English for Academic Purposes Information

What is EAP?

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is a series of courses that help students develop the Academic English skills needed for success in college courses. Students will receive direct instruction, participate in pair and group assignments, and utilize language learning technology to develop Academic English. In addition to coursework, students enrolled in the EAP program have access to a Student Success Advisor who is located in the Lee Campus Office of Academic Advising and instructional assistance in our Academic Support Center. Assistance provided is one-on-one tutoring, reading materials, and grammar modules. Students also have access to College resources including the library, and activities through the Office of Student Engagement.

Students in the EAP program are coming from more than thirty different countries speaking more than fourteen different languages. The program includes students of both traditional and non-traditional ages, with varied life experiences.Diversity is celebrated throughout the program. Course and program activities allow students the opportunity to build new relationships and engage in learning experiences with students from different educational and cultural backgrounds. The students in the program share the desire to acquire Academic English to succeed in college and careers.

Mission

In the EAP program, we teach students Academic English through Writing, Reading, Listening/Speaking, and Grammar courses. The courses prepare students to succeed in college and in careers.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the EAP program, the student will:

  • Be prepared to succeed in English classes
  • Read English at the college level
  • Write English at the college level
  • Apply learning strategies in college level coursework
  • Achieve success within competitive academic and professional environments

How many levels does the EAP program offer?

  • There are five levels: 2-6. We do not offer basic English (Level 1).

  • There are four classes for Levels 2, 3, 4, and 5:

    • Speech and Listening (3 credits)
    • Grammar (3 credits)
    • Reading (3 credits)
    • Writing (3 credits)

  • There are three classes for Level 6:

    • Speech and Listening (3 credits)—Optional when offered
    • Reading (3 credits)
    • Writing/Grammar (6 credits)

What is the sequence of courses?

After completing an assessment, students will be placed into one of five levels (2-6). Courses in level 5 and level 6 count as General Education elective credit:

English for Academic Purposes Sequence
EAP Levels Test Score
Average
Required 		EAP Course Descriptions
Level 2 50-69 EAP 0200 Speech/Listening
3 Credits		 EAP 0220 Reading
3 Credits		 EAP 0240 Writing
3 Credits		 EAP 0260 Grammar
3 Credits
Level 3 70-84 EAP 0300 Speech/Listening
3 Credits		 EAP 0320 Reading
3 Credits		 EAP 0340 Writing
3 Credits		 EAP 0360 Grammar
3 Credits
Level 4 85-94 EAP 0400 Speech/Listening
3 Credits		 EAP 0420 Reading
3 Credits		 EAP 0440 Writing
3 Credits		 EAP 0460 Grammar
3 Credits
Level 5 95-104 EAP 1500 Speech/Listening
3 Credits		 EAP 1520 Reading
3 Credits		 EAP 1540 Writing
3 Credits		 EAP 1560 Grammar
3 Credits
Level 6 105-114 EAP 1600 Speech/Listening
3 Credits—Optional when offered		 EAP 1620 Reading
3 Credits		 EAP 1640 Grammar/Writing
6 Credits

By successfully completing the EAP course sequence, students will have acquired the language skills needed for college-level coursework.

The Reading and Speech/Listening courses emphasize the development of academic vocabulary, academic lecture/text discourse comprehension, note-taking, and public speaking.

The Writing and Grammar classes emphasize the use of Standard English grammar, punctuation, usage, and discourse structures.

Course assignments and assessments ask students to use Academic English for authentic purposes that mirror the academic listening, speaking, reading and writing they will use in college courses and professional environments.

How long will the classes last?

Classes last a semester. Semesters are as follow: Fall term: August - December Spring term: January - April Summer term: May - August

What is the class schedule?

Classes meet weekdays late in the afternoon and evenings, and the hours vary.

Can I get financial aid?

Financial aid questions can be answered in the Office of Student Financial Aid.

What steps are required to get started in EAP?

  1. Apply to FSW

    • Complete an admissions application online at https://www.fsw.edu/admissions#apply
    • Identify your student type and click on the tile that best describes you
    • Click “Apply Online” to complete the admissions application
    • Select “AA GENR” on the application
    • Complete the application and pay the $30 application fee 

  2. Submit Your Transcripts

  3. Take Your EAP Placement Test

  4. Complete Your Online New Student Orientation

    • To complete Orientation, visit the FSW homepage, click the Canvas icon, and login with your Portal username and password. On the Dashboard, click on the FSW Online Orientation course. For more information, please visit https://www.fsw.edu/orientation.

  5. Meet with Your Student Success Advisor and Register for Classes

    • Once you have completed testing and orientation, schedule an appointment with your Student Success Advisor. You will receive an email with instructions to schedule a workshop or an appointment with your Advisor. 

What is the purpose of the EAP placement test?

The results of the test will allow the staff to place students in the appropriate level based on their ability to read, write, speak, and listen in English. This allows faculty to target instruction based on the students' needs.

How much do the classes cost?

After a student is registered and admitted to Florida SouthWestern State College, the costs will vary depending on the Residency Declaration status.

For more information go to: Tuition Costs