Our Academic Program
The Academic Year
The academic year includes two semesters, designated as the Fall and
Spring semesters. The ESL Institute follows the same
academic calendar as APSU’s main campus programs. Summer courses may be
offered as needed.
Overall Program
The ESL program’s intensive English courses are offered through the
Extended Education program and are not taken for credit. Continuing
Education Units (CEUs) are awarded and noted on the student’s transcripts. A
basic knowledge of English is desirable in order to benefit from the
intensive level of study in the ESL program.
Class size will be small in order to provide students with more
personalized attention and opportunities to improve their learning skills.
Depending on enrollment, classes may be divided into different levels, such
as beginning, intermediate or advanced.
Instructors at the ESL Institute have taught English in the U.S. and
abroad. They all have strong backgrounds in education – most with Master’s
degrees and concentrations in English, language and/or education – and more
than 45 years combined experience in teaching English to non-English
speakers. In addition, some instructors have also experienced the learning
of a language other than English.
Students will have opportunities to use university computer labs for
assignments. In addition, full-time F-1 students who have paid the optional
Program Services Fee (PSF) will receive an APSU student ID card which provides
access to other University facilities and services such as athletic events
and the recreation center.
Our students experience American culture daily in many ways, and the
Institute organizes at least one cultural activity trip each semester. Past
excursions have included the Nashville Zoo, Country Music Hall of Fame,
Graceland (in Memphis TN), and several regional destinations which highlight
the history of Clarksville and the surrounding area.
ESL students will also have the opportunity to participate in campus
activities provided by APSU’s International Education department and the
International Student Organization (ISO).
Course Descriptions
Courses include Grammar, Oral Skills, Composition/Writing, Reading,
Vocabulary and TOEFL Preparation. In addition, other courses such as
American Culture, Idioms or Diction may also be offered. Some classes will
be divided according to skill level, depending on enrollment. Click here for
more detailed course
descriptions.
In addition, students will be matched with a fluent English speaking APSU student
as a conversation partner to
promote practice of English skills in natural conversation and through
interaction with other students and campus events.
Testing
All students take a placement test
just before the start of a semester. This test measures your general English
language skills. It is just one tool which the ESL coordinator and instructors
use to gauge your ability at the beginning of each course.
The Michigan Test is used as our
final semester exam. It also measures your general English language skills, but
more importantly looks at your skills in academic English, which may help you
determine your readiness for full-time university study.
Many ESL students study to improve their English skills for
admission to Austin Peay or another university and therefore must meet a minimum
requirement on the TOEFL test. Our ESL program incorporates
preparation for the TOEFL test on various levels depending on the needs of the
students. More information is available at
www.ets.org/toefl.
Private and Contract Tutoring
APSU’s ESL Institute also works with local businesses and individuals to
provide tutoring for their employees, customizing a course of study to
accommodate work schedules and desired language and life skills. Contact the
ESL Coordinator for details.
Return to
ESL Home Page
