English as a Second Language Session Information

The ESL Center is an intensive language program that functions in eight-week terms that go all year round. This means that during a full year (January-December), there are five total terms. Also the program offers four levels, but the levels for which there is the most demand will be the levels we open. For example, the center typically runs levels A2, B1, and B2 regularly.

Each level consists of reading, writing, conversation, and main courses. Each level offers six (6) credit hours total, so if two terms are taken (August-October and October-December) during a standard academic semester, then the total number of enrollment hours will be twelve (12). International students must enroll in a minimum of twelve credit hours in order to meet immigration requirements. 

When students first arrive, they will be required to take a placement exam, which is a thorough and complex exam with various language questions that determines the level at which students should begin. This exam is modeled after a few language proficiency exams that most universities use for testing, but it is arranged by the FHSU ESL Center personnel for all international students applying to FHSU. Also, ESL students are required to take an exit examination, which is must like the placement exam; however, this exam is to measure students’ overall language competency and proficiency to estimate their preparedness for the university setting.