Welcome!

Improve Academic English Ability–Develop Leaders with International Focus

The Center for English Language Education (CELE) at Northwest University provides Intensive academic English (ESL) instruction to students from around the world with the goal of developing scholars and community leaders. CELE also advises and coordinates international students through NU-sister university exchange agreements.

At NU, our goal of culture exchange is a two way process and CELE students are encouraged to both participate in NU culture and to share their culture with the NU community.

Learning is not limited to the classroom. While in the CELE program, students are given opportunities to lead, collaborate, and actively participate in extra-curricular activities.  Our goal is for all students to learn to Lead, not only to learn to read (and write and speak)!

CELE is a part of Northwest University, an evangelical Christian university. While CELE students do not need to profess a Christian faith, they must agree to live by our lifestyle standards. You can find out more in our Community Handbook. Please review the community standards carefully.

All CELE students are enrolled in the following classes:

Speaking Reading Listening
Writing Reading Listening + Writing Lab
Grammar
Pronunciation/Vocabulary

Elective Classes:  (University classes students can audit)
Fall: New Testament History, Dr. Brodin
Spring: General Psychology, Dr. Drivdahl or Research Writing

Two other categories of students can study as at Northwest University: Visiting Students and Exchange Students. To learn more about each student category, visit our general information page.

The academic year at NU is divided into two semesters – Fall and Spring. Summer is an optional semester. Students who plan to matriculate into NU, but who fall below the CELE exit test requirments are required to successfully complete the 10 week summer semester before enrolling in NU in the Fall.  Summer semester also includes a separate 4 week Language and Culture Camp.

Program Dates

Language Education for Tomorrow’s Leaders