Jackson State University’s English as a Second Language Institute has accepted international students from more than 50 countries to participate in learning sessions that will take place during the 2013-2014 academic school year.
Accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools, the ESL Institute began Monday, Aug. 19. Approximately 70 international students arrived on campus to study the updated curricula of the ESL Institute.
The Institute offers non-credit courses in English as a Second Language to entering internationals who plan to enroll in academic programs, international students who require further English refinement, English training for new immigrants, and iBT TOEFL preparation for college-oriented internationals and certain job-oriented individuals.
Along with quality academic programs, ESLI provides myriad cultural activities and events featuring local history, ethnicity, diversity and the performing arts to JSU international students. These activities are open to all JSU students as well.
International students in the ESLI will have opportunities to explore southern language and culture through trips to Natchez, Vicksburg, New Orleans and Memphis.
Along with cultural activities, events and trips, students will also have opportunities to give back to the community through such outreach services as serving lunch at Stewpot Community Kitchen, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and giving gifts to needy children all over the world by participating in the shoe boxes program for Operation Christmas Child.
In addition, during the annual International Education Week in November, ESLI students will go to schools and after school centers to share the stories about their countries. They will also represent their countries during JSU’s annual International Week in April 2014.