English as a Second Language (ESL)

Recalling the words of St. Paul, "...all are one in Christ" (Gal 3:27-28), St. John Vianney Theological Seminary prepares men from five continents for priestly ministry.  In view of the increasing globalization of the 21st century, language study and multicultural education are important dimensions in the educational preparation of seminary students.

The seminary offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) Program and a Spanish Language Program. The most immediate purpose of the ESL Program is to provide international students with the language skills necessary for success in the academic programs of the seminary.  The ultimate goal of both programs is to provide students with the linguistic and cultural competencies they need for effective pastoral ministry.

Additionally, the cultural competencies needed for ministry in a multicultural context are developed through enculturation courses offered during consecutive summer terms.

The English as a Second Language Program (E.S.L.)

The core courses of the English as a Second Language Program provide multiple learning tracks to accommodate students at the beginning, intermediate, advanced and academic proficiency levels.  In order to achieve integrated curriculum goals, a variety of instructional strategies are utilized.  These include direct, guided and differentiated instruction, field (authentic) experience, and independent learning using interactive multimedia in the seminary's language lab.  The flexible program structure allows those students demonstrating proficiency in English to move through the program at an accelerated rate.  Other students, who are still working toward this goal, can receive the instruction they need to acheive language proficiency.  Additionally, the advanced and academic ESL courses develop the language competencies necessary for the academic programs of study.

ESL students are admitted into the regular academic programs on the basis of the scores they receive on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Scores of 70 and above allow students to take a full course load; scores of 60-69 allow a course load of 9 credits; students who score between 50 and 59 are permitted to take between 3 and 6 academic credits.  In short, students who score below 70 on the TOEFL are gradually integrated into the academic program while continuing to receive ESL instruction.

The Spanish Language Program

The Spanish Language Program is designed to provide seminarians with basic proficiency in Spanish. Spanish courses are offered through a summer program in partnership with local universities; students receive intensive Spanish language instruction to develop a strong foundation in the various language modalities.  Additionally, students have the opportunity to utilize instructional software in the seminary's language lab.  The Spanish Language Program is designed to develop language skills and cultural competencies which support priestly ministry in a multicultural context.