Life at WESLI
As a WESLI student, you will join a supportive community and make steady progress to achieve your English goals. Our experienced instructors and friendly staff bring knowledge and expertise to guide you at every step of the way!
Your first week at WESLI
Orientation Week
The first week you arrive will be your Orientation Week. Every day you will have one hour of Orientation. During this time, you will:
- Meet other new students.
- Meet WESLI staff members and learn how they can help you.
- Receive guides and information about life in Madison.
- Complete your language placement test.
WESLI offers many opportunities to connect with the community and your future goals. We also want to ensure that students fully integrate into the Madison community during their stay.
Registration Day
On Registration Day, you will come to WESLI in the morning. This is how to prepare for the day:
- Bring your passport.
- Bring proof (insurance card) that you already have health insurance if you don’t need to buy health insurance through WESLI.
- Have a student ID picture taken at WESLI.
- Talk to one of WESLI’s advisors about your goals for learning English.
- Take a placement test to determine your English level at WESLI (no need to prepare!).
- Receive your class schedule.
- You will need to pay for tuition, fees, housing, and textbooks. Bring a payment method to complete this.
- You can open a bank account (recommended for 6 months or more of study). You will need $50, your I-20, and your passport. Talk to a staff if you want help with this.
English classes during a typical week in Madison
Each day, students will have a few hours of classes. In the classes, you can expect to learn a new topic and then begin practicing in class right away. Classes focus on using language through discussions, group work, and presentations. These are standard classroom practices for American education, and this experience allows international students to experience this model before attending university. After classes, students study at WESLI, the downtown library or cafes before having dinner with friends or their homestay host.
Practicing English beyond the classroom
You are encouraged to take every opportunity to improve your English outside the classroom and immerse yourself in the local culture. The more you practice, the faster you will see improvements! Each week, we organize events to support students with additional practice and help you gain confidence to seek more opportunities beyond WESLI.
WESLI organizes opportunities to practice English
and experience American culture throughout the week.
Learning English all year round
Depending on the season, when you are not in classes during the week and over the weekend, you will have plenty of opportunities to experience Madison and nearby sights across Wisconsin.
Students love learning English at WESLI in Madison!
Students often return to Madison after their studies as they remember wonderful times with friends in a beautiful city. Home away from home! See for yourself!
