About ESL at Ouachita
Ouachita’s English as a Second Language program enables students with limited English skills to attend Ouachita and ultimately transition into a traditional degree program.
Each semester, friendly, professionally trained instructors teach classes such as:
- Reading
- Writing
- Conversation
- Grammar
- Language Laboratory
- American History & Culture
ESL classes are typically small, offering students personal attention throughout the
semester. The program offers students an excellent place to make friends while gaining
confidence in using English. The American History & Culture class is offered each
fall and includes a trip to another city or location of interest. Other international
students and American friends are welcomed on the trip.
Students with TOEFL scores below 78-80 iBT (Internet Based Test), (or an IELTS score
between 4.0 - 6.0, or a TOEIC score between 405 - 605) are required to take 1-3 semesters
of ESL classes in order to improve their English language skills before entering undergraduate
classes.
Students passing ESL classes with a "B" average or higher will earn up to 12 hours
of academic credit toward their traditional degree requirements. Most students who
complete ESL within one semester are able to graduate with a full bachelor's degree
within four years by taking summer school classes (offered online and on campus).
For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or email international@obu.edu.
Check out a short video about Ouachita in Chinese, Spanish, or Portuguese.
What Our Students Are Saying:
"The teachers and students were all so friendly, and it made my study abroad experience
very meaningful."
"ESL helped me learn how to write academic essays in English."
"The American Culture classes were fun; we got to see Arkansas outside of the classroom."
"The friendly, non-threatening classes gave me confidence to learn English without
fear."
"I couldn’t have graduated without the help of ESL at the beginning of my college
studies."
