(Madison | United States )
Wisconsin English Second Language Institute (WESLI )
About Wisconsin English Second Language Institute (WESLI )
WESLI has been training teacher since 1999 and General English since 1981. You can find us in downtown Madison, Wisconsin – just across the street from the state capitol building. Madison, located in the heart of the mid-west, is a medium-sized city, which is friendly, very safe and inexpensive to live in. There are a number of universities in town, for example the internationally top-ranked University of Wisconsin Madison. Students can choose to stay with homestay families or in our Dormitory.
Many of our staff and teachers have been with us at WESLI for more than 15 years and most of our administrative staff members also teach or have done so in the past. That way students can be sure to always have a helping hand from someone with a passion for helping students and the experience to do so.
We offer 7 levels (zero level to University Bridge) of English instruction in the areas of Business English, General English & American Culture, Test Prep. and Academic Preparation. Over 40 universities and colleges accept our students without a TOEFL score. Students are welcome to study for any length of time and we are very proud to offer a 5-week Teacher Training Program, including a 30-hour Practicum.
Additional Services
- Airport/Station transfer
- Student counselling
- Visa support
Work and Further Studies
- Further academic studies available on campus
Activities
- Cultural tourism (theater, museum, etc.)
- Local cultural events (festivals, etc.)
- Volunteering
Accommodation
- Host family accommodation without students of same native language
- Host family accommodation
- Student Residence
Courses
General English
89% 15 Reviews
This course is for students aged: 16-70
You can mix and match WESLI’s English courses to suit your goals. There are seven levels at WESLI, 100 – 700. Full-time students will choose four courses in the level in which they are placed. If you want to learn English for your own enjoyment, you can take any of the following courses to learn and have fun!
Levels
Beginning Levels (100, 200 and 300): After completing Level 300, a student can conduct basic conversations, manage everyday life in an English-speaking environment, and read and write simple material.
Intermediate Levels (400 and 500): After completing Level 500, a student can converse comfortably on most subjects, read some basic academic and professional texts, and write an academic-style essay.
Advanced Academic and Business Skill Levels (600 and 700): After completing levels 600 and 700, a student can conduct business in English, participate in most professional situations, and is ready to succeed in an American university program.
English Exam Preparation
0% 0 Reviews
This course is for students aged: 16-70
Prepare to Take the IELTS or TOEFL Exam at WESLI
WESLI’s exam preparation classes are designed to help you succeed on English placement exams. Our teachers are experienced in test preparation and can help you improve your study skills and assess your progress.
Only need practice writing? Choose from IELTS or TOEFL Writing to focus your test preparation. Want a more comprehensive review for the exam? Choose IELTS or TOEFL Listening/Reading/Speaking classes to help you prepare.
English Academic preparation
90% 13 Reviews
This course is for students aged: 16-70
WESLI has partnered with the University of Wisconsin College System to offer three- credit college classes at WESLI. This is a great opportunity for WESLI students to earn college credit while still studying at WESLI. These credits can be transferred to UW schools and count towards a student’s general education requirements, no matter what major they choose.
Business English
0% 0 Reviews
This course is for students aged: 16-70
Class Sizes: Medium, 6-10 students, One-to-One
Weekly Hours: Relaxed 10-15 hrs/wk, Intensive 25+ hrs/wk, General 15-25 hrs/wk
Levels: Advanced, Intermediate, Basic
Location Type: Town/City
Professional English
0% 0 Reviews
This course is for students aged: 16-70
Business and Professional Skills
You can mix and match WESLI’s English courses to suit your professional goals. There are seven levels at WESLI, 100 – 700. Full-time students will choose four courses in the level in which they are placed. If your goal is to improve your English for your profession, the following courses will help you reach that goal.
English Teacher Training
100% 4 Reviews
This course is for students aged: 16-70
Levels: Advanced
Class Sizes: Medium, 6-10 students
Weekly Hours: Intensive 25+ hrs/wk
Location Type: Town/City
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What students are saying
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Hattan Bin Matar Saudi Arabia
studied English Academic preparationGreat school
The atmosphere , location , teaching staff , program , books and management of the school are outstanding and extraordinary. I spent one year at WESLI. my experience was great I have recommended this school to my friends and relative to study at WESLI.
Frankly I love everything about Wesli
posted 7 years ago
裴俊屹 China
studied English Academic preparationEXCELLENT SCHOOL!!!
I am a Chinese student, and my college major was law. I want to become an excellent scholar and researcher in this field in the future.
One year ago, I heard a lot of information about WESLI from my friend Penelope, and she was studying at WESLI at that time. She told me that WESLI is very helpful and offers a good opportunity to study with many experienced teachers, and she strongly recommended me studying at WESLI. It happened that I was busy preparing for my master degree and worrying about my English ability, so I decided to come here.
I've been here for eight months, and I still remember the first time I came to WESLI. It was a snowy morning, and I had never experienced such a freezing weather before. Honestly, I felt unhappy at that time. However, all my bad feelings disappeared when I arrived at WESLI because I found everyone is very friendly and amiable, and it made me feel warm and comfortable.
I have changed a lot during these eight months. Before I came here, I could not communicate with foreigners freely because my spoken English was awful! Also, I could not read academic journals, and I had never thought I can give a presentation in English. However, now I have many friends from different countries, and I read a lot of articles and books and gave a lot of presentations in my class. All these amazing things became true because of WESLI!
My teachers are awesome! They help me practicing my English again and again, and they are willing to answer all the questions. With their help, I become more confident, and my English has improved a lot. In addition, my classes are very helpful. I learned how to write academic articles and evaluate them in my writing class, and I watched many academic lectures and learned how to take notes in my listening and speaking class. I will go to an American university next year, and I think all the things I learned from WESLI can help me adapt to the American college life easily in the future.
I have to say that I love Madison. People are very friendly here, and the environment is super awesome! It's a good place for both living and studying. I live in the dorm now, and I have three amazing roommates; the dorm is close to WESLI which is very convenient for students.
posted 7 years ago
Machiko Obikawa Japan
studied English Academic preparationWonderful ESL School
WESLI prepared me for my life in the US. Well experienced and passionate teachers with unique back grounds taught me not only English, but also life. I went to the US with not knowing the language or about life right after high school in Japan. But I never felt lonely because of people around me. Of course friends but also teachers made me comfortable. They taught us English, hung out with us, and invited us for dinner. Interaction with teachers made me comfortable and motivated to learn English. With that I was able to finished 700 course in WESLI in 2005, got a letter of recommendation to University of Wisconsin Whitewater, graduated with BA in Social Work, went back to Japan working at the duty free shop in Tokyo international airport, did internship in Japanese NGO in the Philippines supporting children in need, and now I am a project coordinator in the Japanese NGO in the Philippines. I would like to thank WESLI for everything that they offered us because without WESLI, I would not be able to find what I like to do in my life. I really like WESLI, so I recommended 2 Japanese friends to go to WESLI, they went and enjoyed studying there. So if you ask me where to study English, my answer will always be "WESLI." They have more activities now so I would have given 5 hearts if I am there now ;) If you are looking for an ESL, do not even think twice, just apply for WESLI ;)
posted 8 years ago
Fawaz Humaidan Issa Jordan
studied English Academic preparationWesli is a good school for ESL
I transfered to three schools but nothing like wesli. I love wesli and the teachers as well as the place Madison never ever forget it. Miss wesli miss Madison
posted 8 years ago
Ziya Chen China
studied English Academic preparationGood institute
WESLI is a good institute. Foreign students can learn a lot from the school.
posted 8 years ago
Sultan A Mudyan Saudi Arabia
studied English Academic preparationThe best ELS in the world
WESLI has the best instructors and curriculum. To prepare for College life. I highly recommend everyone to learn English in WESLI!
posted 8 years ago
Albany Cedeño Berroteran Venezuela
studied English Academic preparationI love WESLI
I studied in WESLI for more than a year and I can surely that I love that school so much! I always recommend it to people who want to improve their English skills in an academic level. They really helped and prepared me for college in the United States. I got admitted in one of the best Bible colleges in Chicago and the USA. If I had gone to a different school, I wouldn't have gotten admitted. Thank you WESLI staff and teachers for giving me more than what I thought I needed!
posted 8 years ago
Vicki Ortiz Sayago Venezuela
studied English Academic preparationAwesome ESL school!
I attended WESLI for about nine months (or about 5 sessions) back in 2007. My English was pretty basic, I could write and read but I couldn't speak at all (mainly because I was afraid to make mistakes while talking). Classes at WESLI are challenging and require a fair amount of work so I remember it was hard to keep up sometimes. Teachers and staff were super friendly and helpful and the school's location was definitely convenient (5 min walk to State St!). I've been really successful academically after I completed my studies at WESLI, I recently graduated with a Master's in Business from Edgewood College and also got my undergraduate degree at the same school. I wouldn't be where I'm at if I hadn't learned and mastered my English skills at WESLI. I loved everything about WESLI, My teachers, classes, the friends and memories I made!
I would definitely recommend WESLI to those who want to improve their English skills!
posted 8 years ago
Marisela Hurtado Venezuela
studied English Academic preparationWesli is an excellent school to learn English!
They have very good teachers and staff that help you to learn and practice the language. You can get prepared to take different certification tests, and at the same time learn about general culture of USA.
My favorite thing was to be able to interact with people from all over the world.
I'd definitely recommend Wesli.
posted 8 years ago
Alberto David Salinas Rivas Venezuela
studied English Academic preparationAmazing experience!
I had the opportunity to learn english in the US in WESLI and I was able to pass my TOEFL test. I met awesome people, both students and staff members, and I'm thankful for everything I learned there.
posted 8 years ago