Making the Most of Your College Campus English Language Program

by Kate Kirk

Making the most of your language program isn’t just about going to class. Of course, there is a lot of learning that happens in a classroom, but what many students don’t know is that a lot of what they learn and how fast they learn comes from what happens outside the classroom. Therefore, it is important to know what resources your school offers. If you don’t know where to begin, here are a few resources to enrich your English as a Second Language (ESL) experience.

University Resources

Your first resource is your ESL administrative staff. After all, they are the ones that helped you get to the U.S. to begin with! Your administrative staff members have office hours devoted just to you. By taking advantage of these hours, you can double-check immigration regulations, ensuring that you maintain your status while in the U.S. Some offices might also have staff that offer personal advising. Don’t be shy about directing any questions to your ESL staff! They can point you to the right resources. It is also a chance to practice using your English.

Academic:

• Office Hours: In the U.S., faculty have specific office hour times that are devoted to helping you! For faculty office hours, check your course syllabus or ask your teacher. These office hours are perfect for expressing any academic concerns to your teachers and getting extra help.
• Tutoring Center: Most campuses have a Writing Center where you can find one-on-one tutoring to improve your English writing skills. Some ESL offices offer a Tutoring Center specifically for their students. This type of center may offer one-on-one tutoring, help with applying to degree programs, and general academic advising. Get help early and often.

Library: All campuses house a library that includes physical books, electronic books, and peer-reviewed journals. In addition, many libraries have computer labs, study rooms you can reserve, and even round-the-clock building access.
Free Software: Many campuses also offer discounted or free access to online software and applications. There is also technical support available to help students with computer problems.

Work and Volunteer:

• On-Campus Employment: As an ESL student at a university, you are eligible for on-campus employment. Jobs available usually include work in the student center, food court, library, or even your ESL office. On-campus employment is a great way to practice your English with native speakers while making some extra money on the side. (Remember that on an F-1 visa in an ESL program off-campus work is prohibited.)
• Volunteer Work: Get involved in a volunteer program. Most universities have various opportunities to do volunteer work. You could also volunteer for your ESL department during special events, such as orientation for new students or even marketing outreach. You can help new students feel at home! 

Both on-campus employment and volunteer work are great resume-builders and look good on college applications.

Extracurricular:

• Workshops: A workshop is a mini course 2-3 hours in length where you can learn information about different topics like time management, essay writing, and finals preparation. Is there a topic you wish were offered? Organize a group of like-minded individuals and request it from the school.
• Movie Nights: Campuses may offer free movie nights (or even festivals!), providing screenings of new releases on the front quad or classics or documentaries in the library. You can practice your listening and meet new people.
• Sporting Events: Even if you don’t follow sports, attending a football, basketball, or baseball game is an American cultural experience. And guess what? If you are an ESL student on a campus, you may be able to get free or discounted tickets!
• Symposia: Campuses usually offer undergraduate or graduate symposia once a year. If you plan to go on to a degree program in the United States, this is a great opportunity to see what students are currently doing in the field and maybe even meet your future academic advisor.
• Clubs: Depending on your ESL program, you may have access to campus clubs and collegial sports. This allows you to find Americans or international students with similar interests and organize events! Enjoy anything from flag football and hiking to movies and food. 
• ESL Office-Led Events: Your ESL office will offer a variety of events. They may include a weekly coffee hour when you can practice your English with native and nonnative students. Or it might be a college fair, where undergraduate and graduate admissions offices from around the state come provide information about their degrees and application processes. They might also offer annual cultural fairs, which offer a chance for you to share your culture with American students.  

In addition to events, your ESL office may offer a conversation partners program, where you are paired with a native speaker to practice your English speaking skills.

Bonus Strategies:

• Study group: What better way to practice speaking English, make develop friendships, and work on homework than creating a study group! 
• English Only: Be brave! Start an English-only pact with yourself and get your friends to join. Remember, you worked hard to get to the U.S. There are so many opportunities for you and others to step outside your comfort zone and meet people from different countries.