| |
| Why
is the Intensive American Language Center at Washington
State University a top-notch intensive English program
that delivers results? |
 |
| |
|
Our main program
is an intensive academic preparation program of 24 hours a week
that readies students for successful study at Washington State
University or other American institution. At the IALC, we prepare
our students to meet their English language goals.
Well, so do
other programs.
So
why should you choose the IALC?
 |
Our
curriculum and teaching methods |
The IALC is
a fast-track program that will leave you interacting with
the real English-speaking world as quickly as possible.
- We
take our teaching resources from the real world
Few IALC classes
have an
actual ESL textbook. Most course materials come from the sources that
Americans use: college textbooks, magazines, newspapers, journals,
current movies
and documentaries,
and the Internet.
- We
use relevant themes to teach language skills
Courses at each
level are taught around a theme that is relevant in American culture.
Examples include civil rights, politics, and the media. You will
learn about the same topic in all classes: reading, writing, listening,
speaking,
and grammar.
- Our
classes are interactive, communicative, and dynamic
Students don't just sit in
class listening to the teacher and taking notes or practicing repetitive drills.
They must use English for the purpose of learning English. Classes
require communication and cooperation with each other and with the Americans
in the surrounding
community.
- We
prepare our students for the English-speaking world they intend to enter
Students in our
academic preparation program are taught skills and customs needed
for entering an American university. Students in all of our programs receive
instruction that prepares them to achieve their desired social, business,
academic or other goals.
 |
Our
faculty |
We have experienced, well-trained
faculty members who collaborate closely and who challenge themselves and
their students.
- We
use the best of teachers in all classes
Many language programs,
to save money, hire inexperienced part-time faculty in all but core classes
and programs. At the IALC, we staff nearly all classes and programs with
full-time faculty members who have top degrees and experience. All faculty
members, full- and part-time, are hired through a rigorous interview and
hiring process,
and are trained in our methods. And all teachers, new or experienced, full-time
or part-time, are observed and reviewed yearly.
The IALC has a program-wide
methodology in which faculty collaborate in nearly everything we do, so that
all classes are equal and all faculty share in the same ideas, techniques,
and resources.
- We
seek faculty who are innovative and resourceful
We recruit teachers who are
student-centered, results-oriented, creative and dynamic.
The IALC is always involved
in a process of updating and improving: our teachers are always changing,
learning and trying new things.
 |
Our
relationships |
The IALC has relationships
with Washington State University and regional community
colleges that allow students to transfer or be admitted without a TOEFL score.
For undergraduate study, you
can pass the IALC's Level 5 classes and be exempt from WSU's TOEFL requirement.
For
graduates, you can
pass the IALC's Level 6 classes and be TOEFL exempt. Classes at both of these
levels teach research and presentation skills to prepare you for the academic
work ahead of you at WSU.
- Our
relationship to community colleges
The IALC has agreements with
several Washington State community colleges allowing graduates of our Level 4
classes to attend those community colleges without the need to take the TOEFL.
Those
colleges
include Spokane and Spokane Falls Community Colleges in Spokane
and Highline and Skagit Valley Community Colleges in Seattle. We also have an
agreement with the Art Institute of Seattle, a four-year art college. The International
Programs office at
WSU offers scholarships to international students
who return with good grades from those community colleges to continue their studies
at WSU.
We have both an academic
advisor and a community college advisor on staff to help you make the connections
you need to departments at WSU and to other American colleges and universities.
We assist you in the application and admittance processes, with immigration
issues, and with finding ways to support yourself financially. We try our
best to help you reach your academic goals.
And here are
more reasons to choose the IALC at WSU:
We are part of WSU,
a large, high-quality state university with full academic facilities. Students
at the IALC have access to all of the student facilities at WSU, including
housing, dining, and recreation. These also include a new sports center and
a student center with a bank and post office, student government and student
organizations, an art gallery, a movie theater, and more.
We are located in Pullman,
a small rural city in the state of Washington with a clean environment and
a mild climate. Pullman is safe and clean, is within easy reach
of a full range of exciting outdoor adventures and beautiful
scenery, and is close to major
cities
like
Seattle.
You may e-mail the
IALC or contact us using the information listed at the bottom of this page
for additional details. Information can be sent to you by e-mail, mail
or fax. You are also welcome to download our PDF brochure or
application (you must have Acrobat
Reader to do this), or you can request information using our on-line
form. |
|
