Curriculum and Activities
ELI provides a range of intensive English instruction. Students will be placed in appropriate levels after their language skills are assessed by ELI staff through classroom observation and standardized testing.A full program of courses typically consists of around 20 hours of instruction, including conversation hours, computer lab time, and formal instruction in reading, writing, grammar, and listening/speaking across 4 levels of proficiency. See Student Learning Outcomes. ELI courses also focus on academic vocabulary and American life and culture. The ELI has a professional teaching staff; each teacher has at least a master's degree and experience in teaching English as a second language.
Students have access to university computer facilities, a tutoring center, and a new student center, which houses a movie theater, restaurants, a book store, and cafes.
Sample Daily/Weekly Schedule
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|
9:00 - 11:00 |
Grammar |
Reading and Vocabulary |
Grammar |
Reading and Vocabulary |
|
|
11:00 - 1:00 |
Listening and Speaking |
Writing |
Listening and Speaking |
Writing | |
|
1:00 - 2:00 |
Activity | ||||
|
2:00 - 3:00 |
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|
3:00 - 4:00 |
Computer Lab | Computer Lab | |||
|
4:00 - 5:00 |
Language Tutor/ Partner |
Language Tutor/ Partner |
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|
5:00 - 6:00 |
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|
6:00 - 7:00 |
Conversation Cafe |
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|
7:00 - 8:00 |
International Student Meeting |
Note: Additional free tutoring is often available through the Honors Program.
Cultural Activities
ELI arranges regular excursions for our international students to sporting events, museums, art exhibits, and concerts. Many of these activities take place in and around Nacogdoches, but there is a major trip each term to Houston where students have the opportunity to explore the city and its rich cultural life.Informal Activities
Groups of international students often get together with other SFA students in the evening or on weekends to cook and share time in relaxed, informal settings.ELI Student Activities!
Texas-Style Adventures
Recently, one group of students had an out-of-this-world adventure at Johnson Space Center in Houston. Students have also visited the East Texas Oil Museum, an important part of Texas history; the town of Natchitoches, Louisiana; and several interesting places in and around Nacogdoches - the Oldest Town in Texas!International Student Association
ISA's purposes are to foster understanding among SFA students from all nations, and to foster a greater appreciation for diverse cultural, religious, and political philosophies; to promote and support academic, athletic, cultural, and social activities in order to stimulate the participation and interaction of the International Students in University and community life; to serve as the liaison between the Administration and the International Students and to promote an interaction with International Students attending other colleges and universities. Students participate in activities such as the Fall International Week, International Fashion Show, Food Festivals, and more.