All English Language Programs
High quality ESL courses at every level
WESLI has 7 levels of English courses and many exciting programs to help you achieve your personal and professional goals. After you take a placement test to find your level, we will make a class schedule that best fits your English level and future aspirations.
To meet your English goals, WESLI offers a variety of English Programs. Each course is a combination of Core Classes and Electives. Whether you are studying English for personal reasons, university preparation, or for your career, WESLI has a course for you!
All of our courses are in-person except for our Online-only program or Tutoring which can be done either in-person or remotely.
Which course is best for you?
- Academic Preparation – for students who want to attend American or other English-speaking universities or colleges. Also see WESLI's University Pathway options!
- Business/Professional English – for students working in businesses or other professions, such as lawyers, doctors, journalists, scientists, politicians and teachers.
- General English – for students who want to improve English abilities for personal goals.
- English Plus – for students who want to improve English abilities but also study another topic of interest, ranging from Yoga or Tourism to Beer or Photography!
- Junior Summer + Winter Camps - for students in high school wanting to experience Midwest American culture in an authentic setting in all seasons.
- Test Preparation – for students seeking to improve test scores on IELTS or TOEFL, or other exams like the GRE.
- Private Classes – for students who want one-on-one tutoring instead of, or in addition to, regular classes. WESLI Tutoring provides a customized curriculum taught by experienced teachers. With flexible scheduling (1-10 hours per week, available all year), you will receive undivided attention to help you reach your goals quickly. Online options available.
Most popular Adult English Language Courses
English programs for Higher Education
English programs for Young Learners
Specialty English Programs
English Classes + Language Level Information
Counselors will help you craft a session schedule to best prepare you for your goals after WESLI and your program choice.
Classes focus on developing the skills necessary to succeed. Students spend time developing their critical reading skills; writing paragraphs and compositions on a variety of topics; learning basic grammar structures and usages; and learning how to communicate for different contexts and purposes. Students also learn strategies to improve their vocabulary acquisition.
Beginning Levels (100, 200, and 300): After completing Level 300, a student can conduct basic conversations, manage everyday life in an English-speaking environment, and read and write simple material. At the end of Level 300, you need to earn an 'A, B, or C' to move to the 400 level.
Intermediate Levels (400 and 500): After completing Level 500, a student can converse comfortably on most subjects, read some basic academic and professional texts, and write an academic-style essay. You need to have earned at least a 'C' Grade to move to the next level.
Advanced Academic and Business Skill Levels (600 and 700): After completing levels 600 and 700, a student can conduct business in English, participate in most professional situations, and is ready to succeed in an American university program. To move to the 700 level, you will need to earn at least a 'BC' in the 600 level.
Find out more about our Student Learning Outcomes and Level Summaries or use our Test Conversion Table below to see how WESLI levels align with standard test scores.
Homework
Students will have homework from their WESLI classes. Many of the assignments are creatively designed to encourage students to use English in daily life. You will conduct surveys, participate in local events, listen to podcasts, attend university lectures, or design a magazine advertisement.
Grades
In each of WESLI’s 7 levels, students will earn a letter grade based on work done in class (participation, discussions, etc.) and outside of class (homework, essay writing, etc.). Grades are determined by a student's ability to meet the class objectives, demonstrated through class participation and homework. Grades are on a scale of ‘A-F’.
To move from 100 to 200, 200 to 300, 300 to 400, 400 to 500, or 500 to 600, a student must receive at least a ‘C’ in order to pass to the next level for core classes (listening & speaking, reading, writing, and grammar). A ‘BC’ is required to enter 700 level core classes. Find out more about our Key Assessments and Grading Percentages for Course Promotion.
WESLI’s Grading Scale:
- A=93-100%
- AB=88-92%
- B=83-87%
- BC=78-82%
- C=70-77%
- D=60-69%
- F=59 and below
On the first day of class, students will receive a course syllabus in each class, explaining the grading categories and requirements for the course. Students have access to their grades throughout the session, using an online grading system.
Transcript + Certificate of Completion
Upon completion, students may receive a WESLI transcript and certificate. When it is your last session, you can let staff know and we will have one ready at the graduation.
University Success + Test Prep
WESLI’s Academic and Test preparation courses are designed to help you make your dream of entering an American university become reality. You can prepare for the TOEFL or IELTS, or complete the 700 level for a TOEFL waiver with partner universities. Advisors will help create a course plan for you to finish your English classes to attain your university and test goals.
Part-Time University Classes
WESLI can help you arrange part-time study at a number of universities in Madison. This allows eligible students to obtain university credits before their English studies are completely finished, or to polish their English by experiencing university classes in an area of interest. Consult a WESLI Advisor for more information.
Prepare for IELTS or TOEFL Exams at WESLI
WESLI’s exam preparation classes are designed to help you succeed on English placement exams for both language and strategy. Our teachers are experienced in test preparation and can help you improve your study skills and assess your progress.
Students will learn how to maximize their TOEFL writing score through taking practice tests and learning strategies for the integrated iBT test and maximize their overall TOEFL test score through taking practice tests, learning test-taking strategies and doing practice exercises that familiarize students with test expectations. Classes also use the IELTS Test Practice to help students maximize their score on the International English Language Testing System exam.
Would you like some personal advice?
Get in touch and we'd be happy to help you find the right course to match your goals and budget.