English as a Second Language

Program objective

ESL students at San Ignacio University are engaged in a course of study that provides them with the guidance and resources necessary to help them attain the highest level of English proficiency. Students’ ability to speak English proficiently will impact their lives in multiple ways, including academically, socially, professionally and personally. The ESL program compromises of six intensive levels. Student progress is consistently and accurately assessed through testing at the appropriate level of proficiency. The ESL course offerings feature curricula created specifically to meet the academic needs of SIU’s diverse student body. These courses particularly focus on articulation and literacy.

Placement Exam

Before starting the program, the student will be administered a placement exam to determine his/her level of English proficiency. Additionally, students are evaluated by instructors, who appropriately distribute grades indicating learning and growth. Grading components include grammar, oral communication, and reading, writing, and integrated language skills. In cases where any of the required components have not been met, students are required to repeat the course.

*Students must complete all subsequent levels of ESL before they are permitted to take English Comp.

Program Outcomes

The student who successfully completes the program will be able to:

• Develop abilities in grammar, reading, and writing; oral skills, and study skills. 
• Improve their fluency in producing and understand written and spoken English
• Become a more competent, efficient, and perceptive academic reader who is able to communicate with others through writing and speaking the contents and main ideas of what is read.
• Present ideas clearly and logically to achieve a specific purpose and to be appropriate for an intended audience.
• Acquire critical thinking skills as it relates to using these tools for effective communication in an academic environment.

Course Description