How to Choose a Good ESL Program
Students hoping to study abroad often need to show English Language Test marks. When not available, completion of an ESL or EAP program could be required.
These programs could be very fulfilling. They can help you gain confidence, meet friends, and build a support network before starting school. They also cost both money and time.
For example, this is a sample info table of Culturework’s English programs:
More info on Culturework’s programs here
To get a successful learning experience, here are some questions you should ask yourself in choosing an ESL program.
1. What is the difference between EAP and ESL?
English as a Second Language (ESL) programs usually prepare students for everyday English communication. Think of conversations on directions, describing a scene, and telling stories from different cultures.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs should train you on academic vocabulary, composition, comprehension, and vocal communications. You typically need to have command of ESL at the higher levels (e.g. 4–5 out of 6 levels) to benefit fully from EAP programs. Think of describing graphs, using longer sentences, using appropriate examples, and talking about abstract ideas.
EAP could take time to develop even for native speakers. You’ll be surprised how EAP is still formally taught in various forms, from bachelor’s programs right up to MBA.
Academic Pathway programs could come with courses outside of pure English learning to prepare for university studies or conditional offers to selected programs within selected schools.
2. What exactly do I need?
Language centers often have placing tests to place you into an appropriate level if you haven’t taken an English test. It is good to get advice from your language centers as they have experience with students’ common needs.
In the meantime, it is up to you to know what you need and make sure you get it. Do you feel that you need to speak with native speakers or get comfortable with many different foreign accents? Do you need more listening exercise with varied vocabulary or a good refresher in essay writing? Some programs help you customize modules to assemble a better fit, while others could have a set of modules designed in proportion.
3. Are there partner schools with my ESL program? How do I go from ESL to my desired degree or diploma program?
It’s important to know your language centers and how their program could get you to the university or college program you want. Some of the centers are based in your future university and could offer course credits, some programs can help you secure a conditional offer to the school you qualify, while some offers only the English training. Often, the conditional offers are extended to selected programs or departments only, and subject to pre-screening. You need to know both the final outcome and the conditions to get on the pathway.
4. Does the timing fit my daily schedule and overall college planning?
Do you need a quick 2 to 4 weeks touch-up or a good 4-month fully immersed in the experience? When can you start your ESL program? If you did not pass the level, would the timing allow you to reattempt or miss an academic semester? If the program is delivered online, do the live class or live conversation session (a must-have!) happen at night for you or during the day? Programs with similar content could be world-apart in their value to you, given different timings. Give this some serious thoughts.
5. How is my progress evaluated?
Some programs will grant you a certificate if you complete all the modules, while for others the certificate may be contingent on passing a test either designed by the program or externally (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo/etc.) Knowing a clear finish line could be helpful in planning and for working diligently.
6. Do I get a community?
One key thing about EAP/ESL programs is the people you’ll meet. These programs, designed with many live conversation sessions, usually warrant a lot more opportunities to interact with your classmates than a typical college class. Having a cohort to start and finish the program with, in particular, helps you find solidarity and friendship. You’ll need this when you start your work or study. When looking at a program, consider cohort/no cohort and classmate/no constant classmate a factor.
7. How much does it cost, in total?
You need to know everything that you have to pay for. Your final quote should have a policy that includes how to start the program (registration/admin fees, etc.), how to stay in the program (course fees or accommodation arrangements, etc.), and how to finish it (final evaluation and the threshold marks to graduate, etc.) Be sure that you can trust that there are no hidden fees beyond what you are quoted.
