ESL Program

Glenmore University’s ESL program is avocational and is not licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education.  It is offered for personal enrichment only.

Method of Delivery:  100% In-person

Program Description

Glenmore University’s ESL program offers a comprehensive six-level curriculum designed to develop students’ proficiency in English across key areas of communication—listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Each level of the program is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ensuring internationally recognized standards for language competence. The curriculum emphasizes integrated language skills, allowing students to improve their grammar, vocabulary, and fluency simultaneously. Whether students are beginners or more advanced English learners, they will be placed in the appropriate level through a placement test to ensure their progress from A1 (beginner) to C1 (advanced) fluency.

 The six levels cover a range of language abilities, with each level building on the last. Students at the beginner levels (A1-A2) focus on foundational language skills necessary for everyday communication, while intermediate levels (B1-B2) introduce more complex linguistic structures and academic English proficiency. Advanced students (C1) refine their language for academic and professional contexts, preparing them for success in higher education or professional environments. Each level provides a rich, supportive learning environment with engaging activities and assessments tailored to students’ growing abilities.

ESL Program Learning Objectives

As students at Glenmore University progress through the curriculum, they will develop a broad range of skills that will serve to support them in their daily lives interacting in the English language. These skills include knowledge and use of the English language as well as technology skills and critical and creative thinking skills. Specific objectives are listed below.

Communicative Competence: Develop the ability to effectively communicate in spoken and written English across a variety of real-world and professional contexts, with a focus on fluency, accuracy, and appropriate language use.

Integrated Skills Mastery: Improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills simultaneously through activities that mirror real-life situations, enabling students to use English in both social and academic environments.

Critical Thinking in English: Cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities by engaging in discussions, debates, and projects that require students to analyze information, formulate arguments, and express opinions in English.

Digital Literacy and Communication: Gain proficiency in using English for technology and social media, learning how to communicate effectively in digital spaces, write for online platforms, and engage with global audiences in professional and social media contexts.

Cultural Awareness and Global Perspectives: Develop intercultural competence by understanding global issues, cultural diversity, and social dynamics as presented in authentic texts and media from around the world.

Academic Language Skills: Build academic language proficiency, including the ability to read and understand complex texts, write essays and reports, and present information clearly in both written and oral forms, particularly in relation to technology and current events.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Enhance teamwork and collaborative skills by participating in group projects, presentations, and role-plays that foster communication, negotiation, and cooperation in English.

Adaptability in Language Use: Learn to adapt language use to different formal and informal contexts, such as professional communications, social media interactions, and everyday conversation, with a focus on adjusting tone, vocabulary, and register.

 Courses and Schedule

The ESL program is integrated skills in nature. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and other core language skills are integrated into the content of each language course. In this manner, students develop well-rounded English skills that will support their diverse personal and professional learning needs.

The ESL program is comprised of six proficiency levels. At lower proficiency levels, students focus on developing general English skills appropriate to successfully communication in their everyday lives. At the highest proficiency level, the curriculum focuses on workplace and academic success. At the highest proficiency levels, students may instead choose to enroll in a series of four academically-oriented courses specifically designed for academic preparation.

The ESL program is designed in alignment with the academic semester system (three semesters of 15-16 weeks each). Students at each proficiency level must complete their integrated-skills course with a score of at least 80% to progress to the next level of study. Thus, students enrolled in full-time program of study will be in class 20 hours per week for a total of 350 hours of classroom instruction per semester.

Table A:  ESL Curriculum

 ESL Course Descriptions

General ESL courses

ESL 001 – Beginner (A1)

In this introductory course, students build foundational English skills, focusing on essential vocabulary, basic sentence structures, and everyday expressions. Through engaging activities, students practice simple conversations, listening for key details, and reading short texts. The emphasis is on familiarizing students with the English language for basic communication in real-world scenarios, including technology and social media contexts.

ESL 002 – Elementary (A2)

Building on basic language skills, this course helps students expand their vocabulary and develop the ability to construct more complex sentences. Students will participate in longer conversations, understand simple narratives, and begin writing short paragraphs. Integrated skills practice focuses on practical topics such as personal experiences and community, with attention to using English in digital environments like emails and social media posts.

ESL 003 – Pre-Intermediate (B1)

At this level, students increase their proficiency in everyday communication and begin exploring more academic topics. They develop the ability to engage in extended discussions, comprehend more detailed texts, and write longer, cohesive paragraphs. The course introduces critical thinking and problem-solving in English, incorporating topics such as global issues and technology's impact on society. Students also enhance their ability to navigate digital platforms in English.

 ESL 004 – Intermediate (B1-B2)

This course challenges students to refine their language skills for more complex, real-world situations. Students improve their speaking fluency, engage with longer, more detailed readings, and develop skills in writing structured essays. The integration of technology and social media is deepened, as students learn to discuss technological trends and engage in online discourse using clear and accurate English. Critical thinking and collaboration in English are emphasized.

 ESL 005 – Upper Intermediate (B2)

In this advanced course, students focus on achieving greater fluency and accuracy in both spoken and written English. They will explore academic topics, participate in debates, and give presentations on global and technological themes. Reading assignments involve longer, more complex texts, while writing tasks include detailed essays and reports. The course emphasizes critical engagement with technology and social media, including how to use English effectively in professional online environments.

 ESL 006 – Advanced (C1)

The final level of the program prepares students for higher education or professional work in English-speaking environments. Students master academic language, engage in in-depth discussions, and refine their ability to write research papers and reports. Topics include advanced discussions on global technology and social media trends, with a focus on using English to analyze, debate, and present information clearly and persuasively in both written and oral forms. This course fosters the adaptability to communicate effectively across diverse digital and professional contexts.

 Academic and Workplace track courses

This four-course series may be taken by students who have successfully completed ESL 005 as an alternative to completing ESL 006. Students taking the academic and workplace track courses in place of ESL 006 will be better position for academic study in future. Completion of either the academic and workplace track courses or ESL 006 can both lead to students receiving the programmatic certificate of completion.

Conversation and Debate Skills:

This course focuses on enhancing students' spoken language proficiency through structured conversational activities and formal debates. Students will develop the ability to express and defend their ideas, fostering advanced communication skills in both casual and formal settings.

Business English and Professional Communication

Designed for aspiring professionals, this course emphasizes effective communication in business contexts. Students will refine their business writing, presentation, and negotiation skills, preparing them to excel in various professional environments.

Academic Writing and Research

In this course, students will hone their academic writing skills, emphasizing research methodologies, citation conventions, and the production of well-structured essays and research papers. The focus is on developing the advanced writing skills necessary for success in academic and professional settings.

English for Science and Technology

Tailored for students with an interest in scientific and technological fields, this course integrates language skills with subject-specific terminology. Students will engage in reading, writing, and discussions related to scientific and technological advancements, enhancing their language proficiency in these specialized domains.