English as Second Language

SCC offers non-native speakers the opportunity to participate in a full program to improve their reading, grammar, composition, and speaking skills through the English Language Institute, which offers credit English as a Second Language (ESL) and Intensive English (INE) courses and activities that serve as academic, professional, and cultural preparation, with some of them also fulfilling general education requirements. The program offers Academic ESL courses for higher levels and Intensive English classes (INE) for lower levels. The English Language Institute can also customize English learning and cultural experiences when requested! In addition, when necessary, the ELI chair can refer students to other resources, such as non-credit ESL, remedial math courses, and student services.

The English Language Institute mission is the following: The English Language Institute empowers students to learn English for a variety of purposes, from career and educational preparation to life-long learning and community stewardship. The Academic ESL and Intensive Language Programs value diversity, promote cultural understanding, and emphasize student success.

The following ESL credit courses are offered:

• ESL 100: College Success for Non-Native Speakers
• ESL 103/SPE 100: Pronunciation and Communication for Non-Native Speakers
• ESL 104 (Formerly RDG 104): College Reading for Non-Native Speakers
• ESL 105: Advanced Conversation for Non-Native Speakers
• ESL 106 (Formerly RDG 106): Advanced College Reading for ESL Students
• ESL 107 (Formerly ESL 101): Grammar Review for Non-Native Speakers
• ESL 108 (Formerly ESL 102): Intermediate Grammar and Composition for Non-Native Speakers
• ESL 109: Research Writing for Non-Native Speakers
• ESL 112: Academic Vocabulary Across the Disciplines
• ESL 113: Advanced Vocabulary for Special Purposes
• ESL 115: Community as Classroom Lab (0-credit)
• ESL 116: ESL Conversation and Current Events
• ESL 120: Success in Health Care Careers for Non-Native Speakers
• ESL 199: Study of U.S. community and Culture
• ESL 290: Academic English Immersive Experience

Intensive English courses (offered in summer and select semesters)

• INE 100: Intensive English Emerging Skills in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening (9 credits)
• INE 101: Reading and Writing for Non-Native Speakers
• INE 102: Listening and Speaking for Non-Native Speakers
• INE 111: Emerging Vocabulary I for Non-Native Speakers
• INE 112: Intensive English Vocabulary II for Non-Native Speakers
• INE 190: Intensive English Immersion Experience
• INE 199: Phonics and Fluency

Language Proficiency:

Students must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. The college welcomes students of all English proficiency, but the following information should be considered.

• F1-visa (international) students should have a 61 on the TOEFL IBT or equivalent test score for potential entrance into Academic ESL or their chosen program with Academic ESL support possible. Some programs may have additional requirements.
• F1-visa (international) students should have a 50 or above on the TOEFL IBT or equivalent score for potential entrance into INE Level 2.
• Potential entrance into INE Level 1 requires English Language Institute Chair approval (after TOEFL test, TOEFL equivalent, or appropriate ESL Department testing). Lower-level students should expect to spend more than one semester in Intensive English.
• These test scores are for planning purposes.* A placement test is given when students arrive. All students, regardless of their TOEFL test or equivalent test scores, usually have to take the college ESL/non-native speaker assessment test, which includes reading, listening, grammar, an essay, and an oral interview assessment. After this their program level can be adjusted if needed. (In a very few circumstances, the essay, oral interview and in-office testing may be adequate.)
• F1 students and non-native speaker residents (or other visa types) already in the U.S. can simply take the ESL/non-native speaker assessments for proper placement. The college also offers non-credit classes for residents for workplace and home literacy, but these are not available to F1 students.
•  Alternatives to the TOEFL score of 61 include the Cambridge (162), Duolingo (30), IELTS (5.5), and GTEC (1076). Other tests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Sub-scores on these tests may also be examined.

Placement Process

Non-native speakers need to make an appointment for an ESL interview as part of the placement/testing process, which also includes assessment center testing, possible in-office testing, and a written essay. This appointment can be made by going to the following webpage: www.stchas.edu./internationalappointment. Students should select ESL Interview and then choose to meet with either Dr. Dawn Huffman, Chair of the English Language Institute (Academic English as a Second Language (ESL) and Intensive English (INE) programs), or Meredith Struebing, ESL Specialist. This is best done after the student has applied to the college, tested at the assessment center, and received the ESL essay and testing results. Students who wish to inquire about the ESL and INE programs or who are unable to schedule an interview time may contact Dr. Dawn Huffman, associate professor and Academic ESL/INE chair, at dhuffman@stchas.edu or call 636-922-8574.

For more information about ESL credit courses, contact Dr. Dawn Huffman, English Language Institute Chair, and associate professor, at dhuffman@stchas.edu or 636-922-8574.

For more information about non-credit classes, see the English-as-Second-Language page.

ESL-Friendly Courses

The designation ESL Friendly is occasionally given to non-ESL courses that are taught by an instructor trained in ESL teaching methods, with special support and instruction given.

Support Services for Students
The ACE Learning Center offers an ESL Specialist as well as English and other content area specialists to work with our non-native speakers. In addition, the ESL program offers Conversation Circles, acculturation activities, workshops and digital platforms for e-learning. As part of the college, students also have access to Student Services, https://www.stchas.edu/student-life/student-services/, and International Student Support Services (for international students), https://www.stchas.edu/academics/credit-programs/international-studies.

Global Outreach and Cultural Experiences
Our English Language Institute is happy to build English learning and international/cultural experiences for the community, students, organizations or international exchanges, and we can direct others to resources to help with English language learning and international/cultural awareness.

Support Services for Teachers

The ACE Center and the Chair of the ESL Department keep a selection of ESL Textbooks and TESOL materials.

Majors, Degrees & Certificates

• English as a Second Language C.S.
• English Fundamentals C.S.