ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRANSITION PROGRAM

Great teaching. Great results.

Welcome to Wisconsin and to the English Language Transition Program for ESL students at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls ... a GREAT place to learn English!

The University of Wisconsin - River Falls (UWRF) is the home of 6,600 college students. The university is within walking distance of charming downtown River Falls and restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. River Falls has a population of 14,000 people and is located in western Wisconsin along the Kinnickinnic River, less than 40 miles (61 kilometers) from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.

The English Language Transition (ELT) Program is an Intensive English Program for ESL students with an academic focus. The ELT Program offers small classes and dedicated instructors, with many opportunities for both social and cultural experiences. Admission to the ELT program indicates that a student is academically qualified for admission, but they have not yet met the English language requirement.

Minimum test scores required for admission to the ELT Program are as follows:

TOEFL Paper: 480
TOEFL Internet: 54
IELTS: 4.5

We are currently accepting applications for admission. Students who wish to begin their studies Fall semester must submit an application and supporting documents by June 1. Spring semester admission documents are due November 1.

Program Benefits

The English Language Transition (ELT) Program at UWRF has a full-time Intensive English Program (IEP) for ESL students focusing on language skills needed for successful university study. The goal of the Intensive English Program is to strengthen students' university academic skills. Students in this program are required to take a minimum of one semester before transitioning into their degree program. Students benefit from our program by:

• Speaking through classroom discussions
• Learning academic note-taking skills
• Developing reading comprehension skills 
• Acquiring academic writing skills
• Expanding critical thinking skills
• Attending on-campus lectures and events
• Receiving small group or one-on-one instruction on grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary

The Intensive English Program offers two levels of instruction: intermediate and advanced. TOEFL or IELTS test scores and transcripts determine placement in the program. Each level is a full-time, fifteen-week course with 12 credit hours of instruction. Students also receive an additional 12 hours of tutoring per week. Course work includes a variety of academic topics that appeal to students with various backgrounds and interests.

Intermediate Level

Intermediate students are approaching readiness for academic study but still have some significant weaknesses using their English skills. This level will broaden students' vocabulary and grammar knowledge as well as improve their language skills within a communicative academic context. Intermediate coursework consists of classes in reading, writing, listening and note-taking, and speaking.

Advanced Level

Advanced students are nearly ready to begin academic study or participate with confidence in professional settings. Instruction at this level will familiarize students with organizing, paraphrasing, summarizing, and synthesizing academic English in both spoken and written forms. Advanced level students attend classes in reading, writing, listening and note-taking, and speaking.

Tutoring Component

The Intensive English Program works with the Tutoring Services Program, which provides services for ESL students. ESL tutors are undergraduate and graduate UWRF students who assist with classwork, extending reading, and writing assignments. Additionally, they provide small group instruction focusing on grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary.

Extracurricular Activities

An important part of the International Student experience is to learn about the people and customs of the United States. We accomplish this through providing extracurricular activities that take our students into the community, giving them the opportunity to experience the culture and practice English outside of the classroom. ESL tutors will help students get involved in extracurricular activities on and off campus. Extracurricular activities may include:

• Local business tours
• Volunteer and community service projects
• Movie night
• University events
• Local theatres and museums

Optional activities are scheduled in the afternoons, evenings, and on weekends.

The following is a sample class schedule for an advanced level student:

Campus Life

International students have use of all university facilities and services including:

• Dormitories
• Dining facilities
• Sport centers
• Computer labs
• Theatre
• Library
• More than 170 student clubs and organizations