Catalog 2014-2015 
    
    Dec 03, 2024  
Catalog 2014-2015 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Certificate in English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL)


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The HSOE TESOL department offers a comprehensive certificate program in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) for non-native speakers of English. The ESOL program is housed in the International Language Education and Culture (ILEC) center on the San Diego campus.

Goals and Objectives


The objective of the ESOL program is to help students attain their academic and professional goals through the acquisition of English competency. Students develop the English ability that is necessary for the successful completion of university undergraduate and graduate course work. The courses in the ESOL program have been designed to develop English language skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, from beginning to advanced proficiency levels with a focus on English skills

The length of study in the program varies according to the student’s entrance level, with most students completing the English program within one year. Each competency level requires one semester of intensive study.  Students receive a level of completion certificate for each level they successfully pass. Students completing the highest competency level are awarded the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Certificate.

Specialized Admissions Requirements


  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • Copy of valid passport
  • Evidence of financial support
  • $65 application fee

Accepted applicants meeting admission requirements will be issued an I-20 to obtain a student visa. Students must complete Alliant’s English Proficiency Test upon arrival on campus and prior to placement in courses for the appropriate proficiency level.

The English Proficiency Test (EPT)


All students in the ESOL program take the EPT prior to the start of their ESOL classes whether studying for academic, professional, personal, or combined purposes.

At Alliant, the English Proficiency Test (EPT) is an admissions requirement for all international students who do not meet the TOEFL requirement listed for their specific academic program. The exam is taken prior to first-time registration and is offered on the San Diego campus during the orientation period each semester.  Based on EPT results, students will be:

  1. assigned to the appropriate  ESL courses, or
  2. assigned to the highest level of ESL courses in conjunction with degree work or
  3. allowed to begin their degree program immediately with no English study required

The English Proficiency Test measures a student’s abilities in reading, grammar, writing, listening and speaking skills. Each skill is evaluated separately; overall proficiency is also determined.

Health Insurance


Students should review their health insurance options in the Expenses and Financial Aid  section of the catalog.

Housing and Transportation


Alliant has very limited on-campus housing on the San Diego campus. Housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis for admitted students. Students are encouraged to arrange and provide for their own housing and transportation while enrolled in the program. Alliant’s Housing Office is available to consult with students for possible recommendations and affiliations.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements


The curriculum consists of courses at five different proficiency levels. Content and theme-based instruction is utilized at the lower levels and English for Special Purposes (ESP) in Academics, Business, TESOL, Education, Psychology, Health Sciences, and other majors is the focus of instruction for the high intermediate and advanced levels.

A full-time ESL course load is 12 units per semester. A student at the highest proficiency level who has less than a full ESL course load may take a combination of ESL and academic classes. ESL course units do not apply toward a student’s academic degree requirements. However, ESL course units satisfy visa requirements and are listed on the student’s transcripts.

Curriculum Plan


Courses are 3 units, unless otherwise indicated

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