ESL

Learning a language does not effectively occur when you are separated from the culture in which it is used. Even studying English in a culture in which it is used does not guarantee you will be put in situations in which you can use and practice the language.

At Otterbein, we supplement your classroom learning with thoughtfully crafted excursions, fieldtrips and activities which put you in contact with members of the community. Here you have the opportunity to befriend an American family, to participate in abundant cultural and historical activities, and to be integrated into campus housing and life while building long-lasting relationships with American students.

According to Money, Westerville, Ohio is one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and ethnic diversity, extensive bike paths, and a historic “uptown” in close proximity to the major American metropolitan city of Columbus. Westerville is close to numerous recreational and sporting venues including professional soccer and ice hockey teams, amusement parks, museums and theaters, shopping malls and beautiful scenic areas for hiking and camping.

The English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Otterbein University combines the language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing while developing academic skills in research and note taking when focusing on a variety of relevant and interesting topics. Students are engaged in activities that require the use of a variety of skills and strategies that encourage authentic communication. This creates a dynamic, student-centered learning environment in which students acquire language in a natural and meaningful way.

The Otterbein Way (7-4-4)

The seven-week ESL session is an intensive program designed to immerse students in English language instruction four days per week (Monday through Thursday) for four hours per day. In the fall and spring sessions, ESL students meet for conversation practice with an American student 2 hours per week for a total of 126 contact hours per session.

Students who successfully complete the Advanced Level of the ESL program can matriculate into Otterbein with the appropriate Institutional TOEFL (iTOEFL) score and instructors' recommendations. Students studying at the advanced level can concurrently take courses at Otterbein which are not language intensive (ex. math, art, etc.).

At the end of each term, all students must take the iTOEFL exam, which is administered on the last day of class. The iTOEFL score, the instructor's recommendation and the course performance will determine a student's eligibility to proceed to the next course level in the ESL curriculum.

Students who do not make satisfactory progress or who do not pass their current ESL level must retake the current level to increase proficiency before moving to the next level. Learning academic English is a process and level progression often takes two 7-week sessions.

Because academic progress is important, students are only permitted to unsuccessfully take a level twice. Students who are unable to pass the exam after two unsuccessful attempts will be asked to leave the program.

Instructional Staff

All ESL teachers have advanced degrees in TESOL. Instructors are carefully selected for their experience in teaching English for academic purposes, cross-cultural awareness, and commitment to helping young adults achieve academic success.

Tuition & Fees: $2310 per seven-week session

Room & Board: $2000 (approximate) *

Book Fee: $120 per level

*Tuition, fees and room and board charges are subject to change. Housing cost vary by the type of housing selected.

Tuition and Fees include:

Access to the Otterbein gymnasium & weight training center.

Access to the library.

Assistance of IEP staff with academic and career goals.

Use of Otterbein internet.

Ability to apply for the friendship family program.

Ability to apply to the Conversation Partner program.

Some excursions to local historical, cultural and educational sites (additional fees may apply).