English as a Second Language (ESL)

The English as a Second Language course of study at Pacific States University provides non-credit academic English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to international students and non-native residents who plan to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree at Pacific States University or elsewhere. The intensive, 18-hour per week English program also serves students who wish to improve their English to meet their own professional and/or personal goals.  

Offering courses at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels, the program targets the language and academic skills needed for successful study at a university where English is the language of instruction.  These include but are not limited to: critical thinking in reading & listening, effective oral and written communication, skills & strategies for learning, and cultural awareness.  Courses in English for specific purposes and preparation courses for English language tests, including the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), are also offered.  In addition, students receive a variety of support services designed to facilitate their transition to life and study in the United States.  

Instructors in the program at PSU have advanced degrees and experience in applied linguistics, language acquisition, and second language teaching.

Advantages at PSU

• Faculty members are well educated, world traveled, and experienced. They are also kind and sympathetic to students.
• Learning materials are exciting: Illustrated books, VHS tapes, interactive videos.
• Classes are small with students from various parts of the world.
• There is an ESL Learning Laboratory with Internet connections.
• Students go on frequent all-day field trips to important Southern California attractions.
• The tuition rate for attending this accredited private university is low.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
COURSE OF STUDY

PSU offers ESL as an intensive year-round language learning program with quality instruction in the English language aimed at developing the language, academic skills, and the cultural understanding for academic, personal, and/or professional purposes.  The ESL program consists of non-credit courses offered year-round: eleven-week sessions in the fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters.  Courses at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels are 18 hours per week.  Integrated skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing are taught in each level: 

EN001 Beginning Level in English as a Second Language.
EN002 Intermediate Level in English as a Second Language
EN003 Advanced Level in English as a Second Language

Courses in English for specific purposes and preparation courses for English language tests, including the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), are also offered:

EN 004AB Preparation for English Language Exams
EN 005AB Business English

All ESL courses are taught by educated and experienced instructors using innovative techniques customized to the various learning styles and needs of our students.  The curriculum presents students with a learning experience that is enhanced by field trips, research projects using our library, Internet access in the language laboratory, and exchanges with PSU’s international student body.

Enrollment

Students will register in the appropriate class based on the level designated by the placement exam and/or the instructor.  Levels may be combined, if there is low enrollment and minimum class size is not met.

Assessment

Language evaluation (placement test) will be given to new students on the first day of school.  Students will be promoted to the next level with a grade C or better and/or approval of instructor.

Grading & Attendance

ESL classes are non-credit courses but must be taken for a letter grade.  ESL classes may not be taken for C/NC.  Students must attend class on a regular basis, unless otherwise previously arranged with the instructor.  Assessment, progress, and letter grades will be given based on midterm and/or final examination given by the class instructor.

Repeating Courses

EN 001, EN 002, or EN 003 may not be repeated, unless a grade C- or worse was received or upon approval of instructor, upon which they may repeat the course.  EN 004 and EN 005 may be repeated for the purpose of remediation.  Students must take a minimum of 2 quarters if they have an I-20 status approved for ESL study.