Effective communication leads to academic and career success. The ESL Institute welcomes students of all English proficiency levels. Classes are taught by experienced instructors who will help you improve your skills in English while also learning academic success strategies along with how to use technology effectively in the classroom and in life.

Overview of ESL Institute Program

Availability

• Class begin five times a year.
• ESL terms are approximately 7 weeks in length.
• Classes held in person four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (Wednesday, no class).
• 18 hours of class time each week
• Important Dates and Deadlines.

Course Level

• Late-beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced course levels for those with basic English skills through those seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree.
• Three courses offered at each level.
  
  • Speaking/Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
• 6 hours of instruction per course per week.
• Students are placed into the appropriate ESL course level based on the OU ESL placement test or English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test).

Advancement and Degree Program

• By earning a B-, students will move to the next course level.
• Students can begin taking academic classes along with ESL support courses if accepted to GAPP.
• Matriculation if accepted for an academic program at Oakland University:
  • Undergraduate students - completion of three Level 7 courses with a B- or higher (ESL 0077N, ESL 0078N, and ESL 0079N).
  • Graduate students with qualifying proficiency test scores – completion of all Level 7 courses with an A- or higher (ESL 0077N, ESL 0078N, and ESL 0079N), OR completion of all Level 8 courses with a B- or higher (ESL 0087N, ESL 0088N, and ESL 0089N).

Student Benefits

• Campus activities are available to all students.
• Instructors are available to encourage, help, and support student learning.
• Access to University student facilities and services.

* An F-1 student must attend four terms (28 weeks) before taking a vacation semester.

Vision Statement

Empowering English learners to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to a world beyond their own.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Oakland University ESL Institute is to empower English learners to achieve academic, career, and personal goals, to recognize the interconnectedness among diverse cultures, and to contribute meaningfully to the increasingly globalized world.