English Language and Culture Institute
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE INSTITUTE
SCC's ESL, Applied Linguistics, and Global Studies Programs
- Agriculture
- Art
- Associate of Arts
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Commercial Driving
- Computer Aided Drafting
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing & English
- Criminal Justice
- Culinary
- Education
- Emergency Medical Science
- Engineering
- ESL, ELCI, & Global Studies
- Exercise Science
- Graphic Design
- Health Occupations
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing Technology
- Mechatronics
- Multimedia and Web Development
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Performing Arts
- Skilled Trades
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- Welding
Contact Information
Dr. Dawn Huffman
Academic Program Coordinator
Schnare Library (3-SL) 146C
636-922-8574
elci@stchas.edu
Academic Advisor
Advising
advising@stchas.edu
SCC’s Global Studies programs examine the interconnectedness of communities across the world. Students will explore international cultures, languages, and systems of governance in diverse nations, from Africa to Ireland to Peru.
You will engage with issues of urgent, international concern, including human rights, environmental policies, arms control, public health, and conflict resolution. You’ll learn strategies for intercultural interactions to limit ethnocentric bias and foster productive, respectful communication practices.
Students who earn a certificate in global studies can pursue educational paths and careers in academia, international business, advocacy, politics, government, publishing, and the arts. You will be prepared to play an important role in an increasingly complex and interdependent world.
Office Location
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Schnare Library (3-SL) 146C
Schedule an appointment here.
Certificates
Careers
Anthropologist
Attorney
Diplomat
Economist
Interpreter/Translator
Policy Analyst
Political Scientist
Politician
Teacher/Professor
Industry Salaries
ESL Instructor: $40,240-$98,200
Interpreter/Translator: $39,220-$95,780
Political Scientist: $72,470-$183,500*
Social Science Professor: $47,800-$160,800
The salaries listed represent the annual wage range for the specified professions for workers in the greater St. Louis MO-IL or Missouri area. Source: U.S. Department of Labor, 2023. *Represents national data.
Certificate of Achievement in Applied Linguistics (C.A.)
If you are interested in helping others master a second language, SCC’s Applied Linguistics
program will put you on the path to becoming an ESL/TOEFL or foreign language teacher, translator/interpreter, or language specialist in a corpororate/governmental
capacity. You’ll study the science of language, from phonetics to syntax, and understand how
language forms and changes. You’ll develop a deep knowledge of the foreign language
of your choice (Arabic, French, German, or Spanish), developing excellent conversation
skills as well as familiarity with business, technical, and/or healthcare terminology
and usage.
Certificate of Achievement in Global Studies (C.A.)
The Global Studies core curriculum includes Introduction to Global Studies, Comparative
Cultures, and a 200-level foreign language course. Students may complete their elective
credits from a select menu of courses focusing on history, cultural studies, archaeology
and anthropology, geography, and economics. This certificate may be earned as part
of an Associate of Arts degree with focuses in Global Studies or Foreign Language
Specializations.
Certificate of Specialization in English as a Second Language (C.S.)
This program for non-native speakers builds advanced English language skills in reading,
writing, and speaking. Students will take intermediate and advanced ESL courses to
develop the vocabulary, research, and conversational abilities needed for educational
success. Following this core curriculum, students will be able to select electives
from a broad menu of course options, ranging from art to psychology.
Certificate of Specialization in English Fundamentals (C.S.)
This program builds essential language competencies and confidence in non-native English
speakers. Students will take introductory courses in intensive English to develop
core abilities, followed by an elective in emerging vocabulary, grammar, phonics,
academic English, and/or U.S. culture.
Students will have:
A broad understanding of world history and the influences that shape culture and power
dynamics across the globe.
Knowledge of different political systems and how this relates to cultural alliances
and conflict.
An understanding of global economic systems, including the basics of supply chain
logistics, trade and regulatory practices, taxes, etc.
The ability to implement strategies to foster respectful, constructive conversations.
Familiarity with international cultural production practices, including literature,
music, film.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, as well as superior problem-solving
and analytical skills.
English Language and Culture Institute (ELCI)
SCC offers non-native speakers the opportunity to participate in a full credit program to improve their reading, grammar, composition, and speaking skills through the English Language and Culture Institute.
The English Language and Culture Institute offers Academic English as a Second Language (ESL) and Intensive English (INE) courses embedded with academic, professional, and cultural preparation. The Academic ESL courses enroll students with higher English proficiency. INE courses serve students with lower levels of English proficiency. INE students may or may not be placed using assessment and interview scores. Some coursework also fulfills general education requirements.
ELCI can customize English learning and cultural experiences when requested. The ELCI coordinator will refer students to other resources, such as non-credit ESL, remedial math, and student services when necessary.
Below is an example of an ELCI students typical sequence/levels, but students may be placed in varying levels, based on their personal goals and learning needs as well as their skills in different areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking and cultural knowledge.
As a general guideline, for planning purposes, international students scoring a 74 and up (at least 17 in all categories) on the TOEFL often would begin at ESL Level 3, 67 to 73 at ESL Level 2, 61-67 at ESL Level 1, 50 to 61 at INE Level 2, and below 50 at INE Level 1, with low scorers perhaps having to repeat the first level. Placement will vary if the ESL Department testing shows the proficiency test does not truly reflect the student’s English skills, if the test is found to be erroneous, if skills in the various sub-skill areas (if known) are uneven, or the ESL director determines further remediation or culture courses are needed. See proficiency considerations below or contact Academic Program Coordinator, Dr. Huffman (dhuffman@stchas.edu), for further details.
*Full-time college students are enrolled in 15-17 hours of ESL coursework per semester for optimal learning; fewer hours are required at the highest level or when ESL 100 & 199 have been taken. The different ESL 115 courses, which correspond to levels, are usually ONE credit and are taken each semester a student is enrolled in INE/ESL/ECI. ESL 115X Special Topics is another option that may be offered at multiple levels in select semesters. ESL 115 placement/credit each semester is determined by the ELCI director.
Course sequences in both programs depend on placement with multiple measures.
Below is an example of an ELCI students’ typical sequence/levels. Students may be
placed in varying levels based on their goals and demonstrated skills in different
areas. For equivalencies with the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages and
Common European Framework of Reference on English, please request the Equivalency
Handout and/or a Curriculum Handout. Students can earn the English Fundamentals and/or
the ESL Certificates of Specialization.
Sample ELCI Course Sequence
| INE LEVEL 1 | INE LEVEL 2 (high beginner/low intermediate) | ESL LEVEL 1 (intermediate) | ESL LEVEL 2 (advanced) | ESL LEVEL 3 (high advanced/mastery) |
| ESL 100 (1) and ESL 199 (1) (If not previously at SCC) | ESL 100 (3) and ESL 199 (1) (If not previously at SCC) | ESL 100 (3) and ESL 199 (1) (If not previously at SCC) | ESL 100 and ESL 199 (If not previously at SCC) | ESL 100 and ESL 199 (If not previously at SCC) |
| INE 100 (9 credits) | INE 102 (3 credits) | ESL 103 (4) | ESL 105/COM 101 for NNS (3) | ESL 105/COM 101 for NNS (3) |
| INE 11 (1) | INE 101 (3) | ESL 104 (4) | ESL 106 | ESL 109 (3) |
| INE 112 (1) | INE 111 (1) and/or INE 112 (1) (If not previously at SCC) |
ESL 107 (4) |
ESL 108 (3) | GLS 151 or English 101 (may be possible with coordinator permission) |
| ESL 115A (1) | ESL 115B (1) | ESL 115C (1) | ESL 115D (1) | ESL 115E (1) |
| INE 199 (2) | ESL 116 or another elective | Possible specialty course(s): ESL 113, ESL 112, ESL 120 (healthcare), ECI 299 (specific purposes) | Possible specialty course(s): ESL 113, ESL 120, ECI 299, ECI 290 | |
| INE 190 (1-3) | Possible math course | Possible general education course(s)* | General education course(s)* |
| Program/Curriculum | Intensive English | Academic ESL |
| Number of start dates per year | 6-8, depending on enrollment* | 6-8, depending on enrollment* |
| Number of terms per year | 8 | 8 |
| Number of weeks per term | 15 weeks, fall/winter; 8 weeks, fall/winter; 8 or 4 weeks, summer; depending on enrollment
(requires intensive attendance for those in IEP). Late start classes, fall/winter
13 weeks |
15 weeks, fall/winter; 8 weeks, fall/winter; 8 or 4 weeks, summer; depending on enrollment. Late start classes, fall/winter 13 weeks |
| Number of hours per week | 1-19 offered | 1-19 credit hours |
Note that international students are typically admitted twice a year, fall full semeseter and spring full semester, except in extenuating circumstances.
Mission: The Applied Linguistics and the Global Studies Certificates of Achievement enables students to develop a fundamental level of international and intercultural competence and prepares them to assume their role in an increasingly complex, interconnected, and interdependent world. Students earning a Global Studies Certificate can continue on to an A.A. with Global Studies, Business, or Foreign Language concentration.
Applied Linguistics
This degree enables students (non-native and native to the US) to seek entry-level jobs in the translation/interpretation field or to improve job skills in the current workplace while pursuing a degree. The TEFL/TESL option is specially designed for those teaching for non-profit, adult education, community, or overseas organizations.
The translation option is intended for those bilingual/trilingual positions requiring translation or interpretation. This option is also applicable to those working in non-profits, manufacturing companies, or corporate entities that benefit from bilingual abilities.
A key component of this certificate is guided practice and experiential learning that allow students to apply their linguistic skills while providing evidence of their knowledge. The languages currently offered in this SCC certificate include Arabic, English, French, German, and Spanish.
Global Studies
Global Studies allows students to examine the world through multiple lenses – political, environmental, cultural, linguistic, digital, and economic. The courses in this certificate and associate’s pathway are interdisciplinary and can be focused depending on the career field. Studying Global Studies provides a powerful advantage to those entering business, government, languages, criminal justice, education, and social career pathways.
SCC’s Global Studies courses are experiential in that they allow you to connect with other cultures through speakers, field trips, virtual study tours, and facilitated connections to travel opportunities, such as study tours.
A study tour gives students the opportunity to experience historic sites and cultures. Instead of being in the classroom, your classroom is wherever you are. Study tours may be virtual, local, or outside the area. SCC works with other colleges and universities to offer credit for study tours.
Tours can be taken for credit or entertainment. If taking a tour for credit, your on-site learning will be augmented through readings, writing, research, and creative thinking assignments that meet the objectives of the course.
Study tours provide a robust academic experience through the fun and adventure of travel.
Contact Information