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English Language Skills Development

Spring 2010 ESL Courses
All international students have the opportunity to take a full or partial load of ESL courses. However, students admitted academically without having met the University's English Language Proficiency Standard are required to take the language skills assessment exams on Tuesday, January 5 and Wednesday, January 6; Room and Time: TBA. The assessment results will be available for class (re)scheduling by Friday, January 8.

Many international students who study at Gannon University speak English natively, but may not have attuned the ear to new accents, nor have familiarity with certain American words, phrases, and idioms.

English Language Self-Assessment

This Web site provides two sets of self-assessment questionnaires which you can use to determine where you might need to strengthen your language skills. One set of questions asks you to reflect upon your level of English language listening and reading skills, and the other your English language speaking and writing skills.

Training your Ear before you Arrive with Online ESL Resources

You can begin to accustom your ear to the sounds of American English, and work on your own pronunciation---even before you arrive to Erie---by taking advantage of the many ESL sites online, some of which include audio labs.

• BBC's The Teacher
• KanTalk (this is an interactive site that features native Hindi speakers pronouncing a dialogue, while working to use an American rhythm and intonation)
• Cyber Listening Cafe
• Dave's ESL Cafe  
• Sounds of English (pronunciation videos and diagrams)
• About.Com ESL Links
• Business English (includes interactive mock interviews, etc.)

There are a number of other online resources for learning vocabulary and grammar through quizzes, games, and other activities. Many of the sites listed above include such activities.

Gannon University and Erie Community ESL Resources

Conversation Partners: A Language and Cultural Exchange Program
If you would like to meet with a native English speaker to practice English through informal conversation, please complete the Conversation Partner application form linked here.

Library Resources
The Erie County Public Library offers a number of ESL resources including CDs and cassettes, as well as English grammars, vocabulary builders, and other ESL books.

Gannon's Nash Library offers for checkout workbooks that will assist in preparing for the TOEFL.

ESL for International Spouses
There are several community ESL classes and programs open to spouses in J-2 and F-2 status. One is through the City of Erie School District at the Adult Learning Center. Interested spouses should go to the Center to learn more about class schedules, curriculum, and expectations for participation or phone to arrange a time to meet:
444 W. 18th St.
Erie PA 16502
874-6175 or 874-6176

GECAC offers English lessons for both beginning and advanced learners. They also provide onsite child care during the class times. For more information:
1006 West Tenth Street
Erie, PA 16502
(814) 451-5610

Room permitting, spouses will be allowed to particpate in Gannon's ESL courses after taking the language skill assessment.