English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language (ESL) services are available to all Baldwin Wallace students whose first language is not English. These services are provided for international students as well as other BW students. ESL Sections of ENG 111 College Composition (3 credits) and ENG 131 Workshop in Exposition and Argumentation (3 credits) are offered each semester, as is ENG 101 American Conversation and Culture (1 credit). Students in ENG 111 and ENG 131 will experience the same reading and writing instruction as native speakers, but the ESL sections allow instructors to pay particular attention to the needs of non-native speakers. ENG 101 American Conversation and Culture is a half-semester course designed to provide practice in spoken English and an opportunity to understand American culture as it is being experienced.

Placement into these courses is determined by an on-campus placement process conducted by experienced ESL instructors who are also Writing Specialists in the Baldwin Wallace Writing Lab. Placement testing occurs during international student orientation before the semester begins, and courses are scheduled to allow for easy scheduling and changes of placement as necessary in the first week of class.

In addition to these courses, ESL-trained tutors are available for individual instruction, assistance with written assignments, and independent study through the English department’s Writing Lab, located in the basement of Marting Hall. Appointments can be made by calling 440-826-2417 or in person in the Writing Lab. Tutoring appointments are offered free of charge.