English as a Second Language (ESL)
Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of questions frequently asked by International Students. Throughout this document, Northern Michigan University is referred to by its initials, NMU.

Does NMU have an ESL program? – Yes. The English as a Second Language program accommodates all levels of English proficiency and runs during the summer, fall and winter semesters.

What does the ESL program provide? –

• conditional acceptance into the university
• beginning, intermediate and advanced English language instruction
• 18 hours per week of classroom instruction
• MELAB test preparation instruction
• small class sizes of 10 students or less

What is the goal of the ESL program? – The program helps non-native English speakers to gain confidence and fluency using the English language, and it prepares students for the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery - MELAB. Students take courses and participate in activities designed to improve their understanding of the English language used in daily situations and classroom environments. This total immersion program focuses on the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

What are the 2012-13 ESL program dates? –

• Fall Semester: August 27 – December 15, 2012
• Winter Semester: January 14 – May 4, 2013
• Summer Semester: May 22 – August 10, 2013

Does NMU administer the MELAB test? – Yes. NMU is an authorized MELAB Test Administration Site.

What are the ESL program costs? – The following costs are based on 2012-2013 tuition.

Students will pay a one-time athletic fee of $225 that permits them access to all athletic games on campus – including hockey – for their entire academic career. Optional costs: Recreational facilities pass-$70 per semester/$130 per year. Parking pass-$130 per year.

Is NMU a public or private school? – NMU is a publicly funded State university.

Is NMU a safe campus? – Yes, NMU offers a very secure environment. Being a medium sized campus, located in a city of only 23,000 people in a rural part of Michigan, the crime rate is low.

Do I need a car to attend NMU? - No, NMU is an easily navigable, compact campus in a small city; many students do not have cars. Students have access to the Wildcat Shuttle, which offers students, faculty and staff free, reliable bus transportation. For more information, go to http://www.nmu.edu/publicsafety/node/226.

How many students are at NMU? – Approximately 9,300 students attend NMU.

Are the International Students at NMU active? – Yes, the International Students at NMU have an active organization on campus called the All Nations Club. The club organizes an International Food Festival as well as other fun cultural activities.

Where is NMU located? – In the northern mid-west region of the U.S.A. Marquette is a small city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, on the southern shore of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. Three major airline hubs serve Marquette: Detroit, Michigan - 750 km; Chicago, Illinois - 640 km; and Minneapolis, Minnesota - 645 km.

Is it cold that far north? – NMU is located in the northern part of the U.S.A., so winters have cold weather and snow. The average winter temperature is -5 degrees C. However, the NMU campus has many covered walkways that allow students to move between many buildings without going outside. The winter months also provide opportunities for fun activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Can I work while attending NMU? – You may be able to work for the university for up to twenty hours per week during the fall and winter semesters, and 40 hours per week during the summer. Pay rates may vary, but expect to earn approximately US$7.40 per hour (graduate assistant pay rates and hours differ). Visa restrictions prohibit International Students from working for an employer other than the university.

Does NMU have adequate housing for students? – NMU has adequate housing on campus for all students. All students under the age of twenty-one must live on campus for two years (four semesters) or live with a host family; however, prior approval is required.

To contact the ESL Program office, e-mail esl@nmu.edu, call 906-227-2510 or fax 906-227-2533.