The Bridge Program

Reach Out

shawn.yang@indwes.edu

765-677-5724

Prepare for College in the United States

The Bridge Program provides a pathway for both international high school graduates and first-year college students who wish to pursue language competence, cultural intelligence, and higher education at Indiana Wesleyan University.

The program ranges from one to three semesters, and is tailored to foster interpersonal and academic English language skills to prepare students for authentic college classroom expectations and experiences, and raise student awareness of various cultures on campus to engage in cross-cultural communication.

Learn how to apply >

Bridge Program Format

Take College-level Courses

While enrolled in the Bridge Program, students have the opportunity to take English language courses and regular college-level courses, in addition to participating in various events.

Live on the IWU-Marion Campus

Students in the Bridge Program live on the IWU-Marion campus and take credit-bearing ESL courses and regular college level courses (depending on levels) that are accepted at IWU, and can also transfer to most colleges and universities in the United States.

Study Up to Three Semesters

Students may be enrolled in the Bridge Program for one to three semesters.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to demonstrate advanced language proficiency to succeed in an American university setting, develop culturally sensitive intelligence to understand and appreciate different cultures, and become more prepared individuals to further explore their gifts and abilities.

Meet the Program Director

The transition from high school to college can be challenging for any high school student, but it can be especially challenging for international students who must also navigate the complexities of getting an education in their second language from an institution in another culture.

If you have questions about the program, please email me IWUBridge@indwes.edu

Prof. Shawn Yang 
Director of International Education Program
Assistant Professor of ESL
Director of International Student & Scholar Programs

Eligibility and Requirements

To be considered for admission in the Bridge Program, applicants must complete an application through IWU portal, submit application materials, and participate in a phone or video interview (if needed) at least 90 days prior to the start of the program.

Applicants must meet  ALL the following in order to be eligible:

  1. The applicant is either on an F-1 Visa -or- English is the applicant's second language.
  2. Applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting at least one of the following:
    1. Level 1: an overall score of 42 or higher on the TOEFL, 5 or higher on the IELTS, or equivalent; Level 2: an overall score of 54 or higher on the TOEFL, 5.5 or higher on the IELTS, or equivalent;
    2. Level 1: a demonstrated proficiency at the B1 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference); Level 2: a demonstrated proficiency at the high-B1 to B2 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference);
    3. a demonstrated overall proficiency at a level deemed appropriate by the Program Director.
  3. The applicant is in the first year in American college; or is a transfer student who does not meet IWU English language proficiency requirement:
    a. TOEFL ( www.toefl.org) score of 79 internet-based test.***
    b. IELTS ( www.ielts.org) score of 6.5.

***Language Program Requirements:

  • TOEFL-ibt score of 54 to 65, or IELTS score of 5.5 - admission requires enrollment
    in two semesters of English language program
  • TOEFL-ibt score of 66 to 78, or IELTS score of 6.0 - admission requires enrollment
    in one semester of English language program

The final decision will be made by the Program Director before recommending for admission.

Contact the Program Director, Shawn Yang, with any questions you may have regarding your eligibilty for Indiana Wesleyan University's Bridge Program. shawn.yang@indwes.edu  (765) 677-5724

Curriculum

Upon their acceptance in the Bridge Program, students are tested for English language proficiency and placed into Level 1 (comparable to 42—53 TOEFL), Level 2 (comparable to 54 —65 TOEFL) or Level 3 (comparable to 66-78 TOEFL) classes. In addition to ESL courses, Level 3 students can take selected college courses (see University catalog for a complete list of courses available at IWU).

  • ESL-110 English for Interpersonal Communication I (3 Credits) This course trains students to successfully use English to complete common, everyday, non-academic tasks and functions, and to converse on common everyday topics with native English speakers.
  • ESL-120 Academic English Listening and Speaking I (3 Credits) In this course, students practice the listening and speaking skills required to begin understanding and participating in introductory-level university classes.
  • ESL-130 Academic Reading I (3 Credits) In this course, students practice academic reading at an intermediate level, focusing particularly on narrative and expository genres. Academic vocabulary and grammar are also taught with the goal of improving reading comprehension.
  • ESL-140 Academic English Writing and Grammar I (3 Credits) In this course, students practice academic reading and writing at an introductory level, focusing particularly on narrative and basic expository genres. In addition, grammar is taught with the goal of improving writing ability.
  • ESL-150 Special Topics Elective (1 credit) This course provides the opportunity for students to explore specific content areas designed to enhance their cultural and linguistic transition to the Indiana Wesleyan University community. The course will focus on the integration of listening, speaking, reading, and writing about the chosen content for the semester in which it is offered. Such topics may include evangelical Christian culture, trending news, and culture via film.
  • ESL-210 English for Interpersonal Communication II (3 Credits) This course trains students to successfully use English to complete common but challenging non-academic tasks and functions, and to converse about social issues and current events with native English speakers.
  • ESL-220 Academic English Listening and Speaking II (3 Credits) In this course, students practice the listening and speaking skills required to successfully understand and participate in introductory-level university classes.
  • ESL-230 Academic Reading II (3 Credits) In this course, students practice academic reading at a high intermediate level, focusing particularly on expository genres. Academic and some specialized vocabulary and grammar are also taught with the goal of improving reading comprehension.
  • ESL-240 Academic English Writing and Grammar II (3 Credits) In this course, students practice academic writing at an introductory level, focusing particularly on common expository and argumentative genres. In addition, grammar is taught with the goal of improving writing ability.
  • ESL-150 Special Topics Elective (1 credit) This course provides the opportunity for students to explore specific content areas designed to enhance their cultural and linguistic transition to the Indiana Wesleyan University community. The course will focus on the integration of listening, speaking, reading, and writing about the chosen content for the semester in which it is offered. Such topics may include evangelical Christian culture, trending news, and culture via film.

*Students must earn 80% or higher in all four language courses (ESL-210, 220, 230, 240) in order to progress to the next level of the Bridge program.

 

Some examples of regular college courses available in the Bridge Program include:
(see University catalog for a complete list of courses available at IWU).

  • American History
  • Advanced Writing
  • Introduction to Business
  • Computer Sciences
  • Computer Illustration, Computer Programming
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Health and Wellness
  • Health Sciences (Nursing Preparation, Medical Terminology, Physical Therapy, EMT)
  • Humanities Fine Arts
  • Music Performance
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Intercultural Communication, Intercultural Relationships
  • Political Science
  • Speech Communication

Bridge Program students who demonstrate Level 3 English language proficiency will work closely with the academic advisor to determine appropriate courses.

Students are required to take all the following:

  • ENG-119 & ESL-150   (if available)
  • ENG-119 Effective Writing (3 Credits) This course develops students' writing and reading skills. Students will use various methods of interrogating and exploring multiple types of discourse, enhancing their reading comprehension, which will work in tandem with their writing as they create essays in various genres using the writing process: pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing. Students will also strengthen skills in grammar, usage, and punctuation.
Two additional courses from the list below.
One other three-credit course from the university catalogue
The student should only take four courses during the first semester at IWU (12 credits).

  • COM-100 Principles of Communication  (3 Credits) Analysis and understanding of the human communication process with attention to interpersonal and public applications. Includes interpersonal and group relationship experiences as well as public speaking. Strongly recommended within first 60 hours of any bachelor's degree program.
  • MAT-101 Introductory Algebra   (3 Credits) A study of introductory algebra plus applications in geometry. This course is intended for those students who need improvement in skills of mathematics and preparatory work before taking college mathematics courses. Topics include polynomials and solving and graphing systems of linear equations and inequalities. This course does NOT satisfy the general education math/computer requirement. Only open to students who have not satisfied the math preparatory requirement.
  • MUS-180 Humanities Fine Arts   (3 Credits) An integrated study of history and appreciation of art and music in Western culture from ancient times to present. (Part of the Humanities Core Curriculum.)

Some examples of regular college courses available in the Bridge Program include:
(see University catalog for a complete list of courses available at IWU).

  • American History
  • Advanced Writing
  • Introduction to Business
  • Computer Sciences
  • Computer Illustration, Computer Programming
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Health and Wellness
  • Health Sciences (Nursing Preparation, Medical Terminology, Physical Therapy, EMT)
  • Humanities Fine Arts
  • Music Performance
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Intercultural Communication, Intercultural Relationships
  • Political Science
  • Speech Communication

Application Process

Students interested in the Bridge Program will submit application documents and take part in a phone (or video) interview before being accepted.

Download Application

  1. Submit Application Materials
    The following application materials should be mailed or emailed by April 1 ( for Fall semester) or November 1 (for Spring semester):
    • Completed Application (pdf) (required)
    • Letter of recommendation from a teacher
    • Official Transcript from schools attended in previous two to four years  (required)
    • TOEFL score sent by testing agency (required)
    • SAT or ACT scores sent by testing agency (if available)
    • Proof of health insurance that provides coverage in the USA  (required)
    • Copy of passport pages showing: picture, name, date of birth, passport number, etc.  (required)

    Mailing Address:
    Indiana Wesleyan University
    Academic Affairs Office/Jackson 170
    4201 South Washington Street
    Marion, IN 46953

    Email Address:
    IWUBridge@indwes.edu

  2. Phone or Video Interview
    Upon receiving the completed application and supporting documentation, students will be notified and a phone or video interview will be scheduled with the Program Director.
Acceptance Notification
Approved students will be notified in writing of their acceptance into the Bridge Program. Upon their notification, students will be issued the I-20 so that they may apply for their F-1 Student Visa.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Applicants to the Bridge Program must provide evidence of adequate financial resources to cover all expenses associated with the program.

Tuition and room and board payments must be made prior to the student's arrival.

The following rates are based on one semester of study in 2019-2020 and are subject to change:

  • Tuition & Fees 
    • (Before Bridge Program Scholarship) = $13,648 / semester
    • (After Bridge Program Scholarship) = $8,648 / semester
  • Books & Supplies = $500 / semester
  • Room & Board = $4,348 / semester
  • New Student Orientation Fee = $180 (2019-2020)

Personal Expenses not included in the cost above: laundry, clothing, bedding, phone, computer, international health insurance, airfare to United States, and other variable expenses.

Bridge Program students are eligible for scholarships from $4,000-$14,000 per year (up to 4 years). For more information, please visit IWU-Marion Financial Aid.

Bridge graduates may also be eligible for other institutional awards. Learn more about Financial Aid opportunities at Indiana Wesleyan University.