Wisconsin ESL Institute (WESLI)

ABOUT WESLI

WESLI began teaching English in 1981 and has since earned an excellent reputation with universities, educational agencies, and students from all over the world. We offer a variety of intensive English programs to help students achieve their personal, professional and academic goals, including General English, English Plus, University Pathways, Test Preparation, Business English, Tutoring, and a Teacher Training Program.

WESLI has an excellent reputation among universities and colleges for equipping international students with skills to succeed in competitive academic environments. Students from all over the world have had satisfying, memorable cross-cultural experiences at WESLI and in Madison. WESLI averages 100 students per session.

MISSION

The mission of Wisconsin English as a Second Language Institute (WESLI), a for-profit, stand-alone IEP, is to prepare students to be collaborative leaders in their chosen academic and professional environments.  WESLI will accomplish this mission through exceptional ESL Instruction and Student Services; guided by the following principles as applied to all areas of the organization, staff and students alike:

Cultural Competence: We strive for continued awareness of our individual values and how those affect the way we approach differences.  Knowledge and skills which facilitate cross-cultural communication are developed in the spirit of respect, openness and curiosity.

Collaboration: We co-facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and goals with the understanding that all members of the organization participate with their individual strengths along with the benefit of their previous education and experience.

Critical Thinking: We cultivate the courage to develop an individual viewpoint with the understanding that it is partial and complementary; the depth and rigor of thought that requires all material be held to the same standards of proof; the understanding of our connection to solutions to problems; and the perseverance to apply insight with the understanding that best interests will be served by allowing people to come to their own conclusions.

English Courses

Online Learning

Begin learning with other WESLI students in our live classes! Begin in any of our group classes and connect with students from around the world.

• 4-26 lessons of interactive live classes with experienced WESLI teachers*
• Small classes ensuring lots to teacher time
• Free academic consultation with our Academic Director 
• Additional conversation session each week with an American conversation partner
• Small class sizes
• Special discount on future in-country courses 

GENERAL ENGLISH

Our General English program is ideal for all language learners wishing to improve the
foundations of their English language skills. On average, students will interact with
people from 8 different countries in each class, making this a great way to improve
conversational English skills.

This program covers…

✓ Grammar
✓ Reading
✓ Writing
✓ Listening
✓ Speaking
✓ Pronunciation
✓ Vocabulary

This course is designed for...
✓ Zero level or true beginning students
✓ Students at any level who wish to improve their
overall language skills

✓ 12 Start Dates
✓ Levels from True Beginner to Advanced
✓ Average Age 18-45
✓ Lesson Length 50 minutes
✓ 4 to 20 total contact hours per week
✓ 10 hours additional structured practice
✓ Classes are offered from 8:30am to 4:50pm, Monday-Friday

PROGRAM OPTIONS:

✓ Part-Time = Any combination of classes from 4 to 20 lessons per week

✓ Basic (Part-time) = 20 lessons of Core Classes each week

✓ Essential = 24-26 lessons of Core Classes each week

✓ Extensive = 30 lessons of Core Classes each week

ENGLISH PLUS

Our English Plus courses are designed for students that wish to improve their overall English skills and learn something new at the same time. These courses run on a 4-week cycle, so you can come for one, or stay for a few!

• 12 Start Dates
• Suitable for Intermediate - Advanced Levels
• Average Age 18-55
• 20 Lessons per week + 5 hours of an alternative topic
• Lessons are 50 minutes
• 25 – 30* Total Contact hours per week (*2 Elective options, ex: Pronunciation and Contemporary Topics)
• 10 hours of additional structured practice
• Classes are weekdays, from 8:30 to 3pm

This program covers…

✓ Grammar
✓ Reading
✓ Writing
✓ Listening
✓ Speaking
✓ 5-Day Elective

ACADEMIC ENGLISH

This course is designed for...

✓ Students wishing to attend university in the US
✓ Students needing to improve academic & study skills before attending university
✓ Students wanting support in their transition to US university life

PROGRAM OPTIONS:

✓ ESSENTIAL

• 26 classroom lessons per week
• 20 hours of structured practice
• Core academic language classes
• Study Skills class

✓ EXTENSIVE

• 30 classroom lessons per week
• 20 hours of structured practice
• Core academic language classes
• Study Skills class
• Writing Center

✓ HIGH SCHOOL

• 35 classroom lessons per week
• 20 hours of structured practice
• Core academic language classes
• Study Skills class
• Writing Center