English Language Studies

Introduction to English Language Studies

Seminole State College’s English Language Studies Department provides comprehensive, learning-centered, high-quality programs and courses that help students reach personal, educational and professional goals. Courses are scheduled to accommodate busy work and home lives.

• English Language Institute Admissions
• English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Admissions
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Admissions

English for Speakers of Other Languages

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are designed to provide English language training for speakers of other languages for life and work skills, and basic education study. They also focus on helping students create educational plans, search for employment, obtain a better job and/or become better citizens.

Seminole State offers intensive ESOL courses in the morning and evening and non-intensive ESOL courses in the evening on various campuses. Classes range from as few as four hours each week to as many as 20 per week. Courses are full term with specific enrollment periods at the beginning of each semester. Students study at one of six levels of English proficiency based on scores from the CASAS placement exam given by Seminole State or another adult education institution in Florida.

Admission

Students apply for ESOL classes by contacting one of the Academic Foundations ESOL Student Services representatives on the campus of their choice:

• Altamonte Springs Campus: 407.404.6002
• Oviedo Campus: 407.971.5016
• Sanford/Lake Mary Campus: 407.708.2420

To qualify, applicants must be:

• 16 years of age or older;
• U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, refugees, or holders of other qualifying immigration documentation.

Residency and Fees

Qualifying students with documented proof of residency in Florida for one year pay a $30 state-mandated fee upon initial registration in any semester.  Qualifying students with proof of residency in Florida for less than one year pay $120 upon initial registration in any semester.

English for Academic Purposes

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses are college credit preparatory and elective credit courses specifically designed to prepare students who are speakers of other languages for higher education or professional development. Students must apply to Seminole State College and are assessed to determine their levels of English language proficiency.

Students who have studied high school outside the United States or have studied ESOL in high school are assessed to determine their levels of English language proficiency. Students whose proficiency is lower than that required for ENC1101 are placed into English courses based on the results of placement tests and a writing sample. Once students begin the EAP course series, they must complete the entire sequence of courses within the skill area indicated. Upon completion of each skill area sequence, students take program and exit exams to qualify for other college courses.

EAP course descriptions are available in the course descriptions section of this catalog. Tuition for EAP courses follows College guidelines per credit hour.

Domestic and international students must follow the guidelines provided by the College Admissions Department and the International Student Office. Please see the Admissions section of this catalog for more information.

For more information on EAP, please visit www.seminolestate.edu/adult-ed/els/.

Pathways to English Proficiency at Seminole State

English Language Institute

The English Language Institute (ELI) at Seminole State is designed for visitors to the United States on student visas who are not applying to the College.  ELI courses are based primarily on academic preparation and include an introduction to U.S. culture. ELI students study on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus for 18 to 20 hours each week depending on their levels of proficiency. For current tuition information, please visit http://www.seminolestate.edu/eli/ or call 407.708.2120.

Admissions

ELI applicants should contact the International Student Office on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus at 407.708.2172.

Only documents in English will be accepted. Translations must be completed by an official body; a notary public does not automatically qualify as a translator. Only original documents will be accepted. Facsimiles and photocopies will not be accepted.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires international students to study full-time, which equals two consecutive semesters of Monday-Thursday classes, at a minimum.

International students who seek admission to the English Language Institute on an F-1 Visa (1-20 A-B) must:

1. Submit all application materials to the International Student Office prior to the deadline.
2. Complete an International Student Form.
3. Provide a formal or informal color photograph.
4. Submit financial support documents, including:

• A signed bank letter from the student or student’s sponsor(s) (as applicable), stating when an account was opened, the type of account and its current balance.  It is possible to have more than one sponsor. The sponsor(s) do not need to reside in the United States, nor must they be relatives.
• A signed and notarized Seminole State Affidavit of Support.
• If bank funds are not enough to cover the costs of study and living, then submit a signed letter from the employer of the student or sponsor, as applicable, stating job title, salary and length of time employed.

In addition, transfer students must submit the following:

• A completed International Student Transfer Form.
• Photocopies of all former 1-20’s, I-94s (both sides) and passports.