English Language and Culture Bridge | English Language Learning Center

English Language and Culture Bridge (ELCB)

The primary goal of English Language and Culture (ELCB) courses is to provide students who are admitted to Seattle University with academic English language skills and background in the American academic culture both of which are essential for success in their studies.

The ELCB courses are designed specifically for multilingual speakers for whom English might not be their first/primary language. The courses are highly advanced, with a specific focus on university-level reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Featured Students

Ezgi O.

I'm from Istanbul, Turkey. I'm majoring in Business/Economics and I also play volleyball for Seattle University. I chose to come to the US to get a good education and be able to continue my volleyball career at the same time!

Maiko M.

I’m exchange student from Japan, and I am majoring in business in Seattle University. Also I’m excited to take Woman and Gender studies classes here. This is one of the reasons why I decided to come and study in Seattle University!

A map of the origin countries of the ELCB students for the past academic years: Belarus, Brazil, Canada, China, Congo, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Lithuania, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam

In the past two academic years, the ELCB had students from Belarus, Brazil, Canada, China, Congo, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Lithuania, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam.

Admission Requirements

The ELCB Program is open to all Seattle University students who are non-native speakers of English and wish to improve their academic English language skills. Students whose English proficiency is:

between 68 and 85 points on iBT TOEFL or equivalent score on other accepted tests are required to attend the ELCB Program.
86 points or above on iBT TOEFL or equivalent score on other accepted tests are not required to go through ELCB Program but are welcome to take ELCB courses if they so desire.

For more information about Proof of English Proficiency Requirement, please visit Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Admissions.

Important Note: The ELCB Program is only available to students who are already accepted into Seattle University. The English Language and Culture Bridge is not an intensive English program.

Students Admitted to SU & ELCB

Congratulations on your acceptance to Seattle University! If you have been accepted with the ELCB requirement or you would like to take ELCB classes, here is what to expect:

Registration: If you have an ELCB requirement, you will not be able to register for classes on your own due to the ELCB hold. Please contact your adviser to register you for the appropriate course(s). If you don’t have to take ELCB classes but you would like to register for one, please reach out to us or an advisor for more information.
The Diagnostic Test: On the first day of the ELCB courses students take a mandatory ELCB Diagnostic Test. The purpose of the ELCB Diagnostic Test is to allow students an opportunity to demonstrate the quality of their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills and to make sure that they are placed in the correct level. Students whose results indicate excellent English skills may be allowed to test out of the ELCB courses.
Program Schedule: You need to take ELCB classes as soon as possible as they prepare you for the rest of your studies at SU. Typically, students complete the ELCB requirement in their first two quarters at SU. Any deferment needs to be approved by the ELLC Director. The program is offered during the fall, winter, and spring quarters; however, not all courses are offered every quarter.
Credits: Credits for ELCB courses are not applicable toward graduation requirements. However, ELCB courses count toward the full-time load for international students and grades are shown on students’ transcripts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register for ELCB courses if I only want to improve my English?: No, ELCB courses are only for students who have been accepted to SU to study a specific major. Students will be taking ELCB courses and courses in their major at the same time. If you just want to work on your English, you can sign up for one of the intensive English programs at other colleges or universities in the area.
How many ELCB courses will I need to take?: There are four possible ELCB courses that you might need to take: Two reading & writing courses and two communication courses. The exact courses you will need to take will depend on your English language proficiency and the test scores or other proof that you submitted for the English Language Proficiency Requirement.

Most student complete required ELCB courses in 1-3 quarters, depending on their level. Remember, you will also be taking courses in your major at the same time.
Do I have to take ELCB courses?: If you have been admitted with the ELCB requirement, then yes. To find out if you have the ELCB requirement, please refer to your SU acceptance letter.
How do I know which ELCB courses to take?: If you have the ELCB requirement, your advisor will let you know which courses you need to take. The number of courses will depend on your language exam scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) If you do not have the ELCB requirement, you can decide which courses you would like to take. You can read the description of the courses here and you can always contact us if you have any questions about which class to take.
Can I test out of the ELCB courses?: On the first day of ELCB classes you will take a Diagnostic Test that will be used to confirm that you are placed in the correct level. If the Diagnostic Test shows that your English skills require additional improvement, you will need to take courses in the English Language and Culture Bridge. If your English skills are deemed sufficient for success in the academic studies, you will not need to enroll in ELCB courses.

Can I take ELCB courses even if I don't have an ELCB Requirement?: Of course! ELCB courses are open to all Seattle University students who are multilingual speakers of English and every quarter students take ELCB courses even though they may not be required. If you wish to improve your academic English language skills and acclimate to the U.S. university culture, you are welcome to register for ELCB courses.
Can I take ELCB courses later in my program?: ELCB courses are designed to help you improve your English skills and prepare for the rest of your studies, so you need to take them as soon as possible. Sometimes it is possible to defer (postpone) these courses but only with the approval of the ELLC Director. Planning your schedule with your adviser is the best way to ensure that you will take all the courses you need on time.

English Language Learning Center English Language and Culture Bridge

English Language and Culture Bridge (ELCB)

Featured Students

Ezgi O.

Maiko M.

Admission Requirements

Students Admitted to SU & ELCB

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register for ELCB courses if I only want to improve my English?

How many ELCB courses will I need to take?

Do I have to take ELCB courses?

How do I know which ELCB courses to take?

Can I test out of the ELCB courses?

Can I take ELCB courses even if I don't have an ELCB Requirement?

Can I take ELCB courses later in my program?

Other Questions?

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