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DESCRIPTION
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program is designed for non-native speakers who wish to improve their English proficiency. IAU offers an intensive ESL program of study at six levels for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students in the language skills of reading, writing, grammar, listening and speaking. Understanding U.S. American culture is an integral part of each class. Teachers use audio/visual materials, multimedia-based technology, and individual attention to provide every student with the opportunity to master the English language. A holistic approach is utilized while teaching, listening, speaking, writing, and reading in an immersive environment. Students who complete the ESL program will demonstrate effective academic writing skills in terms of fluency, critical thinking, and reading comprehension.
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES (PLOs)
Primary objectives of this program include equipping students with the knowledge and ability to:
- Demonstrate developmental writing skills that use a standard academic organizational pattern: topic sentence with main idea, supporting evidence, analysis, elaboration and concluding sentence using correct grammar and punctuation (ILO1).
- Demonstrate developmental oral presentation skills to communicate the main idea, provide supporting evidence, reasons and examples using clear and accurate pronunciation and grammar (ILO2).
- Apply critical thinking skills by reading and listening to English passages to identify the main idea, supporting details and make conclusions (ILO3).
MODE OF INSTRUCTION
Instruction can be completed through classroom-hybrid and/or online instructional methodologies.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Education: IAU requires evidence of an earned high school diploma, General Educational Development (GED) tests, ability-to-benefit exam (ATB), 24 units of postsecondary coursework, or the successful completion of a degree program. The degree must be earned at an accredited institution or foreign equivalent. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
Professional Experience: N/A
Information Technology: IAU requires students to possess computer and internet skills sufficient to effectively participate in IAU’s pedagogical model and conduct research at the undergraduate level.
Evidence of English Proficiency: Minimum auditory skill level and oral skill level needed to be successful in the ESL program, as determined by the Digital TOEFL ITP® exam. All students must take the Digital TOEFL ITP® exam placement exam to determine the appropriate program level placement. This test uses academic content to evaluate non-native speakers’ English skills in Listening Comprehension, Structure and Written Expression, and Reading Comprehension. It is administered digitally and its results are only valid at IAU. The results of the assessment will determine placement into one (1) of five (5) levels of proficiency:
| TOEFL ITP SCORE | Level |
|---|---|
| 0 - 299 | Level 1 Beginning I |
| 300 - 349 | Level 2 Beginning II |
| 350 - 399 | Level 3 Intermediate I |
| 400 - 450 | Level 4 Intermediate II |
| 451 - 499 | Level 5 Advanced I |
| 500 - 550 | Level 6 Advanced II |
Maximum Total Credit Awarded is 0 units
ADVANCED PLACEMENT, PREVIOUS ESL COURSES
If an ESL applicant has completed ESL courses at another educational institution, official transcripts must be submitted for review by the Program Chair for advanced placement.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT, PREVIOUS STANDARDIZED ENGLISH TESTS
If an ESL applicant has taken a standardized English exam, including but not limited to, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, iTEP, or the Duolingo English Test, the scores must be submitted for review by the Program Chair for advanced placement.
CURRICULUM
| ESL Program Requirements |
|---|
| Level 1 Beginning I |
| ESL 101 Listening & Pronunciations |
| ESL 102 Reading and Vocabulary |
| ESL 103 Writing and Grammar |
| ESL 104 Conversation & Idioms |
| Level 2 Beginning II |
| ESL 201 Listening & Pronunciations II |
| ESL 202 Reading and Vocabulary II |
| ESL 203 Writing and Grammar II |
| ESL 204 Conversation & Idioms II |
| Level 3 Intermediate I |
| ESL 301 Listening & Pronunciations III |
| ESL 302 Reading & Vocabulary III |
| ESL 303 Writing and Grammar III |
| ESL 304 Conversation & Idioms III |
| Level 4 Intermediate II |
| ESL 402 Reading and Vocabulary IV |
| ESL 403 Writing & Grammar IV |
| ESL 404 Conversation & Idioms IV |
| ESL 405 Critical Thinking Skills IV |
| Level 5 Advanced I |
| ESL 502 Reading & Vocabulary V |
| ESL 503 Writing and Grammar V |
| ESL 504 Conversation & Idioms V |
| ESL 505 Critical Thinking Skills II |
| Level 6 Advanced II |
| Level 6 Advanced II |
For the course descriptions, click here.
LEVEL CHANGES
Every effort is made to place students at their correct level of proficiency. Students interested in changing levels will be required to take the Digital TOEFL ITP® exam as an exit examination and must achieve scores to substantiate that they exceed the proficiency requirements in their current Level and that they are competent to be promoted to the next Level.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
- Complete a Level with the minimum prescribed score.
- Apply for graduation and meet all academic and financial requirements.
- F-1 students must maintain lawful status.
IAU’s ESL program does not prepare graduates for a specific occupation or employment and do not provide formal career planning services. However, earning a certificate of completion or recognition from an accredited English language school like IAU could help you in the job market. When writing a resume, students should definitely include any certificate(s) or award(s) earned while studying at IAU. They will show how hard you worked, and they will give your prospective employer a sense of your English proficiency level. If you complete IAU’s Business English program, the resume will look even more impressive to employers who need someone to perform business or business-related tasks in English.