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.
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.
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
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:
***Language Program Requirements:
The final decision will be made by the Program Director before recommending for admission.
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).
*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).
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:
Some examples of regular college courses available in the Bridge Program include:
(see University catalog for a complete list of courses available at IWU).
Students interested in the Bridge Program will submit application documents and take part in a phone (or video) interview before being accepted.
Mailing Address:
Indiana Wesleyan University
Academic Affairs Office/Jackson 170
4201 South Washington Street
Marion, IN 46953
Email Address:
IWUBridge@indwes.edu
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.
Current tuition rates can be found on the Admissions Tuition webpage.
Bridge Program students are eligible for the International Scholarship.
Annual Amount: $10,000
Eligibility Requirements: International Scholarship will be awarded to first-time incoming freshman and transfer international students. This scholarship replaces the academic scholarship with the exception of those meeting the academic scholarship requirements ranging from $11,000 to $16,000. Students meeting the higher academic scholarship criteria will have the $10,000 International Scholarship replaced by the higher academic award.
Renewal Requirements: In order to receive the four-year commitment, students must be enrolled full-time each year and meet SAP requirements to maintain institutional aid. This award is renewable up to a maximum of 8 semesters.
EFC Eligibility range: Open
Enrollment Requirements: Full-time enrollment in fall and spring semesters
