PALS Mission

The Program in American Language Studies (PALS) considers that its primary objective is to provide superior English language instruction to non-native English speakers for academic, professional, business, and social/acculturation purposes. It strives not only to foster students' language competency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, but also to develop students' cultural understanding of the world at large, and the United States in particular.

PALS is committed to excellence in instruction and to an administrative sensitivity to the needs of learners of English as a Second Language. The program is vitally concerned with each student's intellectual and personal development, and therefore employs a number and variety of teaching methods. The faculty and staff recognize the differing needs and skill levels of each entering student and, therefore, provide for as many levels of instruction as possible. Instruction is delivered by qualified, experienced and dedicated teachers and the class size is small. Central to the understanding of its mission, the Program's curriculum is organized around the principles of second language acquisition and does not treat the learning of English as remediation, either theoretically or pedagogically.

The Program in American Language Studies, is committed to empowering its students by strengthening their language and communication skills. Students range from homemakers, business people, and corporate professionals, to matriculating and non-matriculating students. PALS, students have access to the University's resources such as its libraries, language labs, computer rooms, dorms, and dining and recreational facilities.

PALS program is an active member of ESL academic and professional organizations like UCIEP, NAFSA, IATEFL and TESOL. It regularly evaluates its programs to meet the changing needs of its learning population.