English as a Second Language Institute - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about the ESL program

What will I study in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program?
Five days each week you will have classes from 8 a.m. until noon. There are 3 or 4 levels: beginner, elementary, intermediate, and advanced. The "beginner" level may not be offered every session. Our usual class schedule is:

8:00-9:05 a.m. - Writing class
9:15-10:00 a.m. - Reading class
10:10-10:55 a.m. - Speaking class
11:05-11:50 a.m. - Listening class

After lunch you can meet with tutors for extra practice or help with homework. You can also use the 8 computer labs on campus to prepare your writing homework and to do research on the internet.

When do ESL classes begin?
ESL offers seven sessions each year:

Spring 1 (8 weeks) January to March
Spring 2 (8 weeks) March to May
Summer 1 (4 weeks) May to June
Summer 2 (4 weeks) June to July
Summer 3 (4 weeks) July to August
Fall 1 (8 weeks) August to October
Fall 2 (8 weeks) October to December

Are ESL classes accredited by a professional accrediting association?
Yes, all ESL and St. Norbert College classes are accredited by North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

How long will it take to complete the ESL Program?
One level may take 4 months to complete. Students may only advance to the next level in January, May, and August. Students who begin in our elementary level should plan a minimum of 12 months to complete all levels. Some students may need up to 16 months to complete all levels.

Does St. Norbert College offer "conditional" admission?
Yes, students who are qualified for College admission but who do not have a TOEFL or IELTS score can apply for admission to a degree program. When students arrive at St. Norbert College, they take a language placement test. If language skills are weak, students study in the ESL program before beginning their degree program.

Can ESL students take college courses?
ESL students can attend college courses after they complete ESL advanced level classes or obtain a TOEFL score of 550/80. IELTS score of 6.5.

Can ESL students apply for admission to a degree program at St. Norbert College?
ESL students are encouraged to apply for admission to St. Norbert College. Application is easy. You need to these documents:
1. Application Form
2. Financial statements showing money is available to pay school fees.
3. Secondary school grades with English translation. Grade average should be "B" or better.
4. Optional: an essay explaining why you want to study at St. Norbert College.

Can I get a scholarship to study at St. Norbert College?
Yes, merit scholarships up to $12,000 per year are available to qualified students. Leadership grants may also be available. Please view the scholarship guidelines

What level will I be in?
On the first day of class, new students take an English placement test. Your placement test will include writing a short essay, speaking to a teacher, and taking a listening and reading test. Your teachers will correct the tests and assign you to classes that are best for you. During the first week of classes, you may request a change in level. Your teachers will decide if you should change level. After the first week of class, schedule changes are not allowed.

How many students will be in my classes?
The average class size is usually about 10 students. The maximum class size is 15. From August to May each year, about 50-60 students are enrolled in the ESL classes. In June, July, and August there may be 50-80 students enrolled in all levels.

How much are ESL fees?
2009-10: ESL tuition, fees, room, meals, insurance and books – approximately $2,100 each month
2010-11: ESL tuition, fees, room, meals, insurance and books – approximately $2,200 each month

Note: fees increase about 4 percent each year in August

How can I pay fees?
About two weeks after classes begin you will receive an invoice for ESL fees, room, meals and insurance. Students pay fees in the college's finance office. Fees can also be paid online with a credit card at http://www.snc.edu/financedepartment.

How do I get a student visa?
Look at the U.S. Embassy web site in your country for instructions on how to apply for an F-1 student visa. You can also find visa instructions at: http://educationusa.state.gov/usvisa.

What do I have to do to graduate from the ESL program?
To graduate from the ESL program with a recommendation to begin university classes, students must finish all classes in the ESL advanced level. A passing grade is "B/C" or higher. For more information view the ESL graduation requirements. Students who receive grades below "B/C" must repeat the level.

Can I enroll in St. Norbert College degree classes after I finish the ESL program?
Some ESL students enroll in St. Norbert College degree programs after they finish the ESL program. Students can apply for admission to St. Norbert College without a TOEFL score if they successfully finish the ESL advanced level classes.

Do I have to take the TOEFL test?
No, you do not have to take the TOEFL test while you are in the ESL program. The ESL program offers the Institutional TOEFL (paper-based) test at various times during the year. There is a fee of $25 for students who want to take the test. The ESL Institute does not offer the iBT TOEFL.

Will I receive a certificate of completion when I leave the ESL program?
Yes, you will receive a certificate of attendance or certificate of completion at our graduation ceremony at the end of the session.

Can I transfer to another school?
Yes, you can transfer to another school after you have paid your fees and notified the director of your intent to transfer. We hope you will not transfer to another school, but you have the right to do so.