Program Description

The ESL Program at Northern Michigan University offers three levels of instruction and MELAB test preparation.

Upon arrival, students will take a placement test and be assigned to the level that meets their language needs. There are currently three levels of instruction:

Level I--Beginning English

Level I provides basic instruction in listening comprehension, conversational English, newspaper reading and basic writing for students and tourists interested in learning survival English. Course material emphasizes everyday English usage, aiming to help students obtain communicative competence.

Level II--Intermediate English

Level II provides pre-college instruction in listening comprehension, classroom English speaking, textbook reading and composition writing for students who have achieved or are close to 173 computer-based, 500 paper-based or 61 iBT on the TOEFL exam. Course material emphasizes English comprehension, aiming to help students obtain confidence and fluency in understanding college English.

Level III--Advanced English

Level III courses provide advanced instruction in listening comprehension, classroom English speaking, academic journal reading and academic writing for students who are interested in becoming graduate assistants in American universities. Course material emphasizes English production, aiming to help students obtain confidence and competence using English to teach discipline-specific subject matters and to write academic papers.

Activity Program

Students participate in activities that are designed to familiarize them with North American culture and improve their understanding of the English language.

Students are required to participate in:

• at least one student club
• the English speaking mentor program

The ESL program staff provides support to students during the activity program. There are also optional weekend activities.