Sacred Heart School of Theology's summer English as a Second Language (ESL) program offers students an opportunity to learn to speak, read and write in English as well as the opportunity to experience American customs and culture. Some students are ordained and some are seminarians. Their days are divided between classroom work, homework and field trips. All are eager about their studies and see proficiency in English as essential to their future.

ESL -- gateway to effective ministry

Today’s American Church is served by many priests and lay ministers whose primary language is not English.

Sacred Heart School of Theology offers a unique English as a Second Language program that gives those studying for priesthood as well as those already ordained and lay ministers an opportunity to become proficient in English and familiar with American customs and culture in a seminary environment.

Language Skills

Students learn English in the classroom and through daily contact with others in a variety of settings. Classes are small and personal (under 10), and students receive consistent individualized attention. Teachers and students use classroom computers to facilitate the learning process.

Liturgies, social activities and personal interactions provide additional opportunities for speaking and hearing English.

ESL Emphasizes

• Appropriate grammar usage
• Effective writing and reading skills
• Effective speaking in preaching, presiding and counseling situations
• Accurate pronunciation in daily conversation
• Strong listening and speaking skills
• Preparation for the TOEFL examination

Cultural Orientation

Seminarians enrolled in the ESL program fully particiate in Sacred Heart's spiritual and human formation activities. Bilingual formation directors are members of the faculty.

ESL Offers

• Participation in the daily liturgical life of the seminary
• Opportunities to attend weekend parish liturgies within the Milwaukee area
• Cultural field trips
• Informal interaction with other seminarians

When candiates for priesthood achieve an acceptable proficiency in English, they may enroll in the seminary's academic program. Many courses focus on pastoral and interpersonal practices in the United States.

Spiritual and Human Formation

As a member of the seminary community, students become enculturated into the American Church and American society. They develop an awareness of American customs and social behaviors. Learning the culture as well as the language prepares students to move into a parish setting ready to minister effectively.

When students achieve an acceptable proficiency in English, they may enroll in the seminary’s academic program. Many courses focus on pastoral and interpersonal practices in the United States.

Admission

No prior knowledge of English necessary.

• Complete application form
• Take preliminary assessment examination upon entry into the program
• International students must secure and complete any necessary forms for nonresidency status in theUnited States. I-20s are issued upon request.

Sacred Heart offers two summer sessions as well as a fall session and a spring session that coincide with the seminary's semesters.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees will be determined in each case in terms of services rendered and will be coordinated with the student's sponsor.

Instructors

Teachers are master level and above having degrees that include education, sociolinguistics, and English as a second language.

Their experience includes teaching English in New Zealand, Japan, Spain, England, Marshall Islands, Hawaii, Alaska and Seattle.

For further information contact:

Fr. Paul Grizzelle-Reid, S.C.J
414-425-8300, ext. 7205
email: preid@shst.edu

or click on the link below: