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The Office of Western's English as a Second Language Programs (WESL) offers an intensive program in academic English for international students who are preparing to enter an American college or university. Established in 1977, WESL is one of 50 programs in the United States accredited through the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation. WESL's accreditation is valid through December 2006.
WESL serves those international students who do not speak English as a native language and do not meet WIU's English language proficiency requirement. Courses are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters (16 weeks each) and the Summer session (8 weeks) at three class levels. The instructors all hold graduate degrees and have received special training in teaching English as a second language. Upon successful completion of the WESL program, students who meet all other admission requirements are admitted as regular degree students at WIU. These students are assisted in their transition to the University with special advising and registration sessions. As part of the Center for International Studies, WESL is working to increase the coverage and scope of ESL services to the University community while also increasing enrollments. The WESL staff works in conjunction with the Office of International Admissions and Recruitment (IAR) to improve international recruitment efforts and increase the number of international students at WIU, thus leading to expanded international experiences for all members of the campus community. WESL Mission Statement: The mission of WESL Institute is to provide an intensive program in academic English for international students who are preparing to enter an American college or university and to provide ESL support courses. The WESL curriculum is designed and taught by a professional faculty to prepare students academically, socially, and culturally for success as university students.
Full - Time Program
After a seven day orientation, classes run 16 weeks in the fall & spring semesters and 8 weeks in the summer. The summer program is roughly equivalent to a 16-week semester, and includes the additional week of Orientation before classes start. There are 20-23 hours of instruction each week. Upon arrival to WIU, you will be given a test and placed at the appropriate level. Each level includes reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar and pronunciation skills. At higher levels, special emphasis is given to lecture comprehension, note taking, academic writing, discussion, and critical thinking skills. Classes are small, averaging 10 students, so you will receive the training needed to succeed at the university. Not Just Classes In addition to language classes, there are opportunities to interact with Americans: WESL students meet with Americans for conversation regularly. Lower level WESL students meet with Conversation Mentors weekly; higher level students participate in "class exchanges" in which American students from a university class meet WESL students for conversation.
There are 2 field trips each semester to places such as the Abraham Lincoln sites in Springfield, Illinois.
There are also many opportunities to join in activities and clubs with other international students as well as Americans. Split-level enrollment Split-level enrollment is offered. Since Spring 04, WESL students can be enrolled in classes in 2 different levels. This means that a student can advance to the next level in one area (Listening/Speaking or Reading/Writing) while remaining at the same level in the other. This gives the student the chance to advance partially. After successful completion of the WESL program, you will receive an official diploma at the graduation ceremony.
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