IWU Bridge Program

What is the Bridge Program?

The Bridge Program is a college preparatory English language and cultural immersion experience designed for international students, particularly students who desire to attend university in the United States of America. 

The Bridge Program provides a pathway for both international high school graduates and first-year college students who wish to pursue language competence, cultural intelligence, and higher education at Indiana Wesleyan University.

The program ranges from one to three semesters, and is tailored to foster interpersonal and academic English language skills to prepare students for authentic college classroom expectations and experiences, and raise student awareness of various cultures on campus to engage in cross-cultural communication.

While enrolled in the Bridge Program, students have the opportunity to take English language courses and regular college-level courses in addition to participating in various events. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to demonstrate advanced language proficiency to succeed in an American university setting, develop culturally sensitive intelligence to understand and appreciate different cultures, and become more prepared individuals to further explore their gifts and abilities.

Quotes from Bridge Program Students

"I have learned many things this year at Indiana Wesleyan University. I not only learned academic knowledge, but I also learned how to love everyone and make new friends in a new place." - Hou, China, TESOL

"I have had so many good experiences and I could see so many new things - living with new people, learning about a new culture." - Glauber, Brazil, Sports Management

"I met many friends from all over the world and learned American culture. But the most important thing is that I learned how to understand myself." - Ted, China, Business

Bridge Program Format

Students in the Bridge Program live on the IWU-Marion campus and take credit-bearing ESL courses and regular college level courses (depending on levels) that are accepted at IWU, and can also transfer to most colleges and universities in the United States.

Students may be enrolled in the Bridge Program for one to three semesters.

 

 

Bridge Program Services & Support

• A safe "home" environment for students
• A variety of meal choices
• Cultural orientation upon initial arrival in the United States and throughout the year
• Campus resources including:
  • Wildcat Health Clinic
  • Indiana Wesleyan University Library
  • Recreation and Wellness Center
  • Group meeting rooms
  • Internet access and IT support
  • Student Center services
• Tutoring services from language and cultural mentors
• Field trips to cultural attractions in Indiana and in major cities in the United States
• US college/university visit tour (additional cost required)
• IWU families (faculty and staff) who host students during homestay holidays
• Campus security (full-time police force on campus)