ESL (English as a second language) Certificate of English Language Studies

The one year ESL Certificate Program offers a distinctive experience for international students who wish to study English in the United States. The requested courses are sequenced and integrated such that students who wish to study for a year and then return to their homes have substantially improved English proficiency, a greater understanding of American culture, and practical skills. Another unique feature of the certificate program is the tutoring aspect: each ESL student will be paired with an American student for one hour of daily individual tutoring. They also will have had the experience of close interaction with American students through shared experiences, e.g. dorm life and other college activities.

For those students who wish to pursue the B.A. or B.S. degree, the program is intended to improve English proficiency so they will be able to take regular courses. Upon acceptance into the B.A. or B.S. program (contingent on meeting TOEFL and all other requirements for admission), they will receive regular academic credit for the ESL courses, which will count toward the 124 required for graduation. They will then take the required Integrative General Education courses, complete the requirements for a major, and fulfill any other requirements needed for graduation. Students receive the full benefit of the Christian liberal arts education Northwestern College offers, plus a Northwestern College Certificate of English as a Second Language.