Texas A&M International University

Regular Registration for ESL Courses at TAMIU Underway

Regular Registration for intensive, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses offered at Texas A&M International University during the Second Spring Session are underway until March17 at the University's International Language Institute (ILI).

The courses, offered for intermediate and advanced students, address language skills in the areas of listening, speaking, grammar, reading and writing and will last a total of eight weeks, from March 22 through May 14. Class hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Late registration will be held March 22 - 26.

Lola Orellano-Pérez, director of the ILI, said students who successfully complete Level 6 of ESL will be exempt from taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test at TAMIU and that they will be able to enroll in University-level courses to seek a degree.

"Unlike years past, students who successfully complete Level 6 of ESL with a grade of 'B' or better will not have to take the TOEFL," Orellano-Pérez said, "This means that immediately after finishing Level 6, they will be able to enroll in regular TAMIU courses to pursue a University degree."

However, Orellano-Pérez said that like the rest of University students, non-native English speakers will still need to meet other test requirements such as the Texas Higher Education Assessment and the Complete Assessment for undergraduate study and the Graduate Record Exam or the Graduate Management Admission Test for graduate study.

Orellano-Pérez said students from all over the world have taken ESL courses at TAMIU.

"Through our classes, we have seen many of our students fulfill their academic and professional dreams," Orellano-Pérez said, "Many of them were professionals in their native countries but are taking our classes so that they can advance in their careers in the United States."

Orellano-Pérez said ESL instructors at TAMIU hold master's degrees and have many years of experience teaching English as a Second Language.

"Our instructors have taught many different levels of English and they are specially trained in this field," she said, "In our classes, students are exposed to the newest teaching methodologies and up-to-date teaching approaches."

In addition, a computer lab allows ESL students to practice English using special language learning software, Orellano-Pérez said.

For further information, please contact Orellano-Pérez at 326-2136, e-mail mdperez@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in Pellegrino Hall, 302. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.