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MISSION STATEMENT:
Our mission is to guide and assist each student in developing a strong command of the English language. We utilize an effective pedagogy that strives to embrace each student's learning style and linguistic abilities. We seek to educate our students as individuals with unique needs in an environment that is affirming and respectful, yet encouraging and demanding.
The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program at Albright College is your gateway to college and university study in the United States.
We help each student develop strong English language skills. We teach each student as an individual, with unique needs and language skills. We give each student support, respect and encouragement.
The goal of the ESL program is to help each student develop the English language skills needed to successfully continue and complete higher education in the United States.
When you complete our ESL program, you may choose to continue your education at Albright College.
Learn more about Albright's ESL Program by using the links to the left. If you have any questions, please e-mail us at international@alb.edu.
Why Choose Albright's ESL Program?
- Close personal attention
- Small class sizes
- 10:1 student to faculty ratio
- Excellent teachers
- Close contact with American students
- Instruction in all essential language skill areas: listening, speaking, accent reduction, writing, reading and grammar. Furthermore, students take courses in American history, culture and TOEFL preparation.
- Access to all Albright facilities and activities
Why Choose Albright College?
- Founded in 1856
- A small, nationally ranked liberal arts college
- Co-educational and residential college
- 1,600 bachelor's degree students
- Outstanding faculty with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Excellent location in Reading, Pennsylvania, a city of 80,000 only one hour from Philadelphia, two hours from Baltimore and three hours from New York and Washington, D.C.
- 8 percent International Students
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Curriculum
Albright is more than a language school; our ESL instructors teach non-native speakers how to succeed in English, both professionally and culturally, while preparing them for the demands of academic study in the United States.
The College does not offer unrealistic fast-track programs that promise fluency in 12 weeks or less. Instead, our teachers, staff and American students work with students personally (both in class and out of class) so that English and cultural fluency become natural.
Albright's ESL Program has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. In addition, ESL students are paired with native English speakers to enhance their conversational skills.
Learning English does not just happen in the classroom.
Because Albright College is located only three hours from New York City and Washington D.C., one hour from Philadelphia and ten minutes from downtown Reading, students have many opportunities to practice and perfect their English.
Placement Test
Upon arriving at Albright College, regardless of admission status, all international students must take a placement test to determine their best course of study.
Courses
There are 18-22 hours of classes a week. ESL classes include:
While in the ESL Program, students take only ESL courses. Upon successful graduation from the program, students enter Albright's Bachelor's program, where they take three regular academic courses and one course tailored toward international students' writing and language usage. After a year of this study, students take a traditional course load.
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Trips
Each year students in the ESL Program visit places such as New York, Philadelphia, Hershey and Washington, D.C., to broaden their classroom experience and cultural awareness.
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Program Calendar
Two full semesters of coursework are normally required to complete Albright's ESL Program.
- Fall term (Late August to mid December)
- Spring term (Late January to mid May)
- Summer term (June) - This is available for students who require further language study.)
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Costs
Please see Tuition and Fees for more information.
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How to Apply for Admission
- Download, print and complete the ESL application and instructions (PDF, 356k)
- Mail your completed application and related materials to the address specified in the instructions.
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International Student Services
Albright College provides a full range of services to its students, both domestic and international:
- On-campus housing
- Meal plans
- Full use of Albright's athletic and social facilities
- On-campus health clinic facility
- Academic counseling
- Personal counseling
In addition, Albright provides the following services for international and ESL students:
- International student advising
- Individual tutoring
- Class trips and optional outings
Faculty
Ethan Joella, M.A., M.F.A., M.S., Ph.D.
The director of the ESL Program. Professor Joella teaches ESL writing, reading, TOEFL preparation and American cinema. He also teaches various courses for the English department, including creative writing and composition.
Marian Wolbers
Professor Wolbers teaches advanced ESL writing courses as well as speech and pronunciation. She also teaches various courses in the English, communications and fashion departments.
Marion Piccolomini, M.S.
A speech language pathologist with diverse experience teaching college ESL, Professor Piccolomini teaches ESL grammar and history in the department.
Maria Mogford, M.S.
Professor Mogford teaches ESL writing. She also teaches composition and freshman forum in the English department
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Campus Tour
Reading, Pennsylvania
Links to web sites about Reading, Pennsylvania:
- Reading Visitors Bureau
The Bureau is a good place to find information on shopping, lodging, antiquing, etc.
- Online City Guide
OnlineCityGuide.com is a leading site for destination guides and city guide information.
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Contact Us
Email:
international@alb.edu
Telephone:
(610) 921-7512
Fax:
(610) 921-7268
Mail:
ESL Admission
Albright College
P.O. Box 19234
Reading, PA 19612-5234
USA
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