English Language Learners’ Institute
About ELLI
The English Language Learners’ Institute is a non-credit program set up to help non-native English speakers develop English language competence. The institute is part of ASU’s Center for International Studies.
The institute delivers high-quality English language programs to international students, including those living in the San Angelo area. A priority is to prepare students for future study at Angelo State and other U.S. universities, but we also welcome students who need English for social and professional purposes.
Curriculum
The ELLI gives participants a placement test to make sure they receive curriculum at an appropriate level. Courses are offered in the summer, fall and spring and they follow two strands (students move from one to the other):
Usually, beginner-level students take three semesters of English to be ready for university admission. Students who satisfactorily complete the English for Academic Purposes courses are eligible for ASU admission without completing the TOEFL requirement.
Course Features
- Small classes with 15 students or fewer per class
- Four hours of class per day, plus self-study time
- Computer and Internet access available for self-study
- Professional teachers with master’s degrees in TESOL or equivalent
- Textbooks provided
- Learner-centered, active methodology
ELLI can issue Form I-20AB to allow non-immigrants to study English in the United States.
Custom Courses
ELLI also offers custom programs to institutions and groups of students in the United States and overseas. We are involved in programs for local businesses with international employees and in summer programs for students of Tecnológico de Monterrey in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Contact the ELLI for more information about custom courses.
Course Content
Foundation Skills
This program is for students at a beginner/low-intermediate level in English who want to develop their competence for use in study, work and social situations. Students learn though reading and listening to stimulating texts and taking part in tasks and mini-projects as well as studying grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation in context.
Building confidence in speaking is emphasized through active participation in class. Students are encouraged to develop independent study habits.
English for Academic Purposes
This program is for intermediate/advanced students who are planning to study at a university that uses English as a primary language. This course helps them upgrade their communicative confidence and academic skills to meet the challenges of a demanding situation.
Students will need to be ready to listen to lectures and write reports in English as well as operate effectively in formal and informal speaking situations. Course components include academic writing, oral presentation skills, research skills and reading strategy development.
Students also build up their awareness and use of vocabulary, grammar and discourse, especially through self-monitoring their own performance. Classes are active, with many tasks and projects.
Why Study at ASU?
- San Angelo offers you the opportunity to speak English with Americans, both on the university campus and in the community.
- ASU offers significant financial advantages to those learning English: low tuition cost, low mandatory student fees and San Angelo’s low cost of living.
- The ELLI staff members are focused on making your overall experience as positive as possible.
- San Angelo is very safe and its people are friendly.
- The ASU campus and the surrounding areas provide excellent opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
- If you like sports, there are several excellent on-campus sports activities (soccer, football, basketball, tennis, etc.) for participants and spectators.
- The ELLI offers you a variety of extracurricular activities, such as outings to other major cities, picnics and field trips, which allow you to get to know other students.
- You can earn certificates of completion and attendance at our end-of-the-session ceremonies.
