WESL FAQs
Q: What score do I need on the TOEFL to enter Western Illinois University?
A: You need a 213 (CBT) or 550 (PBT) or 80 (iBT) TOEFL score to enter Western Illinois University for most degree programs. Note the TOEFL requirements are different for the following departments at WIU:
- Chemistry minimum 197 CBT/530 PBT
- Communication minimum 237 CBT/580 PBT
- Educational Administration & Supervision minimum 230 CBT/575 PBT
- English minimum 230 CBT/575 PBT
- Law Enforcement & Justice Administration minimum 190 CBT/520 PBT
- Mathematics minimum 173 CBT/500 PBT
- Physics minimum 173 CBT/500 PBT
Q: Can I attend Western Illinois University if I have not yet taken the TOEFL?
A: Yes. You can take the WESL Placement Test and study English at WESL Institute; this is called Conditional Admission. After you have successfully completed the WESL program, you have met the English language requirement at Western Illinois University and can pursue a degree program on the condition that you meet the University and departmental criteria for admission. Please contact our International Admissions office for more information on our undergraduate and graduate programs. Western Illinois University offers 58 undergraduate degrees, 37 Master degree programs, and a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) program.
Q: What is the WESL Placement Test?
A: The WESL Placement Test is given at the beginning of each semester to each non-native-English speaking student who does not meet the English language requirement for studying at Western Illinois University. Students must take the WESL Placement Test during new student orientation week of the same semester they plan to begin their studies: in August for each Fall semester; in January for each Spring semester; and in late May/early June for the Summer term. Students are not allowed to take the exam earlier than the semester they plan to attend WESL and/or Western Illinois University without written permission from the WESL Director or Assistant Director. Based on your score, you will place into one of three levels and/or be required to take WESL extended course(s). The WESL Placement Test includes a writing, listening, and multiple-choice component that tests reading, grammar, and vocabulary skills.
Q: What are the four different ESL course levels at WESL?
A: Foundation (Basic), Low-Intermediate, Intermediate, and University Preparation (Advanced). Below are course descriptions:
Foundation (WESL 010): Basic language and academic skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, pronunciation; reading strategies; sentence to paragraph writing, guided note-taking; conversation and simple discussion; computer skills. Orientation to American life and culture. 23 hours per week. Non-credit.
Low-Intermediate (WESL 015): Development of pre-intermediate language and academic skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking and pronunciation. Students who possess a basic knowledge of these skills but need extra practice in reading strategies and comprehension, pronunciation and speaking, as well as improving paragraph-writing skills typically place into this level. There is also a strong emphasis on grammar and spelling. Orientation to American life and culture. 23 hours per week. Non-credit.
Intermediate (WESL 020): Development of intermediate language and academic skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking and pronunciation. Reading strategies; paragraph to essay writing; note-taking and lecture comprehension; discussion and speeches; computer skills. Orientation to American life and culture. 23 hours per week. Non-credit.
University Preparation (Advanced) (WESL 030): Development of advanced academic and language skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking and pronunciation; test taking; library and Internet research, essays and research paper; lecture comprehension and note-taking; interpersonal and intercultural communication; public speaking; computer skills. 23 hours per week Non-credit.
Q: If my English skills are strong enough, can I be a part-time ESL student and part-time university student and take only either Reading/Writing or Listening/Speaking?
A: Yes. Based on your Placement Test score and/or your performance in WESL courses as well as teacher recommendations, you may place into our Dual Program (WESL 040). Students in the Dual Program enroll in University Preparation (UP) 10 hours a week and up to six hours of graduate courses or eight hours of undergraduate courses in the university. WESL coursework is noncredit.
Q: Once I have graduated from WESL Institute, do I need to take the TOEFL exam to enter Western Illinois University?
A: No. If you have been accepted by WIU and have successfully completed the WESL program, you do not need to take the TOEFL exam to study at WIU.
Q: What if I have completed the WESL program and/or I want to improve specific English skills?
A: You may take any of our extension courses (noncredit), most of which are offered in the evening. Course descriptions are below:
WESL 045 - Advanced Spoken and Written Grammar
A multi-skilled approach to advanced grammatical competencies for matriculated students who are non-native speakers of English and for University Preparation and Dual Program students enrolled in the WESL Institute.
WESL 050 - Advanced Dual/Advanced English for Academic Purposes
An English for Academic Purposes support course for matriculated non-native speakers with advanced skills in English. Students who place into the WESL Institute Advanced Dual Program may take up to 8 hours of graduate or 10 hours of undergraduate credit courses.
WESL 055 - Advanced Pronunciation
An intensive course aimed at helping upper-level ESL students and full-time university students improve their pronunciation skills toward gaining better oral fluency and presentations.
WESL 060 - TOEFL Preparation
Intensive preparation and practice for the TOEFL, test of English as a foreign language, for matriculated non-native speakers of English and University Preparation and Dual Program students enrolled in WESL Institute.
WESL 065 - American Culture ESL
Advanced course that examines various aspects of American culture, including important events, background information, and analysis of the following cultural topics: immigration; lifestyles in different locations within the U.S.; holidays; leaders; economy; government; sociological information; sports; education policy, and more.
WESL 070 - Business ESL
Advanced course that focuses on helping students improve their knowledge of business, economics, and related fields of study; this course is especially helpful for students pursuing degrees in any business-related field. While it includes advanced vocabulary and readings/listenings, the goal of the course is to better prepare international students for University courses by providing an introduction to the world of busineess within an ESL framework.
Q: What if some of my English skills are stronger than others?
A: Split-level enrollment is offered at WESL Institute (based on Placement Test score and instructor recommendation). This means you may take Reading & Writing courses at one level and Listening & Speaking courses at another level. For example, if your conversation and listening ability is stronger than your writing and reading comprehension, you may take Listening & Speaking at the University Preparation level (WESL 030) and Reading & Writing at the Intermediate level (WESL 020).
Q: What if I need extra help with a particular skill area?
A: WESL offers an integrated lab course which focuses on grammar, pronunciation, listening, and computer lab skills to help students develop their knowledge and use of English. This course is required of all WESL students and follows the curriculum at each specific level of study.
Q: Does WESL offer help in the transition from ESL study to full-time undergraduate or graduate study at WIU?
A: Yes. The University Preparation curriculum (WESL 030) includes a lab, Bridge to University (one hour per week), which helps students prepare for full-time university study. Students are introduced to academic advisors, major requirements, university libraries, the writing center, etc.
Q: Will I get an opportunity to improve my conversation skills outside of class?
A: Yes. A Conversation Mentors Program (click on the link on this website for more details about this program) is offered at WIU in which WESL students meet weekly with American students, professors, and members of the Macomb community to talk about various topics related to student coursework at WESL. In addition, all WESL students may participate in another program, Conversation Partners, which is available for all international students at WIU.
Q: Will someone help me arrange housing, become familiar with WESL Institute and WIU, explain the WESL Placement Test, and open a bank account when I arrive in Macomb?
A: Yes - this is all included in New Student Orientation, which takes place the week before the first week of each semester at WIU. The Orientation leader will help you with every step in the process of becoming acquainted with WESL, WIU, and Macomb. (Please see "Orientation" in the Student Activities section for more information.)
Q: What is the background of the teachers at WESL Institute?
A: All the WESL teachers possess graduate degrees in ESL and/or ESL-related fields. They have extensive international experience - all have traveled to several countries, lived in other countries, studied abroad, and/or speak other languages - and enjoy helping students develop their English skills.
