| Minor | ACE Language Institute | Faculty | Course Offerings |
253.535.7325
www.plu.edu/~aceli
An interdisciplinary minor in Teaching English as a Second Language is available. This program can be used to meet the minor requirement in Elementary Education and leads to an additional endorsement for elementary or secondary education students. Students majoring in foreign languages in the College of Arts and Sciences may also find this minor a useful addition to their programs.
Teaching English as a Second Language (16 hours required)
Anthropology 102 Exploring Anthropology: Culture and Society – C, S1 (4)
Language/Education 445 Methods for Teaching Foreign Languages and English as a Second Language (3)
Language 446 Theories of Language Acquisition (4)
Language/Education 475 Practicum in Teaching English as a Second Language (1)
Language/Education 470 Curriculum, Materials and Instruction for Teaching English as a Second Language (4)
The A.C.E. Language Institute (operated by the American Cultural Exchange) is an affiliate of PLU offering intensive English language classes, which are designed to prepare international students for studies in U.S. colleges and universities, or for professional work requiring English proficiency. The institute also offers foreign language and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) preparation classes.
The faculty at A.C.E. Language Institute has extensive training and experience in teaching English as a Second Language, and all hold the terminal degree of Masters of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) or its equivalent. Having lived, traveled, and taught English in many countries throughout the world, both the faculty and staff have gained an awareness of other peoples, their languages, and their cultures.
A.C.E. Curriculum: The A.C.E. curriculum is an intensive multi-level program from High Beginning to Proficiency. Students study required courses for 20 hours per week and can choose an additional 4 hours of classes. The A.C.E. curriculum is based on content and experiential learning which allows students to improve their language proficiency while learning about new topics and exploring the local community. Upon arrival, students take a placement test to determine their starting level. Each level requires approximately 10 weeks to complete.
CERTIFICATES AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Certificate of Completion: Students who successfully complete the Advanced Level (Level 5 of 6) will be awarded the Certificate of Completion for General English.
Certificate of Graduation: Students who successfully complete the Proficiency Level (Level 6 of 6) will be awarded the Certificate of Graduation for Academic Proficiency.
Director's Recommendation: PLU's English language proficiency requirements for admission can be satisfied with a recommendation from the A.C.E. director. Students who main-tain good attendance and earn a grade of A or B in all Proficiency Level classes qualify for this recommendation.
High Beginning Level
Reading and Writing
Communication Skills
Listening
Vocabulary and Sentence Building
Intermediate Level
Reading and Writing
Movie Listening and Vocabulary
Grammar
Communication Skills
High Intermediate Level
Reading and Writing
Culture and Community Interaction
Current Issues Listening and Discussion
Pronunciation
Advanced Level
Reading and Writing
Research and Oral Presentation
Academic Listening
Grammar
Proficiency Level
Grammar and Writing
PLU Audit
Audit Review
Academic Skills
Credit Courses: Certain preadmitted, qualified, advanced-level students may be granted permission to take regular university classes for credit. This option provides students an opportunity to earn credits toward their degree while completing their advanced courses in English as a Second Language.
To enhance the formal educational experience, the following are also available to A.C.E. Language Institute students:
Host Families: A.C.E. Language Institute has a long-established community-based host family program for students who wish to live with a U.S. family for one or more semesters. Based on mutual likes, dislikes, and preferences, students are placed with the American family most suitable for them. These families—all carefully screened by the institute—provide students with room or room and meals at reasonable rates. The rooms are equipped with a desk, chair, and good lighting in addition to standard bedroom furniture. Each host family and their international student agree upon the family rules and sign a formal, written statement.
Weekend and/or holiday visits with an American family can also be arranged.
Counseling: A.C.E. Language Institute assists its students with career choices, college placement, immigration matters, medical and dental referrals, and personal concerns.
Activities: Special cultural and social activities are planned regularly for students. In addition, field trips add significantly to cultural enrichment. Students and staff take trips to Mt. Rainier, local museums, art galleries, zoos, children's day care centers, and retirement homes. Students can also participate in intramural sports activities such as soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Six tennis courts, a golf course, a swimming pool, and several gymnasiums give students additional opportunities for recreation. Help is also provided to students who want to join groups or take part in volunteer services while in Tacoma.
LANGUAGE MENTORS: Language mentors are U.S. students and adults who are interested in engaging international students in free conversation one-on-one or in small groups.
Scholarships: Available after the first session for those students who demonstrate financial need.
The A.C.E. Language Institute is located at 12002 Park Avenue just north of 121st Street.
Phone: 253.535.7325
FAX: 253.535.8794
E-mail: aceli@plu.edu