The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) offers in-person courses 45 weeks of the calendar year in two semesters (Fall, Spring) and two sessions (Summer 1, Summer 2).
In-person instruction is available for all proficiency levels. CELCIS helps students meet University English proficiency requirements while studying on the WMU campus.
Curriculum
CELCIS curriculum description by proficiency levels.
Class Schedule
Outline of student schedule, hours of instruction and course offerings.
Learning Resources
Resources for students who need assistance with class assignments.
Costs and Dates
View CELCIS costs and important dates.
Curriculum
The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) prepare students to study at Western Michigan University and other U.S. American colleges and universities. Additionally, CELCIS classes can help professionals improve their English for work.
The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) offers in-person English as a Second Language (ESL) courses 45 weeks of the calendar year. Offerings include Fall and Spring Semesters and two sessions (Summer 1, Summer 2*).
In-person instruction is available for all proficiency levels CELCIS helps students meet University English proficiency requirements while studying on the WMU campus.
*Please note, new students beginning in the Summer 2 session may be required to retake courses or take a placement test to advance to the next level.*
Instruction is divided into four classes:
- Speaking/Listening
- Grammar/Communication
- Reading/Writing 1
- Reading/Writing 2
Levels of Instruction at the Center for English Language and Culture
Elementary
Coursework required for the elementary level.
Speaking/Listening (ESL 0110)
- Develop fluency in speaking
- Learn basic communication skills in English.
- Learn to participate in small group and whole class discussions.
- Practice giving short talks.
- Learn to to use basic note-taking skills.
Grammar/Communication (ESL 0120)
- Develop fluency in speaking and writing.
- Learn basic English grammar.
- Learn to self-edit for grammatical accuracy in speaking and writing.
- Develop awareness of the relationship of grammar to meaning.
Reading/Writing (ESL 0130 & 0140)
- Develop fluency in reading and writing.
- Develop vocabulary skills.
- Develop the ability to use text organization for comprehension.
- Learn conventional writing mechanics.
- Develop the ability to react to readings.
- Develop basic research and library skills.
Intermediate
Course work required for the intermediate level.
Speaking/Listening (ESL 0210)
- Communicate with and comprehend English speakers.
- Participate in small group discussions in academic situations.
- Participate in whole class discussions and activities.
- Give oral presentations.
- Take comprehensible notes.
Grammar/Communication (ESL 0220)
- Develop fluency in writing and speaking.
- Increase grammatical accuracy in writing and speaking.
- Self-edit for accuracy in writing and speaking.
- Develop awareness of the relationship of grammar to meaning.
Reading/Writing (ESL 0230 & 0240)
- Read and comprehend texts.
- Write academic papers.
- Create study guides.
- Write essay exam answers.
- Use research and library skills.
Pre-Advanced
Coursework required for the Pre-Advanced Level.
Speaking/Listening (ESL 0310)
- Communicate with and comprehend English speakers.
- Participate in small group discussions in academic situations.
- Participate in whole class discussions and activities.
- Give oral presentations.
- Take comprehensible notes.
Grammar/Communication (ESL 0320)
- Develop fluency in writing and speaking.
- Increase grammatical accuracy in writing and speaking.
- Self-edit for accuracy in writing and speaking.
- Develop awareness of the relationship of grammar to meaning.
Reading/Writing (ESL 0330 & 0340)
- Read and comprehend texts.
- Write academic papers.
- Create study guides.
- Write essay exam answers.
- Use research and library skills.
Advanced
Coursework required for the Advanced Level.
Speaking/Listening (ESL 0410)
- Communicate with and comprehend English speakers.
- Participate in small group discussions in academic situations.
- Participate in whole class discussions and activities.
- Give oral presentations.
- Take comprehensible notes.
Grammar/Communication (ESL 0420)
- Develop fluency in writing and speaking.
- Increase grammatical accuracy in writing and speaking.
- Self-edit for accuracy in writing and speaking.
- Develop awareness of the relationship of grammar to meaning.
Reading/Writing (ESL 0430 & 0440)
- Read and comprehend texts.
- Write academic papers.
- Create study guides.
- Write essay exam answers.
- Use research and library skills.
Achievement Scale and Interpretation, Plus Prerequisites
CELCIS has four levels which range from Elementary to Advanced.
Class Schedule
CELCIS instruction is divided into four classes.
Each level is composed of four hours of instruction per day, five days a week (Monday through Friday) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please review the CELCIS weekly schedule for more details.
Co-Curricular Activities
CELCIS provides co-curricular activities to help students learn English in informal settings and get involved in the local community. These activities may be required for certain courses or service-learning programs.
Contact @email for more information or visit our international student webpage at wmich.edu/international/students.
Conversation Circles
Help international students make connections and practice conversational English. Conversation Circles are open to all WMU students, faculty and staff, as well as the general community.
Global Events
WMU Global Education plans numerous service-learning, cultural and recreational activities to help international students engage with the campus and local community.
Learning Resources
Resources available at Western Michigan University that can offer help to CELCIS students who need assistance with research, writing or other assignments.
Costs
English Language Program Fees by Semester
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Program Fees | $6,080 |
| Medical Insurance (1) | $1,220 |
| Housing and Meals (2) | $6,290 |
| Total (3) | $13,590 |
(1) Insurance is billed by semester and can cost less during shorter terms, like summer.
(2) Costs may vary depending on meal or housing preferences. Housing and Meals reflect the Bronco 14 Meal Plan with a Traditional Valley/Henry Hall double room.
(3) Plan for about $1,800 per semester in personal expenses, including books and supplies. Not included in the total above.
Tuition and fees depend on the ESL structure that students will pursue. At CELCIS, students may study ESL full-time or in a WMU (Dual Enrollment) Pathway Program.
Dates
CELCIS offers courses 45 weeks of the calendar year in two semesters (Fall, Spring) and two sessions (Summer I, Summer II). In-person instruction is available for all skill areas and proficiency levels
Accreditation
The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS), Western Michigan University is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for the period August 2015 through August 2025 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions.* CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S. For further information about this accreditation, please contact CEA, 801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 402A, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, www.cea-accredit.org
CELCIS complies with the guidelines and regulations of the following professional organizations: CEA, Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, University and College Intensive English Programs, American Association of Intensive English Programs, and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
*CEA accreditation provisions apply to in-person, core instruction.