Why Choose The Crowder College English Language Institute Program?

• Small classes – no more than 15 students per class
• On-campus housing – within one block of the classroom
• Affordable – cost is much less than many comparable programs
• More educational opportunities – upon completion of the ELI program, there are many opportunities for continued study

Crowder College established its English Language Institute in 1997. Since that time the program has served students from Brazil, Dominican Republic, Estonia, France, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Micronesia, Mongolia, Russia, Taiwan, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Viet Nam. The Crowder program is intensive, providing dedicated students with the opportunity to progress in the study of English as quickly as possible.

Crowder College has many students who begin in the ELI program, study for two years here completing an associates degree and then transfer to 4 year colleges or universities in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas or in other states. Most universities and colleges require the same basic courses before studying classes in the student's major. If a student knows which university he/she wants to transfer to, the student should check the "Course Catalog" of that university to know exactly which classes are needed so that the student does not take unnecessary classes here at Crowder. Crowder’s advisors can help the student with those decisions when it is time to enroll in college classes.

English Language Institute students will be assessed upon arrival and placed in appropriate levels of instruction based upon the results of the COMPASS Computer based ESL test. A TOEFL score is not required for admission to the English Language Institute or Crowder College.

Language study at the Crowder College English Language Institute is typically divided into two semesters. All levels of ELI instruction are available during the fall and spring semesters. The classes are intensive and concentrated, and the goal of Crowder College is to move the ELI student into some regular academic classes with tutorial support by the second or third semester. Progression from level to level is based upon passing scores in all classes and standardized assessment test scores. Because participation is required for language acquisition, students may miss only 3 scheduled classes per block. Excessive absence will result class failure and possibly dismissal from the program. Students are expected to make a grade of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher in each course in order to progress to the next level. For beginner level students, a slightly different schedule is incorporated generally adds one semester to the ELI program.
International students who wish to enroll in ELI classes should follow the standard international admission procedures. Admission procedures can be sent as an email attachment to a prospective student or may be accessed online. Students will be required to submit the standard documentation required of any international student, except that a TOEFL score is not required.

Program participants are encouraged to enroll in Crowder College after completing ELI classes, but it is not required. Students may also enroll in college classes in the same semester as ELI Advanced classes. Many students take Communications 80, English 100, Speech, Mathematics, College Success, or Athletic classes simultaneously with ELI classes.
Summer ELI classes are also available in cooperation with the University of Missouri - St. Louis Students wanting to experience a metropolitan life-style along with the rural life-style at Crowder College should seriously consider this option. Visit www.cfis-umsl.com