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De La Salle Language Institute
De La Salle Language Institute
Rebecca Vogel, Director
The De La Salle Language Institute of Saint Mary’s University offers two programs of intensive English
language instruction, an ESL program and a bridging program.
Intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) Program: The Intensive English as a Second Language
(ESL) Program is for students from non-English speaking countries who desire to improve their English
language skills while participating in the life of a North American university. Students study for one
semester or one academic year (two semesters). A summer session is also offered. The major coursework
is in English as a second language. In addition, students study the history, traditions, culture and
customs of the United States. All coursework is based on an integrated skills approach with listening,
speaking, reading, writing and grammar components. Students are housed in residence halls on campus
and are encouraged to participate in various intramural and co-curricular activities and programs
offered throughout the year. Several programs and trips are targeted specifically for international
students as a means of personal support as well as spiritual and cultural enrichment. Upon successful
completion of the internationally recognized Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), students
may elect to continue their studies as full-time, degree-seeking students at Saint Mary’s. For some
students, the year in the Intensive ESL Program is preparation for other career-related activity or further
study in their home countries. The ESL courses are numbered below 100 and do not count towards
degree programs.
English Language Bridge (ELB) Program: The English Language Bridge (ELB) Program is a one-year
program offered to full-time freshmen who speak a first language other than English and meet other
qualifying conditions. The ELB Program consists of specialized academic advising and a succession
of credit bearing courses designed to improve academic English skills, completed along with several
requisite courses standard for a first-year Saint Mary’s student.
The ELB Program offers an opportunity for both domestic and international students to focus on
the development of academic proficiency in the areas of English reading, writing, vocabulary, and
conversation at a level necessary for success in a college setting. The ELB Program prepares minoritylanguage
students to use the English language at a level that enhances success in all aspects of college
life. Admission staff screens applicants for qualifying conditions.
Domestic Students
Students whose primary language in the home is not English and/or whose residency in the United
States has been for five or fewer years may be offered a place in the ELB Program if two of the following
factors are present.
• 17 or lower ACT Reading/English score or 420 or lower SAT Verbal score, and/or
• High school Language Arts GPA: below 2.000 on 4.000 scale, and/or
• Grade disparity of 1.0 or greater between high school Language Arts GPA and GPA in other curricular
elements, and/or
• History of successfully using academic support services in high school, and/or
• Recommendation of high school counselor and/or university admission advisor.
If an accepted student elects to enroll in the ELB Program, the director is assigned as an academic
advisor and begins the academic advising and registration process.
International Students
Students for whom a TOEFL, MELAB or IELTS score and a first-language barrier are present are offered a
place in the ELB Program if the following factors are present.
• Student has a valid Visa to study in the United States, and
• Student meets all Saint Mary’s admission criteria except TOEFL/MELAB/IELTS score, and
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