The UWSP ESL Program offers small & supportive classes on a welcoming campus in a safe and charming middle-American town. Our students tell us that UWSP is an ideal place to study because the ESL Program instructors and staff make them feel at home. The campus provides excellent student services, including free computer labs, superior recreational facilities, active student organizations, and fully-furnished residence halls (dormitories). ESL Program tuition and fees as well as the cost of living here in Central Wisconsin are moderate.
ESL Program students come from around the world and nearby. Approximately 60% of our students are from Asia, 25% from Central and South America, and 15% from the Middle East and Europe. American citizens/permanent residents whose first language is not English are welcome to enroll in the program provided space is available.
Yes, the ESL Program is part of the Division of Student Affairs at UWSP. All ESL Program students carry university identification (ID) cards and they can use the wide range of services and facilities on campus, including UWSP's computer centers, the library, the university center, and sports and recreation facilities. However, ESL Program students are admitted for intensive English study only; they must make a separate application if they wish to enter an academic program.
Each ESL Program session is 8 weeks long, with 20 hours of class each week. In addition to classes, students are expected to complete assignments at home and in the language and computer labs.
The ESL Program has four levels of instruction, each a full 8-week session, from elementary to advanced. Students do not have to complete all levels. Most students study in the ESL Program for one, two, or three sessions before they reach the English proficiency they desire. A second session of study is available at each level, using different instructional materials, if necessary.
Most of the ESL Program classes are "content-based." This means that students learn English by studying interesting and contemporary topics, similar to academic study. In ESL Program classes, students focus on using English to communicate in academic, professional, and social situations.
There are four requirements for admission to the UWSP ESL Program:
When you apply, you will need to complete a simple application. Click here to link to Application and Admission information. If you have questions, contact us and we will be happy to help you.
Be certain that your flight itinerary has Central Wisconsin Airport (airport code: CWA) as your final destination in the U.S. Once you have purchased your ticket, contact the ESL Program (esl@uwsp.edu) with your flight details: arrival airline, arrival flight number, arrival date, and arrival time. When we receive this information we will make arrangements for an ESL Program staff member or volunteer to meet you at the airport. This is a free service to our students. Alternatively, taxi service is available “on demand” at the airport for $35 one-way to Stevens Point.
Provided you inform us of your arrival information, the driver who meets you at the airport will assist you with checking-in to your campus residence hall. He/she will also provide you with a schedule and instructions for visiting the ESL Program office to check-in.
All new students are required to live in the university residence halls (unless married or traveling with a spouse or living with their parents). Students must also buy their meals from the university food service. You will choose and sign up for a meal plan during orientation. This meal plan allows you to choose the number of meals that you can eat per week in the Debot Cafeteria and the amount of food points you want to have to eat in the University Center or at the Convenience Store.
If you wish to stay on campus between semesters, you must sign up in advance and live in one designated residence hall for that period (Interim Housing telephone 346-3511). You will pay a fee for each night. Unfortunately, there is no university food service during holidays, so you need to eat off campus or use the dorm kitchen to prepare your own meals.
We recommend that you live in the residence halls to gain more experience with your English skills and make friends with other students. However, if you decide to move off campus when you are eligible, it is your responsibility to find housing. Pick up an off-campus housing list from the reception area of the Housing Office, or check the Stevens Point Journal (daily newspaper) for listings of available apartments. Remember: Whenever you change rooms or apartments, make sure to give your new address to the FSO/ESL office staff immediately. This is necessary to ensure that you are in compliance with your student visa.
ESL Program students are required to have health insurance. You are required to purchase coverage through the ESL Program for approximately USD $65 a month.
The Rice Medical Center is the nearest non-emergency healthcare facility (located across the street from campus). ESL Program staff and instructors will be happy to assist students in making non-emergency appointments there.
Emergency care is provided by St. Michael’s Hospital, also located adjacent to campus.