Learning English

Choosing a secondary school and an ESL program may be one of the most important decisions you make in your lifetime. The following steps should be helpful:

Before they begin classes at The Bolles School in Florida, new international students whose native language is not English are encouraged to enroll in the school’s four-week Summer ESL Program. They acquire additional proficiency in English and to become acquainted with the American way of life, and also get to know the faculty, students and the school activities. Because Bolles is located near a river, students enjoy swimming and boating in their free time. Every international student at The Webb School in Tennessee is assigned to the family of a student whose parents live nearby. Before school starts in the fall, the students from overseas spend a few days with their local families. The purpose is to make them feel comfortable, far from home. They return during the shorter “breaks” or vacations. These visits help with the adjustment to a new language and culture. At St. Johnsbury Academy in Vermont, the ESL program includes “protected” English and history courses. The goal is to help non-native speakers develop language and study skills, so they can eventually take standard English and history classes with U.S. students. St Johnsbury Academy, Vermont

Step 1: How do you know if you need ESL?

Most applicants to U.S. universities have had exposure to the English language. However, your basic comprehension and grammar may not be sufficient to apply to a U.S. university or college.

• You are able to read and comprehend most English texts
• You have a high level of grammatical competence in writing and speaking
• You have a strong command of vocabulary and functional language
• You can follow and understand lectures

If not, a boarding school ESL program would be ideal for you.

Step 2: How should you evaluate an ESL program?

• Development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills
• Flexibility in course selection
• Content-based instruction as well as English language classes
• TOEFL preparation and testing
• Individual support and tutoring for both ESL and non-ESL courses
• Motivated and well-trained faculty
• Small student-to-teacher ratio
• Encouragement in expressing ideas and opinions openly
• Focus on study and organizational skills
• Emphasis on time management
• Incorporation of advanced technology in classes

Step 3: What should you look for when choosing a boarding school that offers ESL?

• Equal distribution of international students from different cultures
• School-sponsored activities to help integration with American students
• A community where students feel at home, safe, and respected
• Planned multi-cultural events
• A strong guidance system in which students meet individually with an adviser to discuss their personal needs, worries, ideas, and goals
• Opportunities for leadership in student government, clubs, academic areas, and dormitory life

Questions International Students often Ask:

How old should I be when I start studying ESL?

Enrolling as early as possible, ideally in your 9th grade year or earlier, will allow you at least 2-3 years of intensive English instruction and at least one year of transition to mainstream courses before applying to a university. Repeating a grade to strengthen your English is often advisable, as long as age does not pose a problem. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to achieve proficiency.

In addition, keep in mind that universities rely heavily on TOEFL and SAT scores for their admission process. The most competitive colleges will also require that you take at least three SAT II tests in the field of your choice. Therefore, the longer you study in the U.S.A. and practice English in its natural environment, the better chance you have for achieving strong test results.

How do schools decide if I need an ESL program?

Assessment procedures vary from school to school. Most applications will ask you to submit several writing samples on specified topics, usually about yourself. It is important that these essays be your own work, no matter how awkward you think they are. They are a good indication of your writing skills and ability to express your thoughts.

You will probably set up a telephone interview with an admissions director or ESL coordinator. This person will ask you a variety of questions. Listen carefully and ask the speaker to repeat the question if necessary. Try to speak in full sentences but be calm and natural.

Some schools might require you to take the SLEP Test (Secondary Level English Proficiency), the Michigan English Language Institute Proficiency tests, the TOEFL Exam, or the SSAT in order to complete the admissions process.

Should I attend a Spring or Summer ESL program?

If you have already been accepted to or are in the process of applying to U.S. boarding schools, and the school year in your home country ends before March 15th, then you should consider a spring ESL program.

If you are planning to graduate from high school in your home country but would like to experience a fun-filled American academic and cultural experience, then you should apply to any of the numerous summer programs at U.S. boarding schools.

Whether you choose one or both of these programs, they will give you the opportunity to become accustomed to different teaching methods and an American classroom. You will experience boarding school life and American culture. Without the pressure of grades and credit courses, you can concentrate on learning English.

Integrating With The American Community

Learning English and learning about American culture can be fun!

At Solebury School, a Conversation Partners Program has been bringing the American and International community together. American partners are paired with international students. Each pair meets twice a week to discuss different topics. Then they each write their impressions in a journal.

In addition to discussions, students often do something fun together, such as listen to music, make ice cream sundaes, or play a game. These activities are so successful that several groups often join together for an off campus activity such as dinner or the movies. This, in turn, allows the international students to become more comfortable speaking and interacting in a group setting, while at the same time meeting new friends. At the end of the year students are given academic credit for successful participation in the program.

Although talking with American students can be frightening in the beginning, Solebury’s ESL students are excited about the program. Seung Ho Ha, from Korea, says, “The Conversation Partner program offers international students close relationships with American students, helps them understand the American culture and allows them to assimilate into the community.”

Not only have American and international students made lifelong friendships, but the international students take more risks, branch out and join many activities, sit with others at meals and in classes, and speak English consistently

Patarasiri (Amy) Virutamavongsa, from Thailand, says, “The Conversation Partner program is amazing! I was invited to Brittany’s Thanksgiving dinner and learned the story of Hanukah. She is my American best friend.”