English as a Second Language (ESL)

English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at Concord University have three main goals: (1) prepare students for academic success in mainstream univeristy classes; (2) practice and pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam to meet university language requirements; and (3) help students to transition to univeristy and life in America & West Virginia.

English as a second language classes at Concord are student-centered. This means that students are active and participate in classes. Classes give attention to grammar, but perfect grammar or grammatical accuracy is not required for meaningful communication in class. We believe speaking and producing language pushes students to learn faster. That is why we promote a classroom atmosphere of tolerance, solidarity, and support. Students feel safe to attempt communication without fear of being judged for making mistakes. Mistakes are an important part of learning a language, if we learn from them.

In short, we offer courses to prepare students to meet the university language requirements by passing the TOEFL ITP (Academic Listening & Speaking; Academic Reading & Writing; and TOEFL ITP Preparation). We offer courses focused on producing more fluent spoken language (Speaking Fluency Development) and we offer a course to assist in the adaptation of international students to life in the USA, West Virginia and at Concord (Advanced Cultural Awareness). In an effort to assist international students in their first semesters at Concord, the ESL Pathways Program offers bridge courses to give additional support to international students enrolled in mainstream classes.

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Cost of Attendance

Track 1 "ESL Track"

This track is for students who need to an entire semester to focus solely on their English language skills before entering mainstream university courses. These courses aim to develop all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) necessary for success in an academic context.

ESL 93: Academic Listening & Speaking (3 credit hours)
ESL 91: Academic Reading & Writing (3 credit hours)
ESL 92: Speaking Fluency Development (2 credit hours)
ESL 96: TOEFL ITP Preparation (16 week) (3 credit hours)
ESL 99: Advanced Cultural Awareness (1 credit hour)
Fine Arts Course (3 credit hours)

Track 2 "Pathways"

This track is a combination of ESL and mainstream university courses. Pathways students are ready for university classes in English, but greatly benefit from some ESL instruction and assistance. This track also provides a way for students to meet university language requirements (ITP TOEFL) while simultaneously making progress towards a degree.

English 101: Grammar, Compositions and Rhetoric (3 credit hours)
ESL 101: English 101 Support (3 credit hours)
ESL 92: Speaking Fluency Development (2 credit hours)
ESL 95: TOEFL ITP (8 week) (1 credit hour)
UNIV 100: CU Foundations (1 credit hour)
General Education Course (Psychology 101; Sociology 101; Communications 101; History 101) (3 credit hours)

Program Contact

Kyle Moore
ESL Instructor

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