Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

School Introduction

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (SMU) is a private, Catholic, institution guided by the De La Salle Christian Brothers since 1933. The Winona campus is a four-year, coeducational, residential, liberal arts university. Bachelor's completion, graduate, professional, and certificate programs are offered. The more than 1, 400 undergraduate students have a wide range of talents, interests, backgrounds, and religious beliefs; students come from 29 states and 12 foreign countries. SMU offers 57 majors in the schools of humanities and sciences, business, arts, and education. SMU has great facilities for living, learning, and recreation. The 400-acre Winona campus features rugged bluffs, a trout stream, and over 8 miles of skiing and hiking trails. The 47 buildings include 15 residence halls; a student center and central plaza; a science center and a technology center; a state-of-the-art Performance Center; an indoor recreation/fitness center offering a pool, track, multi-purpose courts, dance studio, and exercise and weight room; an indoor ice arena; a beautiful chapel; and and the recently expanded Fitzgerald Library. Nestled along the Mississippi River, the campus is surrounded by bluffs and a thriving, safe community of about 27, 000 residents.

ESL Program Introduction

The De La Salle Language Institute of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (SMU) offers 2 different programs for English language students. First, the intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) Program offers students the opportunity to improve English Language skills while participating fully in the life of a North American university. In addition, students study the history, traditions, culture, and customs of the United States. All coursework is based on an integrated skills approach with listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar components. The ESL Program does not require a minimum TOEFL score. Opportunities to take the TOEFL are available at SMU during the academic year. Second, the English Language Bridge (ELB) Program offers international students an opportunity for early admission to the university. The ELB Program consists of specialized academic advising and a succession of university credit-bearing courses designed to improve academic English skills. ELB students also complete several requisite courses standard for all first-year SMU students. All courses are credit-bearing. To be eligible for this program, international students must possess a minimum TOEFL score of 495/167/58. A scholarship is available to qualified and accepted new ELB students.

Background Data

• Number of ESL Students: 20-50
• Average Class Size: 10-12
• Hours per Week: 17-24
• Minimum Age: 17
• Issue I-20: Yes
• Housing Options: Dormitory  Apartment
• School Setting:  Suburban 
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Schedule & Fees

Semester I (FALL): August 23-December 17, 2008 (16 weeks)
Semester II (Spring): January 6-May 6, 2009 (16 weeks)
Short Programs: available upon request
Tuition: $5, 313 (16 weeks); tuition adjusted for short term programs
Room: $1, 785 (16 weeks)
Board: $1, 405 (16 weeks)
Activity Fee: $250
Technology Fee: $155
Course Materials: $75

Special Courses & Features

• Accent Reduction Courses
• Conversation Partner Program
• GMAT/GRE Preparation Courses
• Pre-MBA Courses or Program
• Public Speaking Courses
• Internships or Work Experience
• TOEFL Preparation Courses
• Teacher Training Courses
• One-to-One Instruction / Private Lessons
• Learn at Teacher's Home

Housing/Accommodation Info

The majority of students live on campus in student residence halls.

Contact Info

DeLaSalle Language Institute
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
700 Terrace Heights #34
Winona, MN 55987

Tel (507)457-1450
Fax (507)457-6917
Website