English as a Second Language

Within the Bachelor of Arts, St. Thomas offers a unique English as a Second Language (ESL) program for students whose level of English proficiency is not high enough to pursue regular studies at an English-language university.

Students are provided the opportunity to begin university studies for credit while they continue to improve their language skills in a planned, individualized program of study.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this program, students must have TOEFL scores between 61 and 89, IELTS 5.0 and 6.5, or the equivalent on other tests. A combination of ESL courses and adapted courses in other disciplines enables students to achieve the level of proficiency in English necessary to be successful in regular university studies. All of the courses that students take in the ESL program carry academic credit.

A personal approach guides the ESL curriculum. Every student who has not yet fully mastered English is tested through an oral interview, a vocabulary and grammar test, and an essay assignment. Based on the results of these tests, an individualized curriculum is developed for each student suitable for his or her level. The curriculum will be challenging, but not overwhelming.

Contact

Chris Van den Broeck

Coordinator

E-mail: cvan@stu.ca

Holy Cross House, Room G2

Penny Granter

Departmental Assistant

Email: granter@stu.ca

Holy Cross House, Room 206

Phone: 506-460-0366

Fax: 506-460-0330

Faculty

James, Arthur, BA, MA (UNB), MA, TESL (Toronto)

Lecturer

Van den Broeck, Chris, BA (King's), MA TESL/TEFL (Birmingham), PhD (candidate) (UNB)

Lecturer and Coordinator