English Language and American Studies Program

• Students enroll in English language and liberal arts courses, with college credits transferable back to their home universities.
• The program includes diverse subjects such as sociology, politics, economics, environmental studies, and history.
• Participants gain cross-cultural awareness and skills valued in global careers.

Language Proficiency

• Rigorous coursework to enhance English fluency, including listening comprehension, group discussions, presentations, reading, and academic writing.
• ELAS students need to have the equivalent of TOEFL 65 and Duolingo 75.

Elective Courses

• Students take elective courses in specific disciplines to improve both language skills and subject matter understanding.
• Eligible students can enroll in regular Willamette University courses for credit.

Personalized Learning

• Individual attention from qualified ESL faculty to enhance learning in a cross-cultural environment.
• Engagement in co-curricular activities to apply academic skills in practical settings.

Integration with Willamette University

• ELAS students are fully integrated into the Willamette community, accessing all university facilities and services.
• Participation in Student Scholarship Recognition Day (SSRD) to showcase their learning and research.

Peer Support

• The Academic Peer Tutor Program provides Student Academic Mentors (SAMs) who assist ELAS students with assignments and offer guidance.
• Tutors work closely with faculty to create a supportive learning environment.

Life in Salem

• Salem, Oregon, offers a vibrant community with easy access to outdoor activities like camping, skiing, and hiking.
• Students live on campus and can engage in community programs and various service-learning activities.

Extracurricular Opportunities

• Access to Willamette's athletic facilities, including gymnasiums, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and sports fields.
• Opportunities for travel during vacation periods to explore the United States.

Revised Oct. 2025

The English Language and American Studies Program’s mission is committed to fostering academic excellence, cultural immersion, language proficiency, intercultural competence, and global citizenship among students. We offer rigorous academic courses that are designed to develop critical thinking and interdisciplinary skills, track language proficiency through assessments and practice, and provide students with immersive experiences that encourage cultural exchange and understanding. Through participatory learning and leadership development, we prepare students to become active global citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.

Our mission is guided by the five core values of Academic Excellence, Cultural Immersion, Language Proficiency, Intercultural Competence, and Global Citizenship. We are committed to providing a transformative experience for international students that emphasizes growth and development in the following areas:

• Academic Excellence: We promote academic excellence by offering rigorous, interdisciplinary courses that cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills. Success is measured through regular assessments, academic performance tracking, and proficiency benchmarks, ensuring students are prepared for lifelong learning and leadership.
• Cultural Immersion: We provide opportunities for students to engage in university life through extracurricular activities, campus housing, and intercultural exchanges. We measure success through participation rates, student feedback, and the development of cross-cultural understanding, aiming to enhance students’ global perspectives.
• Language Proficiency: We support the advancement of English language skills with academic and social contexts for practice. Progress is tracked through pre- and
  post-assessment testing, peer interactions, and academic performance, ensuring measurable improvements in language proficiency.
• Intercultural Competence: We help students develop a deep understanding of varied cultural perspectives and cross-cultural dynamics, encouraging them to challenge preconceptions and embrace cultural differences. Success is measured through self-assessments, peer evaluations, and feedback from intercultural experiences.
• Global Citizenship: In alignment with the University’s mission to turn knowledge into action and inspire lives of achievement, contribution, and meaning, we support personal growth, leadership, and global citizenship. Through leadership opportunities and community service involvement, our program encourages participants to explore their own identities to become active contributors to society, equipped with knowledgeable skills to address local and global challenges. Student success is measured through self-assessment and peer evaluation.