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Parsons The New School for Design and The New School for Public Engagement together offer the ESL + Design Certificate program. This pre-enrollment program is for international students who plan to attend an art or design college in the United States but need to improve their scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or who wish to refresh their English language skills and adjust to university life in the United States before beginning art and design studies. The ESL + Design program of study is a structured set of intensive English language (ESL) courses and incorporates design studio classes, short workshops, and an orientation to life in the United States. Those who successfully complete the program receive a certificate of completion confirming that they have attained a specified level of proficiency in English speaking, reading, and writing and foundational skills in art and design.

Curriculum

Placement Testing
Upon arrival at The New School, all students admitted to the ESL + Design program take a placement test to determine their English course level. Students who apply to Parsons The New School for Design may need to take courses in the ESL program for one, two, or three semesters, depending on their level of English proficiency, to qualify for admission to Parsons. Undergraduate degree (BFA) programs require completion of ESL Level 6 for admission. Associate's degree (AAS) programs require completion of Level 5 for admission.

Parsons Studio
ESL + Design students who have reached the highest levels (5 and 6) of ESL courses can substitute Design and Language Studio, a design workshop course offered by Parsons, for an ESL Listening/Speaking skills class.

In Parsons Studio, students develop their English language skills through studio art and design practice. Students work collaboratively on urban-themed exercises and conduct field research in the city. They explore a number of art and design disciplines through independent and group projects. Students gain experience speaking English by participating in studio discussions and by collaborating on projects. They develop their English language writing skills by writing about their projects and by learning art and design terminology vital for creative practice.

Credit Option
Parsons Studio can be taken either as a noncredit course, like the ESL courses, or for three undergraduate credits. The course fulfills the Laboratory I requirement for BFA students who take the course for credit, receive a passing grade, and are admitted to Parsons' Foundation program.

ESL + Design Curriculum Schedule

• Students at ESL Levels 3 and 4 take four ESL skills courses.
• Students at ESL Levels 5 and 6 can take Design and Language Studio instead of the Listening and Speaking course. This course has a 3-credit option.
• ESL courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer terms.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for English courses is charged per course. You can view 2012-2013 fees here. Students in an ESL certificate program take four courses per term. Course schedules and fees are also published every term in the New School continuing education course bulletin (select "ESL" in the Bookmarks menu for current bulletin course descriptions and tuition costs).

ESL + Design students are eligible to live in university housing. Housing applications and fees are separate.

Admission

To apply to the ESL + Design Certificate program, download the application instructions and application form (PDF). If you have additional questions about applying, contact the English Language Studies Center at 212.229.5372 or elsc@newschool.edu. The English Language Studies Center is located at 68 Fifth Avenue, 2nd floor, in New York City.

Student Resources

ESL + Design Certificate students have access to the following university facilities and services:

• Housing - ESL + Design students have several options for university housing in and near Greenwich Village.
• Health Insurance - Students can participate in the Student Health Insurance Plan, offered by Aetna.
• Library Privileges - Students have access to and borrowing privileges at all three New School libraries.
• Tutoring - The University Writing Center has a staff of trained ESL tutors who offer certificate students help with academic writing and with pronunciation, speaking fluency, vocabulary development, and presentation skills.
• Student Email and University Portal - ESL + Design Certificate students get a New School email account and access to MyNewSchool, the university portal, where they can check their financial records and grades, locate classrooms, reserve equipment, and more.
• Studio equipment center, computers, and Internet access - All New School facilities, including residence halls, have wireless Internet access. Computer studios with state-of-the-art hardware and software are also available.