Center For English Language Education (CELE)

The Center for English Language Education (CELE) was established at Northwest University to facilitate the University’s commitment to global exchange through providing academic and general ESL training for international students and to facilitate cross-cultural understanding and friendship among Northwest University’s diverse student body.  CELE falls underneath the International Education Department, which serves the greater international student population at Northwest University.

University Service

Serving a university community of scholars and learners, the Center for English Language Education proposes to develop and maintain programs of instruction, research, and professional services which provide opportunities to:

• facilitate language acquisition and cross-cultural communication;
• advise the NU community on issues of cultural diversity and facilitate interpersonal adjustments needed for cross-cultural living and service ; and to
• form network relationships with international agencies, schools, and students in order to expedite cross-cultural interactions.

International Partnerships

As a representative of Northwest University, CELE has entered into partner relationships with top universities in Korea and Japan: Ewha Womans University, Soongsil University, Gachon University, Hansei University, Handong Global University, Kanagawa University, and Toyo University.

CELE continues to seek beneficial international partnerships.

The partnerships include:

• tuition exchange agreements for NU and Korean and Japanese exchange students for 1-2 semesters of study
• visiting professor exchanges
• research partnerships opportunities

English as a Second Language

The ESL program enables international students to develop the necessary skill in academic  and general English to succeed outside the classroom in America and to gain admission into University baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. It also provides opportunity for students who want a semester abroad experience at Northwest University to develop their English skills and experience American culture while studying ESL in a Christian academic environment.

Students will:

• become more proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• gain a broader understanding of American culture and make friends with American Christian students and professors.
• develop study skills necessary for success in an American university.
• enjoy numerous cultural fieldtrips and events to enhance their academic experience.
• be conditionally admitted into Northwest University once they graduate CELE.

ESL students are enrolled in a full-time program of study that involves 12-18 credit hours of ESL study, focusing on the following English language skills: writing, speaking, reading, listening, grammar, and pronunciation and vocabulary.

Course Sequence

The following tracks of study are advised. Students test into level 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Bridge) upon arrival using the iTEP (International Test of English Proficiency). Advancing to the next course level is based on demonstrating competency through exit exams and earning an average grade of 80% in the current semester classes. 

LEVEL I

• LANG 0123 - Grammar I
• LANG 0133 - Writing I: Paragraphs
• LANG 0143 - Reading and Vocabulary
• LANG 0163 - Speaking and Listening I

LEVEL II

• LANG 0323 - Grammar II
• LANG 0333 - Writing II: Beginner Academic Essays
• LANG 0343 - Reading and Vocabulary II
• LANG 0363 - Speaking and Listening II

LEVEL III

• LANG 0523 - Grammar III
• LANG 0533 - Writing III: Intermediate Academic Essays
• LANG 0543 - Reading and Vocabulary III
• LANG 0563 - Speaking and Listening III: Business English

LEVEL IV

• LANG 0633 - Writing IV: Bridge
• LANG 0663 - Speaking IV: Bridge
• plus TWO selected NU Bridge courses

Testing

Advancing: When levels 1-3 students demonstrate competency through earning an average grade of 80% in the current semester classes, they can advance to the next level of classes without retesting. Students may opt to take the iTEP if they wish to skip a level. If they take the iTEP and score in the advancing level range, they may skip a level. (For example, if a level 1 student wants to skip level 2, he or she must test into level 3 with an iTEP score of 60).

Repeating: If students earn an average grade of 70-79%, they must take the iTEP at the end of the semester to determine if they advance to the next level of classes by scoring in the advancing level range. If students have an average grade below 69% they must repeat the level.

Exiting: Level 4 Bridge students must take the iTEP at the end of the semester and meet the iTEP and GPA exit requirements to matriculate to either undergraduate or graduate programs. Undergraduate students must also demonstrate that they meet the Christian lifestyle standards of NU as demonstrated through a pastoral reference letter or equivalent reference.

Waivers: Exchange students who are studying abroad at NU from a sister university, who arrive with a TOEFL score of 80+, are not required to take the iTEP for placement.

Placement: International students, applying for either undergraduate or graduate programs, who have graduated from a school that does not use English as a primary medium of instruction, may take the iTEP for placement in lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS. Placement testing is conducted in person, by appointment, and at the beginning of each semester.

iTEP Level Placement

• Level 1: Beginner — 0-49
• Level 2: Elementary — 50-59
• Level 3: Intermediate — 60-69
• Bridge: Advanced —70-90

Exit Requirements: Undegraduate Matriculation

• Pass Bridge Level
• iTEP Score > 70
• CELE Grades > 80%
• NU GPA > 2.5

Exit Requirements: Graduate Matriculation

• Pass Bridge Level
• iTEP Score Average > 80
• CELE Grades > 85%
• NU GPA > 3.0