The ESL Academy

The ESL Academy at Northeastern State University is a department within the Languages and
Literatures department in the College of Liberal Arts. The program provides English language
instruction in an intensive English program (IEP) in preparation for Academic studies in the United States, or for English use worldwide. Hours of instruction range from between 18 and 24 hours per week, based on student need and interest.

The focus of the intensive English program is preparation of international students for study in the United States in institutions of higher learning. We provide instruction across the four skill areas of language – listening, reading, speaking and writing – in addition to courses on academic culture, test preparation and English grammar.

Mission

We promote communicative competence of English language learners through instruction in
reading, writing, listening, speaking and American culture. We provide instruction that prepares
students to be successful in their pursuits within American academic culture and society. We
provide language education that enables speakers to utilize English in today’s globalized society.

Vision

We will create an IEP that promotes communicative competence, ensures academic success,
and fosters intercultural understanding and international communication through English
language education.

Goals

• We will provide a comprehensive, communicative English language education that promotes long-term acquisition of language skills. This is accomplished through communicative and task-based English instruction.
• Students will receive instruction that enables them to achieve at or above the required score for
  matriculation (500 on TOEFL iBT or ITP) within six semesters of English study.
• Students will develop an understanding of American academic and social culture that enables
  them to succeed in their studies at an American institution of higher learning and in their career
  pursuits worldwide.

Structure of the Intensive English Program

The IEP follows the normal academic calendar of Northeastern State University. Each semester consists of sixteen weeks, with courses currently being offered in the fall and spring of each academic year. Each semester in the IEP will end on the Thursday before NSU’s scheduled finals week. The end of semester (EOS) TOEFL ITP will typically take place on the Friday before NSU’s scheduled finals week.

Structure of ESL Academy Courses

The ESL Academy utilizes the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) global scale to develop the curriculum, evaluate students, and monitor progress.

The ESL Academy includes instruction focused on learners from the basic (beginner) level through to the independent user level. The independent user levels (CEFR B1-B2) are focused on promoting and building fluency and capacity to utilize the language in everyday interactions in and outside of American academic institutions.

We offer a course in each of the four skills that we call the core courses. These are reading, writing, speaking and listening. We also offer one elective course based on student interest. Examples include English grammar, American academic culture and conversation, and TOEFL preparation. Each student in the ESL academy will take one section of each of the core courses and one elective per semester.

Assessment: TOEFL ITP

Currently, each ESL Academy student is required to take the TOEFL ITP twice per semester – once at the beginning of the semester (BOS) and once at the end of the semester (EOS). The BOS test enables the program to gauge placement and progress from the previous session. The EOS enables a gauge of progress and preparation for progression in the IEP or matriculation into NSU. Currently, the state of Oklahoma requires a 500 combined score on the TOEFL Internet Based Test (iBT) or Paper-based Test (PBT) in order to be admitted into an institution of higher education. At Northeastern State University, students must receive a combined score of 500 on the TOEFL ITP in order to be admitted as a full- time student. Prior to admittance and matriculation as a full-time student, TOEFL ITP scores from each student will be used for assignment to a corresponding level and course.

Pricing Structure

ONE-TIME COSTS
International Student Application Fee	$25 (non-refundable)
International Student Orientation	$50
Subtotal	$75

 

ESTIMATED COSTS (PER SEMESTER)
Tuition	$4,280
Placement Testing	$50
Books and Materials	$560
Medical Insurance	$550 (subject to change)
Subtotal	$5,440

 

OPTIONAL ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
Room	$1,700 (and up)
Meal Plan	$1,700 (and up)
Subtotal	$3,400
Total Costs (per semester)	$8,915

Monthly Short-term Program Structure & Pricing

This document outlines the structure and pricing of potential short-term programs on offer with other universities. These prices are meant to serve as a guide for the construction and customization of particular programs. The pricing below is reflective of the cost structure for a 1-month program. If a longer program is desired, the price would then be compounded by the number of months for the program. Effort has been made for this price to be as accurate as possible. However, the price might increase based on changes made to the program structure or events and activities. For questions or for additional information please contact Dr. Svetlana Koltovskaia, koltovsk@nsuok.edu.

1-month program:
Total cost per student participant: $3,500.00
Includes:

• Lodging on campus (Leoser; subject to availability)
• Meal plan (80 meals/month)
• Transportation to and from Tulsa airport
• Transportation to events and activities
• Admission to events and activities
• Course instruction (see program course options & objectives)
• Student assistants
• Books & materials
• Farewell meeting & meal

Short-term (1 Month) Program Course Options & Objectives

The courses outlined below are available for the duration of the (1) month program. These outlines are meant to provide direction and insight into what we can offer. Alterations and customization of course focus and objectives are possible based on needs and goals of the program.

English for Academic Purposes

This course is designed to expose students to the trends and tendencies within Academic English. Namely, through discourse analysis and recreation, this course is designed to enable students to gain a stronger understanding of the rhetorical structure and forms used in a variety of academic genres including lectures, presentations, emails, essays and research papers. Additionally, students will benefit from developing a stronger sense of vocabulary, grammar and rhetoric readily employed within the academic register.

Students will be able to:

• Recognize and analyze rhetorical structure in different academic discourses.
• Identify and utilize structure, vocabulary and phrases preferred within their target academic genre.
• Employ analytical strategies to interpret and recreate different genres of academic texts.
• Identify trends, tendencies and expectations within academic culture in the United States.

Foundations of English Language

This course serves as a survey of the English language. Encompassing all four language skills (speaking, listening, writing, and reading), this course aims to enhance students’ understanding and production of the English language. In addition to authentic skill-centered practice, this course offers attention to grammatical and lexical features of the English language.

Students will be able to:

• Express their ideas fluently in written and oral forms.
• Identify main ideas and key vocabulary in writing and speech.Recognize the form and function of grammatical features and apply that knowledge in communicative efforts.
• Apply knowledge of grammar and vocabulary to edit their own texts and speech.
• Recognize strategies and expectations for high-stakes English tests

Culture and Conversations

This course serves as an introduction to English language speaking and conversation, as well as a survey of American academic, social and popular culture. The focus of this program is an introduction to spoken English, conversational strategies and familiarity with major aspects of American culture.

Students will be able to:

• Reflect upon cultural norms present within American Culture
• Engage in dialogue surrounding historical and cultural events in the U.S.
• Distinguish between cultural values/practices in the U.S. and around the world
• Discuss the relationship between historical events and current American ideology

Short-term (1 Month) Events and Activities

The events and activities will vary based on the time of year and desires of the students and faculty. However, listed below are some potential places to visit and activities.

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

• Stickball (Cherokee National game)
• NSU sporting events
• Cherokee Heritage Museum
• Cherokee National History Museum
• Cherokee Capitol
• Outdoor excursions to the Illinois River
• Homestays with community members
• Shopping & Restaurants

Tulsa, Oklahoma

• Shopping
• Sporting events
• Zoo
• Aquarium
• Cultural events and performances

Stillwater, Oklahoma

• College Sporting Events
• Restaurants
• Shopping

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Professional Sporting Events
• Shopping
• State Capitol

Fayetteville, Arkansas

• College Sporting Events
• Shopping
• Hiking & Outdoor Excursions

Dallas, Texas

• Shopping
• Professional Sporting Events

The IEP offers courses on six levels (Beginner 1 and 2, Intermediate 1 and 2, and Advanced 1 and 2). Incoming students are placed in one of the six levels based on their performance on placement tests. Students will attend 20 hours of classroom activities and instruction each week in core subjects, developing their abilities in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture. Each level is designed to be a 14-week course of study, and students will be placed at an appropriate level to encourage their progress. Each 14-week period begins at the same time as the regular academic calendar (Fall and Spring). The length of time necessary to complete the entire program (all six levels from Beginner 1 through Advanced 2) would typically take one to two years. The actual time will vary, depending on the student's prior knowledge of English, diligence, motivation, and rate of progress. Students will be placed at the appropriate level based on accurate assessments of their language skills, and the TOEFL will be administered at the end of each semester.

The ESL Academy attends to the needs of individual students. In addition to the 24 hours of classroom instruction, the Academy will assist students who need academic support, such as tutoring, or other services. The Academy coordinates activities with the Office of International Programs, providing cultural experiences and volunteer opportunities. All of the additional services are integral to a student's success in the program because we want students to be comfortable enough to become part of our community.

Classes in the IEP begin late August and run through the beginning of December with a fall break in October and a Thanksgiving break in November.

For information on other ESL Academy Programs, contact us at: esl@nsuok.edu

One-Time Costs
International Student Application Fee $25 (non-refundable)
International Student Orientation $50
Subtotal $75

Estimated Costs (per semester)
Tuition $4280
Placement Testing $50
Books and Materials $560
Medical Insurance $550 (subject to change)
Subtotal $5440

Optional On-Campus Housing
Room $1700 (and up)
Meal Plan $1700 (and up)
Subtotal $3400
Total Costs (per semester) $8915

While we accept students with no prior study of English, please realize that the lower your level of English, the longer it will take you to become proficient.

As a student completes each level, the student will receive a progress report. The progress report will show grades, attendance records, and performance evaluations. Institutional TOEFL exams are administered at the end of each 14-week session (Fall, Spring, and Summer). TOEFL scores will be recorded in progress reports. Students who leave the ESL Academy before achieving TOEFL scores of at least 500 (61 iBT) will receive Certificates of Attendance. Students who achieve TOEFL scores of 500 (61 iBT) or higher will receive Certificates of Proficiency. The ESL Academy administers an institutional TOEFL at the end of each semester (cost included in program fees). Any additional administrations of the TOEFL are at the student's expense.

On-campus
There are many housing options on campus to choose from. Visit the Housing & Resident Life website for more information: https://offices.nsuok.edu/housing/HousingRates.aspx
 
Off-campus
The ESL Academy does not provide off-campus housing services. However, there are a number of sources available, such as:

• Zillow.com
• Realtor.com
• Rentals.com

The ESL Academy students have many of the same privileges as regularly enrolled NSU students. These include access to the John Vaughan Library, the FIT Center, and the University Center. The ESL Academy students are also eligible to attend sports and cultural events at student rates.

 

The events and activities will vary based on the time of year and desires of the students and faculty. However, listed below are some potential places to visit and activities.

Students in the ESL Academy must arrive on campus a week before school start. The Office of International Programs provides students with a week of orientation before the semester begins, introducing students to NSU and assisting them with their entrance into the campus community. During this orientation week, students will also take placement tests and be introduced to the ESL Academy.

 

The ESL Academy is housed in Wilson Hall 352 on the main campus in Tahlequah in the Department of Languages and Literature.