Why Choose the IALC
Our main program is an intensive academic preparation program of 21-24 contact hours per week that readies students for successful study at Washington State University or other universities and colleges in the United States. At the IALC, we prepare our students to meet their English language goals.
Our curriculum and teaching methods
We take our teaching resources from the real world
Most class materials come from the same sources American students use: college textbooks, novels, magazines, newspapers, journals, the Internet and current videos.
We use themes to teach language skills
Courses at each level are taught using themes that are relevant in American culture. The themes are connected in all classes: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar.
Our classes are interactive, communicative,and dynamic
Students must use English to interact with the diverse population in our courses. Our classes focus on communicative English, not repetitive drills.
We prepare students for the English-speaking world they want to enter
Our classes help students learn more than just language; they study the customs and skills needed to succeed in an academic, business or social setting.
Our dedicated faculty
We use the best of teachers in all classes
At the IALC, we staff nearly all classes with full-time faculty who have Master's degrees in teaching ESL with many years of experience. Both full-and part-time faculty, are hired through a rigorous hiring process and are trained in our methods.
We work as a team
The IALC has a program-wide methodology in which faculty collaborate in nearly everything we do so that all classes are equal and all faculty share in the same ideas, techniques, and resources.
We seek faculty who are innovative and resourceful
We recruit teachers who are student-centered, results-oriented, creative and dynamic. The IALC
is always involved in updating and improving - our teachers strive to learn and try new things.
Our relationships
Our relationship to WSU
The IALC is part of WSU, a large, state university offering 245 fields of study. Students at the IALC have access to all the student facilities such as the recreation center, the libaries, and student health services. For undergraduate study, students who pass Level 5 at the IALC are exempt from WSU’s TOEFL requirement. For most graduate programs, students who pass the Level 6 classes at the IALC are TOEFL exempt.
Our relationship to community colleges
The IALC has agreements with numerous Washington State community colleges. These agreements allow students who pass Level 4 at the IALC to attend those community colleges without taking the TOEFL.
Our advising
We have both an academic advisor and a community college advisor at the IALC. These advisors help students make the
connections they need at WSU and with other universities and colleges in the United States.
Our location
Our environment provides a safe place to learn
Pullman, Washington is a small rural city with a safe, clean and friendly environment. Outdoor adventures, beautiful scenery and exciting Seattle are all close by.
Page Updated: August 14, 2008