The Berkeley campus and San Francisco Bay Area community offer a stimulating environment for students interested in improving their English. Known for its academic excellence, creativity, and innovative thinking, Berkeley is a perfect choice for summer study. Who should participate?Courses in the Summer English Language Institute are appropriate for intermediate through advanced students who want to enhance their English language skills, improve job performance, or undertake university work. Students who participate in our program must be high school graduates, 17 years old or older, who speak, understand, read, and write English well enough to benefit from a course conducted entirely in English. About our programThe Institute offers three main courses—ESL 7, 8, and 9. Courses are offered through our six-week and/or three week-sessions, and you may take any or all courses. Different course topics and related fieldwork projects give you the chance to use your English language skills in the classroom and community. Intermediate to advanced ESL students are welcome in the six-week and/or the three week program; enrollment in any of the three courses in these programs constitutes enrollment in the Institute. There are two courses in the six-week program: ESL 8 focuses on all English language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. You will be placed in the proper level of this course by taking an examination. This examination is available on the Internet beginning June 1, 2010. ESL 9 offers more specialized instruction, with classes including business English, academic writing, academic research, oral presentation, and more (our courses are different each year). In the three-week session, students can take ESL 8 or ESL 7, which focuses on American Studies. You can enroll in these courses in any combination. Finally, if travel isn't possible for you this year, we recommend our high-quality online course, ESL N9, which offers interaction with instructors and students from around the world. This course also offers different topic areas to suit your interests and needs. Please check the Class Schedule or our Web site for this year's course schedules. Use what you learn!In each course, you participate in field trips and fieldwork assignments to increase interaction with native speakers and use your English in conversation. Past events have included escorted dinners, museum tours, visits to local businesses, lectures by famous Berkeley locals, and more. Since most of our courses do not meet on Fridays, you are free to visit the local attractions on long weekends. Placement examESL 8 students are required to take a placement examination, which is available online beginning June 1, 2010. You must take the test after you enroll in ESL 8 and at least one week before the course begins. Go to our Class Schedule or our Web site for details. Summer English Language Institute |
