Y-Axis Foundation Blog

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program is designed to provide equal educational opportunities to students who have a primary or home language other than English and who are English Language Learners (ELLs).

It is aimed at non-native English speakers, looking to take up a new language or validate their skills. In fact, it can help you in all areas of life, for example by allowing one to communicate better with people from different cultures and making them feel more confident in daily life skills.

ESOL qualifications give learners the competence and confidence to use their English skills in their studies and employment and other areas of their life. They give learners the opportunity to develop their English language knowledge and skills and achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

The most common types of ESL program which is part of ESOL offered in the United States are Intensive English Programs (IEP) or American Language and Culture Programs (ALCP).

English as a Second Language (ESL) programs offer international students the chance to learn English or improve their English language skills.

Intensive English Programs (IEPs)

• Can be taken for personal or professional reasons and not for academic credit
• May also be taken to prepare for U.S. College or university admission and some IEPs offer “bridge programs” that help students transfer into an academic program
• May include classes designed for any level of English proficiency
• Usually require 20-30 hours per week of intensive English language study
• Are offered at U.S. colleges and universities and at independent English language institutions

American Language and Culture Programs (ALCPs)

• Are usually taken for academic credit to prepare for, or as part of, a U.S. college or university degree program
• Often require an intermediate or advanced level of English language proficiency before enrolment
• May be taken to improve a specific academic skill, such as reading, writing, or grammar
• Will assist with adjustment to U.S. culture and campus life

 Goals of ESOL program

• Expand academic vocabulary
• Develop confidence in speaking/listening and reading/writing, including formal and informal registers
• Learn to monitor and self-correct their linguistic output
• Develop fluency in the use of higher-level grammatical structures
• Learn or improve English skills
• Develop the skills needed to find a job or get a promotion
• Prepare for college-level academic courses at South Florida State College

Levels of ESOL

There is generally Entry 1, 2, 3 Levels, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 in ESOL, highest level is (NQF level 3 / CEF C2)

A1= Entry level 1 (beginner) Basic user
A2= Entry level 2 (elementary) Basic user

B1=Entry level 3 (lower intermediate) Independent user
B2= Level 1 (upper intermediate) Independent user

C1= Level 2 (advanced) Proficient user
C2= Level 3 (proficiency) Proficient user

A2 level- Beginner course
B1 level- Intermediate course
B2 (scores 60-84%) – C1 level (scores 85 %+) – Advanced course

Cost of Attendance

Approx. Cost of Attendance to study ESOL per semester in the U.S.: $13,633.00

Requirements to study ESOL in USA for international students

Colleges in the USA offer a full-time non-credit Intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) Program for students who need to improve their language ability before beginning full-time study in a college degree program. The ESL Language Program is also intended for those who want to study English for career or social purposes. Students are given instruction in listening, reading, writing and speaking skills as well as American culture studies. A free placement exam is required before enrolment. Enrolment is on a rolling admission basis.

IELTS or TOEFL score (Minimum 5.5 IELTS and TOEFL 60 -70)

GPA 2.0 and above

Financial proof and valid F 1 Visa

Some of the Universities in the USA that has ESOL program

• Florida International University
• Keiser University
• University at Buffalo, the State University of New york
• National University
• University of Alabama
• Illinois State University
• South Florida State University