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Home > English as a Second Language (ESL) > ESL Frequently Asked Questions Academy Resource CenterEnglish as a Second Language (ESL)Frequently Asked Questions Your Questions » I am an international student. Can I get ESL help in my classes?
Our Answers I am an international student. Can I get ESL help in my classes?You must qualify in order to get ESL support in any of your classes. This means that you must currently be enrolled in—or have taken in the past—an English for Art Purposes (EAP) language class through the ESL Department at the Academy. All international students are tested in English when they first arrive at the school, and some students have to take EAP class(es) if they do not pass this placement test. However, anyone who takes an EAP class may receive ESL support in their art and design classes for as long as they are studying at the Academy. For more information on ESL Support go to the ESL Support Qualifications Policy. What is the best way to get ESL help? You can enroll in an ESL-designated section of the class. This means that when you register, you should look for classes that have the word "ESL" in the title. For example, if you want to take Color & Design, you should try to register for "ESL/Color & Design" so that you will get all the language help you need from the ESL teacher who is assigned to that class. If the ESL teacher decides there is a need for ESL support (that is, if there are EAP students in the class), he or she will attend the class every day, take notes, and help students with their English during the class. Sometimes, ESL support teachers will also hold ESL Study Groups outside of class so that you can prepare for quizzes, ask questions about your readings, and learn new vocabulary words. What if I am in a class without ESL Support, and I have trouble understanding the teacher? Of course, you should attend the first or second class and give it a chance; sometimes, a class which seems difficult in the first week may become easier after another week or two. If you still think you need help, you must qualify for in-class ESL support. If you do, talk to your teacher after class. Tell your teacher that you need ESL support; he or she will call the ARC and get you the help you need. How can the ARC help me if I do not have in-class ESL Support? If there are EAP students in the class, the ARC can find a support teacher to attend your class at any time in the semester. Sometimes, we will arrange for a teacher to help you outside of class, or we may send you to the ARC Tutoring office if you need help with the content (not language) in the class. If there is another student in the class who is willing to help you, that person can be your Student Mentor and help you during class as well. What is a student mentor? Is it a teacher or a student? A mentor is a student from your class who helps you understand the content by explaining difficult words or concepts. He or she may be a native English speaker—or even another international student with advanced English skills—who can answer questions, explain vocabulary words, or repeat homework assignments. Sometimes, a mentor is simply someone from your own country—maybe even one of your friends—who has agreed to help you understand the language. How can I contact the ARC? Whom do I talk to? Just call the ARC Receptionist at 415.618.3917—or come to see us at 180 New Montgomery Street, Room 201. We'd love to help you! And we're open on Saturdays, too. |