ASM Educational Center (ASM) can arrange an intensive program in English as a Second Language as needed through its accredited partner, The International Language Institute (with 45+ years in operations) at our partner’s location in the greater Washington DC Metropolitan area . Our partner is accredited by ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training) and it is a member of AAIEP (American Association of Intensive English Programs).
Why ASM?
- Successful operation since 1992 (30+ years)
- Family-owned and operated
- Authorized to issue I-20 for Student Visa for International Students
- ASM’s Partner for English Programs has been in operations for 45+ years
- Personal service
- Founders are immigrants and familiar with cultures from around the world
Our Mission
Our joint mission with our partner is to provide high-quality language instruction and academic preparation, at a superior value, to satisfy the individual goals of those who choose to study for academic, professional, or personal reasons.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Intensive
- Semi-Intensive
- Private Tutorials—Customized
- 12 Levels
Test Preperation
- TOEFL
- GRE
- GMAT
English Course Format
- Day
- Evening
- Saturday
Program Length
- From 4 weeks to 52 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s your program like?
Our program is primarily designed for students who wish to go on to study in American colleges or universities. This means that a student who completes our program should have a very high level of spoken and written English and be ready to move on to such study. However, the program is also appropriate for those who need English for professional purposes or who simply want to improve their conversational English skills. The classwork includes a lot of speaking practice.
How is a student placed into a level?
Students take a placement test when they first enroll in the school. The test is about one hour and 15 minutes long and consists of three parts: a multiple-choice grammar test, a writing test, and a short interview. At the end of the interview, the student is assigned to a level.
What books are used in class?
Most levels use several books: a grammar book, a reading/writing book, a listening/speaking book, and sometimes an idioms or vocabulary book. Most of these books are good for more than one level.
How many tests are given in each cycle?
Teachers assess students in speaking, reading, writing and listening twice per cycle and give grammar tests on each chapter. There may also be quizzes on the vocabulary studied.
Does your school have a computer lab?
Yes. The TOEFL and GRE classes use the lab during the day, but students can sign up to use a computer after school.
How big are the classes?
The classes range in size from five to fifteen students.
Description of Levels
There are 12 class levels. Each level, except level F and the TOEFL preparation course, is four weeks long. The length of level F is open-ended because new instructional material is continually introduced into the class. Thus, students can remain in this level indefinitely and continue to work toward English proficiency. The complete TOEFL preparation course is eight weeks, but each four-week section can be taken separately.
A1 and A2
These are the beginning levels for students who have not studied English before or who have studied only a small amount of English for a short time. The classes include these things.
Basic vocabulary, grammar, and conversation
Simple reading and writing
Listening practice
CD/video/DVD
Program pronunciation
Yes/no and information questions
B1 through E2
Here the students work at gaining English proficiency so that they can reach their own academic, professional, or personal goals. All levels include these things.
A grammar book
A reading/writing book
A listening/speaking book
Pronunciation
Conversation and speaking activities
Writing exercises
Vocabulary work
B1 and B2
These are low-intermediate levels. The students begin working through a grammar book that explains basic English structures. In addition, a reading/writing book builds students’ reading skills through vocabulary and comprehension questions and helps the students learn about simple mechanics and organization for writing.
C1 and C2
These are intermediate levels. The activities in these levels become more advanced. The textbooks have a wider vocabulary and include more complicated structures. Students continue to work on single-paragraph essays and on more complicated speaking and listening activities.
D1 and D2
These are high-intermediate levels. The lessons and skills taught are more academic. Students write three multi-paragraph essays, paying attention to correct paragraph structure, organization, and detail. Students listen to reports about a variety of topics and work on exercises that include listening for details, synthesizing information from two listenings and making inferences. In addition, these levels may include debates, role-play, class discussions, student presentations, and other speaking activities.
E1 and E2
These are advanced levels. The students work on complex structures in the grammar textbook. The writing assignments include multi-paragraph essays. Students work with more complex topics in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students might be asked to prepare an oral presentation or lead a class discussion.
F1
This is the university and professional level. The class prepares students for an American college or university, a U.S. corporation, or an international organization. As much as possible, the students use authentic English texts: American newspapers, magazines, novels, short stories, poems, essays, radio programs, TV programs, and video presentations. Students do a variety of writing activities. These writing assignments might include a biography, an analysis of something read in class, a resume, a business letter, a practice TOEFL essay, or a response to a student presentation.
Students give oral presentations or lead discussion groups. There is extensive vocabulary work. Instructors review points of grammar based on student errors in speaking and writing.
F2a
This is the university and professional level. The class focuses on advanced grammar, advanced writing assignments based on the grammar structures, and advanced vocabulary. Students must be at the F level and must pass the advanced grammar placement test to take this course. The complete course is eight weeks, but students can take each four-week section separately.
F2b
This is the university and professional level. The class focuses on advanced writing skills based on academic essay structures and advanced speaking/presentation skills. Students must be at the F level and must pass the TOEFL placement test to take this course. The complete course is eight weeks, but students can take each four-week section separately.
Introduction to TOEFL
The Introduction to TOEFL class helps students build the skills that are necessary for the TOEFL preparation course. It is intended for those students who plan to take the TOEFL but need more structured guidance on TOEFL-type tasks. This course includes intensive independent and integrated writing and speaking activities, listening and reading comprehension exercises, and note-taking practice. The complete course is eight weeks, but students can take each four-week section separately.
TOEFL Preparation
The TOEFL Preparation class is available for students who need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The course includes intensive work on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, as well as strategies for approaching TOEFL tasks and testing on the computer. Students take two mini-exams and one complete exam each cycle. Students must be at the F level to take this course. The complete course is eight weeks, but students can take each four-week section separately.
GRE and GMAT Preparation Courses
These courses are designed to prepare students to take the GRE and GMAT exams, respectively. Students focus on the skill areas of mathematics, analytical writing, reading comprehension, and other verbal skills. In addition to classroom instruction, students use test preparation software in the Computer Lab twice a week. The GRE course meets from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the GMAT course from 10:55 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. for eight weeks. Students who enroll should be at an advanced level such as TOEFL or F.
