Students who enroll at Midwest University with a TOEFL score of less than 550/213/79-80 will be required to attend ESL classes for at least one semester. Midwest University offers its students four proficiency levels of English language study. Placement into the appropriate level will be based on a pre-entrance exam, an oral interview, and a weeklong study time with the instructors.

In the past, the Midwest ESL program has been a one semester "living language" class. The purpose was to give the students information necessary to live in the new American community. The new, revised program is designed to help students prepare to find success in the Midwest academic classes offered in English. Depending on the time students need to gain this level of proficiency, they may be required to take more than one semester of ESL classes. ESL will be more intensive than in the past and will receive transcript notation for completing the credits. ESL credits do NOT decrease or increase the number of Midwest credits required for graduation. Students desiring to enroll in any academic class delivered in English are encouraged to continue ESL classes past the required number.

ESL instruction is delivered by degreed, experienced instructors in classroom settings, in language laboratory opportunities, and through cultural excursions. The student-teacher ratio is generally about 10:1, providing students with opportunities for individual assistance. Students will participate in twenty hours of instruction weekly for a term of approximately fifteen weeks. Students will be involved in six areas of language study: listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and academics.

Midwest University's academically-oriented ESL program is unlike other institutions which offer ten or fewer hours of weekly instruction. Midwest schedules 20 clock hours of learning experiences each of the semester's weeks. Additional private tutoring opportunities are possible, by arrangement through our instructors. We strive to connect our students with English opportunities in the community at large through English-partnering and relationships with local institutions. We are proud of our program and encourage your inquiries and consideration to join us in a quality ESL program.

Prof. Eunmee Lee, Ph.D.