University of Southern Maine

• Small classes with highly qualified teachers

• University Credit offered for ESOL courses available year round

• One-on-one tutorials available at no charge
  
  

• Conditional admission to USM through the English Language Bridge program

• Access to all University facilities including language lab and modern computer center
  
  

• TOEFL preparation available

• USM housing available for full-time students

• Assistance with University admission

• Scholarships may be available for local residents

• Payment plan available

• Full-time Intensive ESOL program available to residents at in-state tuition rate
  

The ESOL program was first established at USM in 1989 to meet the academic English language needs of the rapidly growing population of University students whose first language was not English.  The goals of the program are to offer the highest level of English language instruction in reading, writing, vocabulary, speaking and listening, to help students better understand American culture and to prepare them for entering and succeeding in the University.

The students involved in the ESOL program include:

1.  Immigrants and Refugees who intend to study full- or part-time at USM either as non-matriculated special students or matriculated degree candidates. 

2.  International Students who are either on exchange at USM for one or two semesters or degree candidates.

3.  Intensive Students who are in the Intensive English Language Program, a full-time, nondegree program devoted entirely to studying the English Language. 

Students participating in the ESOL program at USM represent over 25 countries and languages. Some take ESOL courses as prerequisites for future academic courses, while others want to improve their English language skills for work or personal satisfaction. 

All students taking ESOL courses at USM must have had prior instruction in English language and achieved intermediate-level reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.