WESLI – Wisconsin English Second Language Institute
A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE
WESLI began teaching English in 1981 and has since earned an excellent reputation with universities, educational agencies, and students from all over the world. We offer a variety of intensive English programs to help students achieve their personal, professional and academic goals, including General English, English Plus, University Pathways, Test Preparation, Business English, Tutoring, and a Teacher Training Program.
WESLI has an excellent reputation among universities and colleges for equipping international students with skills to succeed in competitive academic environments. Students from all over the world have had satisfying, memorable cross-cultural experiences at WESLI and in Madison. WESLI averages 100 students per session.
We are located in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, across the street from the Wisconsin State Capitol building. Madison is a medium-sized city, located in the heart of the Midwest, and often ranked #1 for US city livability. Madison is a very safe, friendly and inexpensive city to live in and has a several universities in town, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a top 50 world university.
We have 7 levels of English instruction. These classes are for every English level, beginner to advanced. A variety of topics are offered: American Culture, Business English, Academic Preparation, Test Preparation, and more. In addition, we offer private tutoring and customized programs. We have agreements with over 40 universities and colleges that accept our students without a TOEFL score. Through WESLI Workplace, we offer tailored English programs to suit the needs of your company. WESLI English Online allows students anywhere in the world to improve their English on their own time through online tutoring. We offer monthly start dates. In addition to our intensive English programs, we also have a 5-week Teacher Training (TEFL Certification) Program with a 30-hour Practicum.
At WESLI, we pride ourselves on our individualized teaching, small class sizes, and a diverse student population, welcoming students from all over the world. Many of our teachers and staff have been at WESLI for more than 15 years. In addition, most of our administrative staff members also teach or have taught in the past – we find that this ensures students are always working with people that have a passion for helping students and the experience needed to help. Our teachers and staff strive to create a family-like atmosphere both in and outside of the classroom.
The perfect location, unique environment, excellent program, and moderate cost make WESLI one of the best places in the United States to learn English.
- Grammar
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
- Pronunciation
- Vocabulary
- Zero level or true beginning students
- Students at any level who wish to improve their
- overall language skills
- 12 Start Dates
- Levels from True Beginner to Advanced
- Average Age 18-45
- Lesson Length 50 minutes
- 4 to 20 total contact hours per week
- 10 hours additional structured practice
- Classes are offered from 8:30am to 4:50pm, Monday-Friday
- Part-Time = Any combination of classes from 4 to 20 lessons per week
- Basic (Part-time) = 20 lessons of Core Classes each week
- Essential = 24-26 lessons of Core Classes each week
- Intensive = 30 lessons of Core Classes each week
- 12 Start Dates
- Suitable for Intermediate - Advanced Levels
- Average Age 18-55
- 20 Lessons per week + 5 hours of an alternative topic
- Lessons are 50 minutes
- 25 – 30* Total Contact hours per week (*2 Elective options, ex: Pronunciation and Contemporary Topics)
- 10 hours of additional structured practice
- Classes are weekdays, from 8:30 to 3pm
- Grammar
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
- 5-Day Elective
- English + Volunteering
- English + 50+ (for those 50 years old and older)
- English + Beer and Cheese
- English + Golf
- English + Business Introduction
- English + Travel Writing & Tourism
- English + Yoga
- English + History of Beer
- English + Music Lessons
- English + Touring/Outdoors/Hiking
- Students wishing to attend university in the US
- Students needing to improve academic & study skills before attending university
- Students wanting support in their transition to US university life
- 26 classroom lessons per week
- 20 hours of structured practice
- Core academic language classes
- Study Skills class
- INTENSIVE IMMERSION
- 30 classroom lessons per week
- 20 hours of structured practice
- Core academic language classes
- Study Skills class
- Writing Center
- 35 classroom lessons per week
- 20 hours of structured practice
- Core academic language classes
- Study Skills class
- Writing Center
- 12 Start Dates
- Suitable for Intermediate - Advanced Levels
- Average Age 18-26
- Lesson Length is 50 minutes
- Total Contact Hours per Week are 26-30
- Plus 20 hours per week of Additional Structured Practice
- Classes are offered Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:50pm
- The University of Wisconsin Universities & Colleges
- Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)
- University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
- Lawrence University
- Madison College
- UW-Stevens Point
- Marquette University
- Full Sail University
- Concordia University
- Edgewood College
- Cardinal Stritch University
- Wilkes University
- Wisconsin Lutheran High School
- Madison Country Day School
- Foxcroft Academy
- Full-length test simulations
- Test registration assistance
- Specific training on all test areas
- Essential – 26 Lessons per week
- Intensive – 30 Lessons per week
- TOEFL, IELTS, GRE Workshops
- 12 Start Dates
- Levels Intermediate - Advanced
- Average Age 30-45
- Lesson Length 50 mins
- 20-28 Total Contact Hours/Week
- 10-15 hours Additional Structured Practice
- Classes Run 8:30-3pm
- Business professionals
- Students wishing to improve their English in order to obtain a job at the corporate level
- Business professionals needing to improve their business writing and communication
- International Business Terminology & Best Practices
- Public Speaking & Presentation Skills
- Pronunciation
- Communication and Culture
- Meeting Facilitation Skills
- Business Writing
- Résumé Writing
- 20 lessons per week
- 10-15 hours structured practice
- International Business Essentials
- Business Writing
- Pronunciation & Public Speaking
- 30 lessons per week
- 10-15 hours of structured practice
- Essential courses plus 6 hours of small group tutoring
- 40 lessons per week
- 10-15 hours of structured practice
- Essential courses plus 8 hours of small group tutoring
- 10 lessons of interactive live classes with experienced WESLI teachers
- Small classes ensuring lots to teacher time
- Free academic consultation with our Academic Director
- Additional conversation session each week with an American conversation partner
- Free activities each week
- 10 hours of structured practice
- Small class sizes
- Special discount on future in-country courses
WESLI HAS STUDENT ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS AVAILABLE:
Student Residence/Dormitory – downtown, 3-minute walk to school
Homestay with Family – located around the area, 20-40 bus ride to school
Student Residence/Dormitory
Enjoy the convenience of the downtown WESLI Student Residence!
- 3-minute walk to WESLI
- 1 block to restaurants, shops, performances, and the Capitol Square
- 2 blocks from Lake Mendota and waterfront park with beach
- On or near bus routes with many arrival/departure times all day
Feel at home with the amenities and access in our apartment-style Residence:
- Fully furnished (linens, pillows, towels, dishes, silverware)
- Full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, plus appliances)
- Living Room and Dining Area
- 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms per apartment
- Air Conditioning and Heat
- Balcony
- Smart TVs with cable
- DVD player
- Wifi
- Phone (unlimited local calls and emergencies)
- Community Room for Residence activities and studying
About your room:
- 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms per apartment
- Single room: 1 person per room, private bathroom
Experience independence and community living!
- Living independently and meeting people from all over the world.
- There are community rules in the Residence to help everyone have a safe and pleasant stay.
Homestay With An American Family
Experience American life with a family in the Madison area:
- American culture
- Practice English in a native environment
- Safety checked families
- 20-45 minutes bus ride to WESLI, 5-10 kilometers away
- Private room
- Shared meals and responsibilities with host family
Many WESLI homestay families have hosted students for more than 15 years. Relationships between homestay families and students can last a lifetime. Students choosing the Homestay accommodation should be prepared to interact with the family by participating in activities and welcoming invitations to community events. The American family may be a couple or an individual with or without children living in the many diverse neighborhoods on the Madison area in a house or apartment. Choosing a homestay option does not guarantee this accommodation; availability is subject to homestay family availability.