WESLI - Wisconsin ESL Institute
Language school, English courses in Madison, The United States
Wisconsin English as a Second Language Institute (WESLI) is a private, for-profit intensive English school in Madison, the state capital of Wisconsin in the US Midwest. It began teaching English in 1981 and is located downtown, across the street from the Wisconsin State Capitol; since a 2020 renovation the school occupies the second and third floors of 23 N Pinckney Street.
English is taught at seven levels, from beginner to advanced, after a placement test; each level generally takes about eight weeks. Programmes include:
- General English and English Plus
- Business English
- University Pathways and academic preparation
- TOEFL and IELTS test preparation
- Junior English and junior camps
- Private tutoring and online lessons
- Teacher Training (TEFL certificate), five weeks with a 30-hour practicum
According to the school, nearly 30 universities and colleges accept WESLI students without a TOEFL score. Courses are taught in person, except the online programme and tutoring, and there are monthly start dates. Students must be at least 16 years old; WESLI issues the Form I-20 needed for an F-1 student visa. Housing options include adult and junior homestays and apartments in the city centre, and the school can arrange airport pick-up.
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Programmes
- General English and English Plus (English combined with another topic of interest)
- Academic preparation and University Pathways, including part-time study at universities in Madison
- Business and professional English
- IELTS, TOEFL and GRE test preparation
- Junior summer and winter camps for high-school students
- Private tutoring, 1 to 10 hours per week, in person or online
- Teacher Training (TEFL certification): five weeks with a 30-hour practicum
Seven levels from beginner to advanced; each level generally takes eight weeks. Completing level 700 gives a TOEFL waiver with partner universities. Students may receive a WESLI transcript and certificate on completion.
Admission
Students must be at least 16 years old (younger students only in some circumstances). An application includes:
- A copy of the passport's personal information page
- The application form, online or as a PDF by mail or email
- Financial documentation showing the student can pay for tuition and living costs in the US (for example, at least US$3,500 for one month of General English)
- A non-refundable application fee of US$150, which covers processing and the Form I-20 needed for an F-1 student visa
Housing
WESLI offers several housing options in Madison:
- Adult homestay (18 and over)
- Junior homestay (under 18)
- Apartments in the city centre
- Professional residence and family residence
For a fee, the school arranges airport pick-up from Madison airport (MSN) or the bus stop, or from Chicago O'Hare by bus with pick-up at the Madison bus stop; arrival details must be sent at least 14 business days in advance.
Accreditation
Subjects taught
- Philology, Languages, Literature
- Language Courses
- Language Courses and Cultural Immersion Programs
- English Language and Literature (in Universities)
- English Academic Writing