English as a Second Language
English Language Support Programme
St. Thomas offers a unique English as a Second Language (ESL) programme
for students whose level of English proficiency is not high
enough to pursue regular studies at an English-language university.
These students are provided the opportunity to begin university studies
for credit while they continue to improve their language skills in a
planned, individualized programme of study.
To be eligible for this programme, ESL students must have TOEFL (computer- based) scores between 173 and 230 or the equivalent on other
tests. A combination of ESL courses and adapted courses in other disciplines
enables students to achieve the level of proficiency in English
necessary to be successful in regular university studies. All of the courses
that students take in the ESL programme carry academic credit.
A personal approach guides the ESL curriculum. Every student who has
not yet fully mastered English is tested through an oral interview, a
vocabulary and grammar test, and an essay assignment. Based on the
results of these tests, an individualized curriculum is developed for each
student suitable for his or her level. The curriculum will be challenging,
but not overwhelming. It is based on four options:
1. ESL Courses for Academic Credit
These required courses focus on the major skills required for success in academic studies: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The ESL programme
has a graduated sequence of courses that eligible students are
required to complete from their entry level. Students admitted to ESL 1013 upon their arrival will usually take six ESL courses over two years, while students admitted to ESL 2213 will take two courses in one year.
2. Integrated Courses
These are sections of regular St. Thomas University courses (such as
Introduction to Psychology and Introduction to Literature) reserved for ESL
students. They are taught by professors who meet with the class for an
extra hour each week so that they can present the material more slowly
3. Assisted Courses
These regular St. Thomas University courses are open to all students.
ESL students are provided with a tutor who meets with them to review
the material presented in class, to help them understand the readings,
and to assist with assignments and exam preparation.
4. Regular Courses
These are the regular course offerings for all St. Thomas University students. Hundreds of courses in more than 30 different academic fields of study are available for first year students each semester. The first-year curriculum for students who attain an intermediate level in
Semester 1
ESL 1013 English for Academic Purposes - Reading and Writing I
ESL 1033 English for Academic Purposes - Speaking and Listening I
Two Integrated Courses
One Assisted Course (Optional)
Semester 2
ESL 1023 English for Academic Purposes - Reading and Writing II
ESL 1043 English for Academic Purposes - Speaking and Listening II
One Integrated Course
Two Assisted Courses (Optional)
Intersession and Summer Session
Some full-time ESL students may be best served by taking fewer than
five courses per semester which is the normal full-time course load. The
university, therefore, permits ESL students who are directed to take fewer
than five courses to make up those credits at Intersession (May-June) or
Summer Session (July-August) free of charge.
Admission Requirements
Students who meet the following minimum English Language Proficiency scores and the St. Thomas academic admission requirements are eligible for the ESL programme:
TOEFL: 61 (Internet-based) MELAB: 69
TOEFL: 173 (computer-based) IELTS: 5.0
TOEFL: 500 (paper-based)
Students with TOEFL scores of 88-89 (Internet-based), 230 (computerbased), 570 (paper-based) or a MELAB score of 80 or an IELTS score of
6.5 or greater are eligible to take five regular academic courses but may
take integrated and assisted courses if they wish.
St. Thomas University's ETS Institutional Code: 0803
Regulations
1. The ESL programme has a graduated sequence of courses that eligible students are required to complete from their entry level. For example, students admitted to ESL 1013 upon their arrival will usually take six ESL courses over two years, while students admitted to ESL 2213 will take two courses in one year.
2.
Students who want to leave the programme before they have completed it must convince the Director that they have the required English language skills by achieving a grade of A- on their last ESL course and one of the following scores on an external test: 60 on CAEL; 570 on TOEFL (paper-based) or 88 on TOEFL iBT. The CAEL test is available at Saint John College at UNB-Saint John, NB and TOEFL (paper-based) and TOEFL iBT are available at the ELP Programme at UNB. Students must arrange and pay for these tests themselves.
3.
Students must successfully pass the first-year courses before moving on. A student who fails the first-year courses twice is excluded from the ESL programme. These students would be eligible to reapply to St. Thomas University when they can demonstrate that their English language skills are stronger.
4.
Students taking courses in the ESL Programme are restricted to a total of 15 ch per semester. In exceptional cases, the Director may permit a student to exceed this course load.
5. The pedagogical strategies used in language courses require active participation from students. Attendance is obligatory in the ESL courses. A student who misses over 10% of an ESL course without a justifiable reason will be dismissed from the programme.
Students From Far and Wide
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The most precious experiences at St. Thomas relate to study and life. I was really happy to see my advancement in my courses. I love the beautiful campus and I love the people at STU.
Lei Cheng – Taiyuan, P.R. China |
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St. Thomas University offers an excellent liberal arts programme. It enables students to think by themselves and see the broader picture within a society of constant changes. The professors and students at St. Thomas form an environment for each one of us to develop our personal skills independently. Attending St. Thomas University is an opportunity for personal growth as students become responsible and independent.
Diego Ponce – Ecuador |
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St. Thomas is a “warm” place to be and is a small, pleasant environment where an international student feels welcome and is given opportunities to excel.
Sofia Rodriguez – Quito, Ecuador |
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It has been a very pleasant experience to live in Atlantic Canada where people are open-minded and extremely friendly. You find that the city still carries a tranquil air and family nucleus that I feel is so important in today’s life. The city is big enough to find diverse activities and has everything you could possibly need and want. But at the same time it is small enough to reach places within walking distance, feel safe and know everybody.
Maria Belen Almeida – Ecuador |
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St. Thomas offers me small-sized classes, which helped me in adapting to a new country, language, and culture. I would recommend St. Thomas because it offers a lot of flexibility to the students. Their programs allow the student to explore their interests, to develop their abilities, and to build their own criteria.
Mariela Lameda-Frits, Venezuela |