Programs

ESL

Welcome to the Lingua Franca Institute!

• Respect the learning needs and well-being of each student
• Build on the knowledge, skills, and experience of the students in our program
• Prepare meaningful lessons so that students may comprehend and communicate in written and spoken English at each level
• Create a supportive and encouraging community of learning in which each student is valued and respected
• Create an interactive, communicative class environment to give students the opportunity to learn, think, and develop English communication skills
• Provide students with cultural knowledge and awareness recognizing that language and culture are closely related
• Cultivate a diverse community of students and teachers, in which members learn from experience and practice
• Encourage students to discuss issues in English outside the classroom
• Balance variety and routine in instructional activities to accommodate the range of multiple learning styles of the students
• Provide an educational environment built upon the values of LFI and characterized by consistent, ethical treatment
• Create a teaching community holding shared values with LFI and appropriate academic and experiential credentials
• Foster a diverse community of learners who are supported, encouraged, and valued
• Create a curriculum that utilizes the English-speaking environment as a context and motivator for improving language proficiency of non-native speakers

• Morning and evening programs available
• 18 class hours per week (4½ hours per day, Monday through Thursday)
• Two core classes: an Oral Communication class and a Language Arts class
• Standard curriculum has 6 levels, from beginner to advanced
• The Mastery Class is a two semester course for advanced students
• Teacher/student ratio averages 1 instructor for 10 students
• Skilled and supportive faculty and staff
• Field trips are scheduled throughout the semester

1. Students remember and understand English best through a hands-on, learning by doing approach.
2. Activities need to be as rich, varied, and meaningful as possible.
3. Classes are designed to promote cooperative and collaborative learning.
4. Grammar is taught throughout the context of communicative tasks.
5. Feedback to student’s errors should always be positive and need not be excessive.
6. The classroom atmosphere should be relaxed, friendly, and supportive.

• Standard Curriculum: There are six levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. Students are enrolled in an Oral Communication class and a Language Arts class. The classes integrate listening, speaking, reading, and writing on a daily basis to emphasize the holistic nature of language, providing students with a strong foundation of English communication skills.
• Mastery Class: This two semester class is for advanced learners who have completed the standard curriculum or test in as new students. The goals are to provide students with the skills to accomplish increasingly challenging and complex communication with confidence and accuracy.
• The FLEX program is an intensive English language program designed for students pursuing full-time language study, but who cannot arrive for the start of the CELP session. Students meet for 18 hours each week (Monday-Thursday), over a 6 week term. Students are placed into levels according to their abilities and the courses being offered at the time in the CELP program.
• The J-Term program is an intensive English language program designed for students pursuing full-time language study during the summer or winter breaks. Students meet for 18 hours each week (Monday-Thursday) over a four week term. The Select program is a non-intensive English language program designed for students who wish to study English on a part-time basis. LFI works closely with students to design a program that fully meets the needs of the participants. The arrangement can last from several weeks to several months, and can usually be scheduled at any time of the year. These students are placed into the appropriate level of the CELP program, may receive grades, and have no requirements on attendance.

1. Students learn best when they are in class every day.
2. The class functions as a community, and when one student is late or absent, the whole class is affected.
3. The integrity of a fair and transparent policy best serves the needs of the students, as well as meeting the requirements of accrediting agencies and the US. government.

• Come to class, on-time, every day.
• LFI does not distinguish between an excused or unexcused absence. If the student is not in class, it is considered an absence, except if the student is ill and provides documentation from a licensed medical doctor, a doctor of osteopathy or a licensed clinical psychologist.
• Contact your teacher, the admission’s office or the director if you don’t come to class to let us know where you are. We are concerned about your safety and well-being at all times.
• Missing a field trip will be counted as an absence.
• If you miss one class, your teacher will speak to you to find out why you were absent and to remind you of the school’s attendance policy.
• A student will be placed on attendance probation if they do not attend the required amount of classes for their program.
• A student on Attendance Probation during the Spring semester will be required to take the immediate J-Term summer session, if it is offered at their campus.
• A student on Attendance Probation for two consecutive semesters will be unable to return to the program.