Program Details
Terms of Study
There are four 8-week terms during the regular academic school year and one in summer. Check out the complete term schedules. The terms begin in August, October, January, March, and May, making a total of five enrollment periods for the year.
Placement
Initial course placement into the seven five-level program is initially determined by your score on an internationally recognized English proficiency exam (such as the Duolingo test, TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent). For admission to CESL's lowest level, English language proficiency must be at this level: TOEFL iBT 40, TOEFL ITP 425 or TOEFL PBT 425/IELTS 4.0/Duolingo English Test 75/CEFR B1. Placement once made is then verified by an internal Diagnostics Exam during the first day of class. We no longer offer each level every term so it is very important to know if your level will be open before you travel to Carbondale
CESL Level Descriptions
Advanced English
Advanced English 1 - Low intermediate level
Advanced English 2 - High Intermediate level
The advanced levels help transition students from using English for basic interpersonal communication skills to using English for cognitive academic language proficiency.
This level transitions students from general English to advanced English by introducing early academic skills, language accuracy, and higher expectations. Courses give students exposure to and practice of receptive and productive language and critical thinking skills; continued building of higher-level receptive skills with explicit attention to study and reading skills, introductory narrative and expository writing. The proficiency developed at these levels represents readiness to start developing the ability to master advanced academic skills in English necessary for success at the undergraduate level, and also the ability to continue to increase overall English proficiency via use of interesting academic content. In addition to the 10-hour core class, classes include 5-hour grammar and listening and speaking courses.
English for Academic Purposes
English for Academic Purposes 1 - Low academic level
English for Academic Purposes 2 - Undergraduate preparation level
These levels help students develop their English for academic purposes to succeed in undergraduate and graduate courses at Southern Illinois University and other American universities.
Course content transitions students from learning general English to learning English through content and academic English. Topics include learning and applying study skills and language strategies with a variety of academic-based content; focusing on skill application to learn and remember information for testing purposes; writing and speaking in the expository and persuasive modes, with an introduction to the scientific inquiry process. Proficiency developed at these levels indicates readiness to begin to master academic skills necessary for success at the graduate level, as well as a capacity to continue to develop English proficiency by means of use of academic content at the highest level. In addition to the 10-hour core class, classes include 5-hour Writer’s Workshop and TOEFL Preparation courses.
Graduate Student English
Graduate Student English – Graduate preparation level
Courses provide students with activities that include library use, summarizing and critiquing articles from professional journals, oral presentations, readings, essay exams, seminar-style discussions and the preparation of reports and graduate level papers in their field of study. Advanced Communication courses focus on building and improving interpersonal interactions, presentation, listening, and pronunciation skills. In addition to the 10-hour core class, classes include 5-hour American Culture and TOEFL Preparation courses.
Progression Through Program
Level Promotion Guidelines: (Effective October 2021)
The following conditions must be met to pass a level:
| Levels* | Grade Required** |
|---|---|
|
Category: Advanced |
|
| AE 1 AE 2 |
80% grade or above in all classes |
|
Category: Academic Preparation |
|
| EAP 1 | 80% grade or above in all classes |
| EAP 2 | 80% grade or above in all classes |
| GSE | 80% grade or above in all classes |
* All levels can be repeated a maximum of 2 times and can be taken a maximum of 3 times.
**A specific TOEFL score is not required for progression between any two CESL proficiency levels, but it is required that students take the CESL-offered TOEFL ITP in the EAP1, EAP2, and GSE levels, in consideration of the fact that SIU, as do other universities, requires minimum TOEFL scores of 520 and 550 (requirement can vary by school, college, or program) for entry into undergraduate and graduate degree programs, respectively.
CESL Completion Certificate:
Students will receive a completion certificate from CESL after passing all required levels:
- If your goal is undergraduate studies, you must pass the EAP2 level to receive the certificate.
- If your goal is graduate studies, you must pass the GSE level to receive the certificate.
Completing CESL does not guarantee admission to SIU. Students must apply and meet all SIU admission requirements (academic and language) to be eligible for admission. Please visit the Center for International Education (CIE) or the Graduate School office website for a complete list of admission requirements.
Length of Study
| Starting Level | Average Number of Terms for Completion from Level |
|---|---|
| Advanced English 1 | 4 or 5 |
| Advanced English 2 | 3 or 4 |
| English for Academic Purposes 1 | 2 or 3 |
| English for Academic Purposes 2 | 1 or 2 |
| Graduate Student English | 1 |
On average, students beginning at our lowest levels take 14 months to complete our program.
Orientation
The student advisor plans orientation programs for each CESL term. These sessions explain topics such as safety, academic success, immigration, the opportunities available in Carbondale and SIU Carbondale. Organized extracurricular activities at SIU Carbondale, picnics, and parties are a regular part of life at CESL.
Housing
There are many affordable housing options. Explore SIU housing options online. Most students prefer living in student residence halls near campus. The approximate cost of room and board is indicated under the COST tab.
We would be happy to email you information about housing or we can help you arrange living accommodations when you arrive.
Certificates
A Certificate of Completion is awarded to students who successfully complete a CESL program at either the undergraduate or graduate level. A Certificate of Attendance can be issued reflecting the actual dates you attended. Transcripts of performance are mailed directly to an institution upon the request of the student. Unofficial student copies are also available.
Customized Programs For Special Groups
Custom-designed English language training programs can be arranged. These programs provide the appropriate English studies for the specific interests and needs of the participants. Any number of participants, length of study and interest area can be accommodated.
For more information, please write directly to the CESL Director, Bill Hellriegel william.hellriegel@siu.edu.
Cesl Computer Labs
Students can work in the CESL Computer Labs to improve their skills in English. Our computer labs are equipped with standard and language learning software.
Academic Counseling
You are aided in making arrangements for further academic study in the U.S. by a student advisor.