LINGo (Language Immersion for Non-Native Girls)

LINGo is a special course of instruction required for all new international students at The Ethel Walker School.

At Walker’s, our international students have come from more than eighteen different countries to pursue scholarship, to be a part of our vibrant and diverse community, and to perfect their spoken and written English. Walker’s offers support and instruction through the Language Immersion for Non-Native Girls (LINGo) program for students whose first language is not English. Participation in LINGo is required for all new international students and is offered at different levels that are designed to be supportive as well as challenging: not every international student will need the same thing. While we do require a minimum level of English proficiency for all applicants, we fully expect that students for whom English is not their first language will need help and support in acclimating to life in an American school.

Overview

Our international students participate in an English-immersion program that offers a high level of instruction balanced with structured support to insure these non-native speakers of English advance at every level. Our approach allows students to assimilate into life as an American student as they prepare for study in an American college or university. At the same time, each student is valued for what she brings to our community, her rich cultural and national identity, and her gifts and talents as an individual. Rather than a traditional ESL course where students practice rote drills and English grammar worksheets or a more modern ELL course that focuses solely on reading comprehension and writing skills in English, our LINGo program offers a language and cultural immersion experience.

During the summer before coming to Walker’s, each international student will complete a placement test to assess her proficiency in written English. Upon her arrival for orientation, each student will also interview with a faculty member and participate in orientation activities that help us to determine the appropriate level of English language support. At that time, a recommendation will be made about what LINGo class she should enter.

• LINGo3 is for students needing the most assistance with English speaking, reading and writing.
• LINGo2 is for students who need occasional extra help with English speaking, reading and writing.
• LINGo1 is for all international students upon their arrival at Walker's. Some students may transfer out at the end of the first semester, while others will benefit from remaining in LINGo1 for the entire year.

LINGo1

Students in LINGo1 program will enroll in two courses:

American Literature and Culture, an English course, explores American culture and literature through challenging but accessible choices of short fiction, drama, novels, and poetry. Each student becomes familiar with the terms and methods for literary analysis which aid discussion and enhance comprehension and enjoyment of texts from the various genres. Throughout the year, each student is supported as she increases her confidence and proficiency in spoken and written English. When a student is ready to move up to the next level of coursework, upon the teacher’s recommendation, entry into the next level of the English program is facilitated.

Introduction to US History provides an overview of United States history, along with support in essential skills needed for the study of history at higher levels. The primary goal of the class is the strengthening of analytical and descriptive reading and writing skills. Assessments are designed to develop reading comprehension, foundations of research and modes of oral and written expression. Writing is a central focus in this course. In each unit, the girls develop a five-paragraph essay comparing and contrasting an element of American history with the same element in their own nation, utilizing the rich perspective offered by a diverse group of international students. The class approaches the content of United States history from a topical, rather than a chronological, perspective.

LINGo2

International students in LINGo2 will enroll in American Literature and Culture and Intro to US History (included in LINGo1). In addition, they will be enrolled in a supportive English language course that will provide grammar, vocabulary and language instruction for two blocks a week and an intensive conversation and aural comprehension class for one block a week. Students will be charged an additional fee of $500 per semester for participation in this course.

LINGo3

International students in the LINGo3, our most supportive and intensive English language instruction, will enroll in American Literature and Culture and Intro to US History (included in LINGo1) and in LINGo2 class described above. Additional one-on-one English language tutoring will be arranged for an extra fee either one or two hours per week.  The tutoring fee is $100 per hour and total cost will be determined by the number of hours required.  Tutoring fees will be billed monthly on each student's monthly statement.

Participation for all new international students in our English and American Culture Summer Program is strongly encouraged.