majors; hands on learning in internships off or on campus; Honors Program for gifted students; Peace Corps Preparatory Program (one of only seven in the United States). Study abroad opportunities include exchange programs in Australia, France, Japan, Germany, Philippines, Spain, and Mexico; student teaching in Great Britain, Ireland, Wales, New Zealand, Australia, St. Lucia, Belize, St. Vincent, Japan, Botswana, Philippines and Canada; and other study sites throughout Europe, Australia, Africa, Central America, South America and the Middle East. In keeping with the times, St. Norbert College is a conscientious steward, effectively utilizing human as well as financial resources. The interaction of administration, faculty, and students; the efficient use of physical facilities; and consistent updating of the campus all contribute to the quality education St. Norbert College offers.

Cost in US$: $1,700/month

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Written Application

St. Norbert College - ESL Institute's Mission Statement: The ESL Institute offers professional English language instruction and support services to enable students to learn English and adjust to American culture so that they can succeed in American university classrooms and in an English-speaking environment. Support services for ESL students include: Airport Pickup Conversation partners Friendship families Tutors (afternoons) Dormitory living with American students Use of all college services and facilities

Year Founded: 1898/1993