Students study grammar, reading, and writing from 9:15 to 12:00 every morning (Monday through Friday). In the afternoon students study for two hours from Monday through Thursday. A variety of topics will be available: Academic Skills, American Culture, Pronunciation, Communication, and Film Studies, to name a few.

Class Size

The size of the average class is from four to ten students. This small class size offers each student time for attention, encouragement, and practice. Besides their class work, students may work with instructors individually on special projects.

Computer Facilities

E.S.L. students have computer and e-mail accounts with access to internet services, all at no extra cost. Coe College has a 400 workstation computer network, with computers accessible in many buildings across campus, open during the week, evenings, and weekends. E.S.L. classes teach and use word processing skills to help all E.S.L. students achieve 21st century computer literacy.

Field Trips

Learning is not limited to the library and classroom. Students in the E.S.L. program travel with their teachers to explore and enjoy the nature and culture of Iowa and the Midwest. In the fall term, interested students may join a short trip to Chicago to sample big-city museums and restaurants. These learning adventures outside the classroom also offer opportunities to strengthen friendships with classmates.

Instructors

All instructors have M.A. degrees in Linguistics or Languages as well as experience teaching international students both in the U.S. and abroad.

Diversity of Students

Coe College has international students from 20 different countries in addition to students from 35 of the U.S. states.

International Student Advisor

A full-time international student advisor is available to help students as well as to advise the very active International Club.

Host Family Opportunities

E.S.L. students have opportunities to visit host families on special holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter as well as occasionally on week-ends.

Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids, located in the rolling terrain of eastern Iowa, is a pleasant, safe, and clean city, with a metropolitan population of 135,000. It is big enough to offer opportunities in the arts and in business yet small enough to get around in easily. Within 250 miles of Chicago, Minneapolis, and St. Louis, Cedar Rapids is served by the Eastern Iowa Airport and United, TWA, Northwest, Delta, and American airlines. Students coming from other countries will find that people who live in Cedar Rapids are friendly and interested in meeting people from other cultures. Many local residents invite international students to share holiday activities and meals with their families. Cedar Rapids has excellent recreational facilities with many parks, two large shopping malls, and a convenient downtown shopping and banking area. Within walking distance of Coe College, a new civic center offers entertainment ranging from popular music concerts and sports exhibitions to traditional Midwest family events.

Special Facilities

Coe College has many fine facilities that are available to all students at Coe. A 40-meter swimming pool is open to all at regular times. Clark Racquet Center is superbly equipped with an indoor track, indoor tennis courts, racquetball courts, exercise and weight-lifting equipment, and a climbing wall. Students may play the piano or practice their instruments in open practice rooms. The audio-visual center in the library has equipment for viewing films. All of these facilities are available free of charge to Coe students.

Special Programs

Besides the Intensive English Program which focuses on academic English, a number of special courses are offered throughout the year.

Orientation to American University Culture
This two- to three-week academic program focuses preparation for entering an academic program in a college or university in the U.S. or Canada. Students read extensively, do research, write academic essays, listen to lectures, practice note-taking and test-taking, use word-processing programs on computers, participate in class discussions, and present their ideas in both formal and informal situations.

TSA
A New Initiative of Waseda University

Sports Facilities

Coe College has outstanding sports facilities which are available free of charge (at no cost) to all students at Coe.

• a 40-meter swimming pool
• a Racquet Center with both indoor and outdoor tennis courts, indoor racquetball and squash courts, an indoor and outdoor track, weight-lifting and other exercise equipment, as well as a climbing wall

Conversation Partners

E.S.L. students join English-speaking students at Coe for weekly conversations.

TOEFL Preparation

E.S.L. students may prepare for the TOEFL test in a special class or by working individually with the instructors. Students are given an opportunity to take practice TOEFL exams. An Institutional TOEFL is given every term.

American English

One of the advantages of studying in the heartland of the U.S. is the opportunity to practice speaking the most desirable form of Standard American English, the English spoken by t.v. and radio news announcers.

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More about Coe College

Some frequently-asked questions about the E.S.L. Program

How much does it cost?

* Several board plans are available
** Activity, Technology, and Health Services
*** Estimated costs

• How To Apply to Coe's E.S.L. Program

When can I take regular classes?

You may apply for academic (regular) student status: (a) after you score 500 on the TOEFL test or (b) after you successfully pass the advanced level of the E.S.L. Program.

How long will it take me to learn English?

This will depend on two things: (a) how much English you've already learned and (b) how much effort and hard work you put into your studying. Usually an advanced student will take one or two semesters. Less advanced students may spend three or four semesters studying E.S.L.

How many students are there from my country?

The students' home countries vary. Right now there are students from twenty countries studying at Coe College. The number from your country will vary.

How many classes will I be taking each semester?

You will take three morning classes and two afternoon classes; this is the normal schedule. There are no classes on Friday afternoons.

How many hours per week will I be in class?

You will be in class between 20 and 25 hours a week. Also, you will spend time doing homework, attending cultural and sports events at Coe, and going on trips or doing special projects.

Is Cedar Rapids a safe city?

Iowa and Cedar Rapids are among the safer places in the U.S. Of course, every country's Do's and Don'ts of safety are different. Coe College gives new students an orientation which includes advice for safety and security on and off campus.

Who will do my laundry?

You will be happy to know that you can do your own laundry at your convenience, right in your dormitory. Each student residence has coin-operated laundry machines available to all students.

Who will wake me up in time for class?

You are responsible for waking yourself up. The E.S.L. staff will be happy to take you shopping to buy an alarm clock.

ESL Email at: bdrexler@coe.edu

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