The mission of the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program is to develop students’ English proficiency and provide visiting cultural exchange students with a transformative educational experience.
Program goals
The goals of the ESL Program are to:
- Increase students’ English proficiency level to meet Saint Martin’s degree program requirements
- Prepare students with academic skills necessary for success in degree programs at Saint Martin’s
- Increase students’ knowledge of American culture and values to foster engaged and active members of Saint Martin’s community
- Increase students’ English language skills through discussion and examination of Saint Martin’s Catholic Benedictine, cultural and personal values
ESL courses
The Saint Martin’s ESL program is centered on a core curriculum of academic English courses. In addition to these, one skills enhancement course will be offered at each level during an ESL term.
Full-time ESL students take 5 academic English courses and 1 to 2 skills enhancement courses per week (18 to 21 classroom hours per week).
ESL classes are structured at five levels of communicative competence: