Are you looking for a program at a small university in a large urban area? At a large university in a small town? At a small college in a small town? Missouri has them all! The ESL programs in Missouri are as varied as the state itself and, with a little searching, you can find the one that suits you and your needs. Read on and find out how you can begin to look for programs. Ask yourself some of the following questions and then start looking for the answers.

Why study at an ESL program in Missouri?

Most ESL programs are structured in similar ways. What may be a deciding factor for you is what surrounds the ESL program: the general campus environment; the connection of the ESL program to its host institution; the quality and caring of the teachers; support services available for students and other small intangibles that make students feel at home. You will have to assess whether you will be one of thousands or if you will be special at your institution. Will you have a chance to interact with American students and teachers?

Missouri is a Midwestern state with fewer international students than many states on either the east or west coasts, or in Florida or Texas. We think international students here get more attention. Although not the exact geographic centre of the United States, St Louis is the nation's population centre. You can use Missouri as a springboard to travel around the United States during your stay here. Missouri long has been a cross-roads for Americans, and the famous Gateway Arch on the Mississippi River in St Louis stands as a testimonial to that. Also, people are friendly here and generally take the time to speak with students from other countries. This can be a big help when you are trying to learn English.

What kind of ESL program do I want?

Basically there are two kinds of programs: intensive and semi-intensive. Intensive English programs are full-time programs, consisting of at least 18 hours of instruction per week. Students in intensive English programs usually study only English, though some programs make provision for students to attend some academic-classes. Intensive English programs can issue Form I-20s to take to the US Embassy to get a student (F-1) visa.

Semi-intensive English programs, sometimes called support programs, are part-time programs that usually have about 10 hours of instruction per week and that are supplementary to other studies. These are intended for students who have been accepted to the university but still have a few language problems before they begin full academic work. Semi-intensive English programs cannot issue Form I-20s for a student visa because students on a student visa must be full-time students. But an I-20 may be issued if the student has been accepted as an academic student to the college or university. A few universities that do not usually offer an intensive program during the academic year may offer one during the summer.

What will I learn in an ESL program?

Classes in most ESL programs are divided by proficiency level and by skills. Usually you will be tested upon arrival and placed into the appropriate level. The skills offered are usually reading, writing, listening/speaking and grammar. Some programs will offer TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) preparation.

Many ESL programs also incorporate computers, so you may be able to pick up some computer skills as well, if you don't already have them. Some have language laboratories and others consider the world outside your classroom to be your laboratory. After all, you're not coming to the United States to talk to a machine, are you?

How long do I want to learn English? What is my long-term plan?

Are you planning to learn English and then return to your country or are you planning to learn English in preparation for further academic study? It makes sense to think of your long-term plans when considering an ESL program. Almost all ESL programs in Missouri are located on college or university campuses, so it is often possible to continue your studies at the same institution where you learn English.

For many students who plan to continue their education after their ESL program, it makes sense to choose an ESL program at the university where they plan to do their degree program. This often makes the transition easier and you already feel at home by the time you begin your academic work. On the other hand, students sometimes want to experience two different campus environments and, therefore, divide their time between one campus for ESL and the other for academic work. Decide what works for you. Are you a person that likes to stay where you feel comfortable or do you like a little adventure, even if it means uprooting yourself from a familiar environment?

A note of warning: Just because you have been accepted to an ESL program at a college or university, do not assume that you also have been accepted for academic work there. Be sure to check your Form I-20 and your letter of acceptance to verify your terms of acceptance. In most cases, you will have to make separate application for ESL and academic programs, even if they are at the same college or university.

All ESL programs in Missouri have several levels of proficiency and it is usually possible for students of all proficiency ranges to enter an intensive English program. Most semi-intensive programs have entrance requirements and usually accept only advanced students. How long you study English will depend upon the level of your English when you arrive, your study habits and talents, and the amount of time and money you have available. Some students enter an intensive English program, stay for a short time, and then return to their countries. Others arrive, stay until they have reached the proficiency level required by their academic institution, and stay until their degree program has been completed.

Be sure to check the length of sessions at the ESL program of your choice. Many programs have semesters, some have eight-week sessions and summer programs can vary in length from four weeks to 10 or more weeks.

Where will I live while I am in the ESL program?

Since the vast majority of ESL programs in Missouri are on college or university campuses, living on campus may be your first choice. Most programs will make space in the residence halls (dormitories) available to their ESL students. This is a wonderful option for you! This will give you the opportunity to interact with American students, whether you have an American roommate or just live next door to one. Take every opportunity you have to participate in campus events. The more active you are, the more your English will improve. You will not only make friends and learn about American culture, but you will also find that you will become far more fluent in English. It's one way of increasing your fun and enhancing your learning at the same time.

If living on campus is not for you, you may want to find an apartment near your college or university. Please check with your ESL program director to see what the requirements are, if any, about where you can live. Most program directors can also give you advice about where you can find good apartments in a safe area. If you have children, be sure to mention that when you apply so that the ESL program can send you the proper housing forms and advise you appropriately.

Luckily, the cost of living in Missouri is quite low and it is quite easy, in most cities, to find a good apartment at a reasonable price. Whether you live on-campus or off-campus, please be sure that you know what your contract says and what you are signing. If you have signed a contract, you will be expected to honour it; otherwise, you may pay substantial penalties for breaking a contract. Ask before you sign! Usually, it is a good idea to live on campus (if that option is available) for the first session or semester to get familiar with the university, the city and the housing options. This also permits you to concentrate on your studies without having to think about apartment furniture, utilities, and transportation while you get accustomed to your new surroundings.

How much will my ESL program cost?

Tuition for Intensive English programs varies from institution to institution, and depends on the length of the program. Be sure to check current information in brochures and on web sites! Please remember that tuition rates do not include living expenses. These can also vary widely depending on whether you choose to live on campus or off campus. Most ESL programs will also require medical insurance for its students on student visas. Check information on other costs, such as estimates for books, supplies and personal expenses. Don't forget to add in the cost of transportation if you are going to live off campus.

Where can I find ESL programs in Missouri?

In St Louis, a metropolitan area of about 2 ½ million people there are two Intensive English programs. One is at Maryville University and the other is at St Louis University. Washington University has an intensive program during the summer only. Other colleges and universities in the St Louis area provide their students some kind of English instruction, ranging from rather informal programs to structured semi-intensive support programs.

In Kansas City, the other major city in Missouri, located in the western part of the state, there are intensive programs at the University of Missouri at Kansas City and at Avila College. One of the state's oldest ESL programs can be found in Columbia at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Other intensive programs are dotted around the state: in Rolla at the University of Missouri-Rolla; in Cape Giradeau, at Southeast Missouri State University, in Warrensburg at Central Missouri State University and at Northwest Missouri State University, in Maryville, Missouri (not to be confused with Maryville University in St Louis).

St Louis has one of the lowest cost of living estimates of major US cities and this makes off-campus housing, food, and other costs very affordable. Most of Missouri shares in this affordable cost of living.

What will I get when I finish an Intensive English Program?

Knowledge of course is the most important thing, but most ESL programs will also give you a certificate of completion. Many programs will also make provisions for you to take the TOEFL so that you can demonstrate your new-found proficiency on a standardised, internationally recognised test.

Will I get credit for ESL? Will it count toward my degree?

Most ESL programs do not grant academic credit. Only a few programs in the United States give real academic credit towards graduation. The important question to ask when inquiring about credit is not just whether you get credit, but toward what exactly that credit will count. Sometimes institutions give credit for administrative purposes, but the credits do not count toward graduation. There is at least one program and possibly more, in Missouri, that does grant academic credit for the intensive English program that counts toward graduation at the undergraduate level. It is more common to receive credits from semi-intensive programs because they accept students only at advanced levels, and students who are already accepted into academic work. Make sure to ask the program you wish to attend what their policy is. Credit is rarely, if ever, given toward a graduate degree.

Wherever you go in Missouri, take full advantage of the resources available to you from the ESL program, the college or university, and the community. Enjoy! Welcome to Missouri!

Author
Liga Abolins
Maryville University Saint Louis