The ESL students with USM officials.
PHILIPSBURG–Students enrolled in the University of St. Martin (USM) English as a Second Language (ESL) programme received their certificates of completion on May 21.
A total of 12 students started the ESL basic level programme on February 5 and nine received their certificates. The 72-hour programme was held three times a week for two hours over a period of 12 weeks.
USM Dean of Academics Dr. Rolinda Carter congratulated and encouraged the students before they received their certificates. She challenged every student to say something in English to highlight their experiences in the programme as they received their certificates from USM President Dr. Antonio Carmona Baez and Carter.
Students shared their happiness at being able to better understand and speak the English language, while others noted the importance of continuing on to achieve fluency and proficiency.
ESL Coordinator Corinne Lejuez-Van Putten, who was described by one of her students as “full of joy,” said her goal for ESL is to create a structure that would achieve quality and sustainability at USM, while at the same time making it fun and meaningful for her students.
According to Lejuez-Van Putten, her number one rule is “Only English will be spoken,” implementing a type of immersion programme whereby students are compelled to learn the language through different methods, such as using a translator app on their cell phones.
The ESL programme has five levels: Basic, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Students received instruction in reading, writing, listening comprehension, oral activities, grammar and vocabulary. ESL Level 1 is set to start on Tuesday, May 28, at 5:30pm. Interested persons can email
ESL@usm.sx or call USM directly at 542-5249 for more information.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/87853-usm-esl-students-receive-certificates-of-completion
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