University's Language Institute Begins ESL Courses Monday

Texas A&M International University's International Language Institute will begin Intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) courses on Monday, March 16.

The intensive ESL courses will be offered weekday mornings, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., from March 16 - May 8. Courses consist of 160 hours of class time plus additional work in a multimedia lab. Tuition for intensive courses is $700.

Instruction is focused on four skill areas: grammar, reading, writing, and listening and speaking. Six course levels, for beginning to advanced students, are offered.

Beginning Level courses, ESL 101 and ESL 102, are designed for individuals who have no knowledge or very limited proficiency in the language. Listening and speaking skills, introductory reading, basic writing skills, and basic grammar structures are emphasized.

Intermediate Level courses, ESL 103 and ESL 104, are designed for individuals who have limited or some proficiency in the language. Development of listening skills, general academic reading, vocabulary development, paragraph writing and short expository writing, and fundamental grammar are emphasized.

Advanced Level courses, ESL 105 and ESL 106, are designed for individuals who have some proficiency in the language, but need further preparation for academic and professional work. Advanced listening and speaking skills, advanced general and collegiate reading, expository writing, vocabulary development, and advanced grammar are emphasized.

A Semi-Intensive Spanish course will also be offered weekday mornings, Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m., from March 16 - May 8. The course, SPN 102, consists of 80 hours of class time plus additional work in a multimedia lab. It is designed for persons who have very limited proficiency in the language. Listening and speaking skills, introductory reading, basic writing skills, and basic grammar structures are emphasized. Tuition is $350.

Interested persons may register for the ESL or Spanish courses in ILI offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library room 214 East.

For further information, contact the University's International Language Institute at 326-2136. University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Information may also be secured by email at lflores@tamiu.edu or by visiting the International Language Institute's section of the University's Home Page.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu