ESL - English as a Second Language

The ESL Program prepares students for the traditional academic program, while slowly introducing them to the campus culture and classroom experience at NEC. The director provides continual individualized English language instruction, academic advising, support, and resource referral to all international students.

New international students benefit from a comprehensive language assessment during the international student orientation to facilitate proper course placement.

During orientation, students receive an introduction to academic life at New England College and the U.S., and complete the registration process. The director assists with course selection, enabling student success while working towards a major and bachelor degree.

Eligibility

Our ESL Program is open to students with low-intermediate to intermediate level English proficiency who meet our regular admission standards. Comparable TOEFL scores would range from 450 to 549 (133 to 212 on the computer-based testing) or equivalent scores on the IELTS, Cambridge, or other English proficiency examinations.

All applicants must be at least seventeen years of age. A secondary school diploma or equivalent is required for admission. New England College reserves the right to request transcripts and other documentation if an applicant has previously attended other language schools/programs in the United States. Students must show proof of financial support before an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant [F-1] Student Status) can be issued by the College.  Students may begin the transition program either in late August or mid January.

Curriculum          

The Transition Program provides coursework in reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills combined with opportunities to participate in other academic and social offerings at the College. The main components are:

Students are taught by experienced instructors who specialize in the teaching of ESL. ESL students have access to all College facilities, including the library, medical services, gymnasium, exercise room, indoor ice arena, outside tennis courts, and basketball courts. Tutorial and computer support are available through the Pathways Academic Advising and Support Center, which is staffed with tutors trained to assist students with their language studies. To ensure personal attention, the class size for ESL is limited to ten students. An International Student Adviser and an immigration specialist are available for counseling.

Living Accomodations

Transition Program students live on campus with an English-speaking student and eat in the College dining hall. We believe it is valuable to the language and learning experience for students to meet and interact with as many English-speaking students as possible.  In this way, students can become more quickly integrated into the campus culture.

Orientation Program

In addition to the academic program, the ESL Program provides many opportunities for interpersonal and cultural immersion through local and regional area travel. We believe this type of cross-cultural experience is important to the success of ESL students. From the Henniker campus, trips to Lexington, Massachusetts (historic in the American Revolution), Montreal, Canada, Boston, Massachusetts, and local areas around campus are organized by the program director. All trips are designed to blend English training, recreation, and cultural discovery.

 ESL Program Outline

Courses in English as a Second Language: The courses in this section are worth a combined total of six (6) credits.

• 10 hours per week of intensive ESL study

• 2 hours per week of cross-cultural awareness

General Education Courses

The courses in this section are worth a total of three (3) credits per course. Course selection will be completed at the discretion of the program director.

• 3 hours per week of General Education study, and/or

• 3 hours per week of Math (or other non-language dependent study)

Tutorial Support

• Three hours per week of tutorial support (One hour is mandatory for ESL students)

• Subject tutoring

• Reading comprehension

• Time management

• Writing support

• Test taking practices

Other Courses

Students may receive up to one credit for courses in sports, music, and computers.

Sample of First Semester Classes (12 Credits Required for Visa)

• 6 Credits - ESL 1150 4 days a week /10 hours

• 6 Credits - Courses from regular course catalog with Director's/Advisor's approval

• 1-3 One Credit courses – Courses in sports, music, and computers are available.

Sample of Second Semester Classes

• 3 Credits – ESL 1190 3 days a week

• 9 Credits - Courses from regular course catalog with Director/Advisor's approval

• 1-3 One-credit courses – Courses in sports, music, and computers are available

Additional activities include:

• Friday afternoons consist of acculturation trips and activities

• Cultural Trip to Montreal, Canada

• Pathways Center Academic Support:  1 hour a week minimum

• Required extra-curricular activities: 2+ hours a week

• Students may participate in Study Abroad Programs in years two or three