University's Language Institute Registering for ESL Classes

Texas A&M International University's International Language Institute is registering through May 7 for English as a Second Language (ESL) courses to be offered at the University May - July.

The courses will be given in either a 2-month intensive format or a 4-month semi-intensive format.

The 2-month Intensive ESL courses consist of 160 hours of class time and additional work in a multimedia lab. Tuition for each course is $700.

The 4-month Semi-Intensive ESL courses consist of 80 hours of class time and additional work in a multimedia lab. Tuition for each course is $350.

Courses in the Intensive Program will be held May 12 - July 3, Monday - Friday, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Six course levels will be offered in the Intensive Program: ESL 101-Low Beginning, ESL 102-High Beginning, ESL 103-Low Intermediate, ESL 104-High Intermediate, ESL 105-Low Advanced, and ESL 106-High Advanced.

Course in the Semi-Intensive Program will be held Monday - Thursday from May 26 - July 18, from 7:30 - 10 pm. Three course levels will be offered: ESL 101-Low Beginning, ESL 103-Low Intermediate, and ESL 105 Low Advanced.

Beginning Level courses, ESL 101 and ESL 102, are designed for individuals who have no knowledge or very limited proficiency in the language. Listening and speaking skills, introductory reading, basic writing skills, and basic grammar structures are emphasized.

Intermediate Level courses, ESL 103 and ESL 104, are designed for individuals who have limited or some proficiency in the language. Development of listening skills, general academic reading, vocabulary development, paragraph writing and short expository writing, and fundamental grammar are emphasized.

Advanced Level courses, ESL 105 and ESL 106, are designed for individuals who need to take the TOEFL Exam for entry into A&M International. Test taking techniques, practice tests, review of grammar, and listening and reading comprehension are emphasized. The TOEFL Exam will be administered at the University on July 25.

For further information on ESL courses offered at A&M International, contact the University's International Language Institute at 326-2136, or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Administration Building room 214 East.

University office hours are 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu