The Intensive English Language Program
 The ELC offers an intensive English language program to international and domestic students whose first languages are not English. The program is offered in summer, fall and spring semesters. All courses at the center are noncredit.
The intensive English language program provides instructions in English language skills necessary for academic success and career advancement.Courses at the ELC are offered at three levels: beginning, intermediate, and advanced. The program serves the following types of students:
- For prospective undergraduate students whose TOFEL scores are below minimally required for admission to a college or university in the United States,
- For international students who are conditionally admitted to a college or a university in the United States due to insufficient English language skills.
- For students who are admitted to a college or a university in the United States but wish to further improve their English language abilities,
- For students who wish to concentrate on using English effectively in specific areas such as business, travel, international aid and cooperation, teaching English as a foreign language, etc.
- For domestic students whose first languages are not English
Upon admission to the ELC, students will be given a test to determine their level of the English language proficiency. Based on the test results, they will be placed in classes at any one of the three levels.
Summer Courses
 Each summer, the ELC offers a six-week intensive English language program. Classes start the first week of July.
Students take four courses in the six-week program. Each course meets for one hour and 20 minutes a day for five days each week over a six week period, As an intensive program, the ELC requires students to have 26.5 hours of ESL instruction and at least two hours of American cultural activities each week. Students taking summer ESL classes will have a total of 171 hours of instruction in addition to computer labs and tutorials.
Fall and Spring Courses
The ELC offers a 14-week intensive program during the fall or spring semester. The fall semester typically starts the last week of August and ends about three weeks before the Christmas holiday. The spring semester typically starts the middle of January and ends the first week of May.
Students would take five courses each semester. Each class meets for one hour and 20 minutes a day and three days a week. As an intensive program, the ELC requires students to have 20 hours of ESL instruction and at least two hours of American cultural activities each week. Students taking either fall or spring semester courses will have a total of 308 hours of instruction in addition to computer labs and tutorials.
The Bridge Program
The Bridge Program provides advanced-level students with an opportunity to start regular credit-bearing courses at WSU while continuing courses in the intensive program. Admission to the Bridge Program requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and approval from the director of the ELC. Normally, a bridge student takes two ELC courses along with one or two credit courses of their choice each semester.
Customized Programs
ELC also customizes programs for universities and institutions that wish to bring students in groups. Customized programs are for summers only. Contact the ELC office for details.
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