The Career English Language Center for International Students (CELCIS) is an intensive English program designed to prepare second language learners to study in higher education in the United States. The program can also be useful for people who wish to improve their English skills for their jobs.

CELCIS is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs. For further information about this accreditation, contact the CEA, 700 s. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA. CELCIS is also a member of the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP) and University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP).

The CELCIS program is intensive and demanding. There are four proficiency levels, from Elementary (students who have studied English in their countries for a year or two) to Advanced (students who should be ready to enter WMU after one semester of English).

A 15-week semester in the regular intensive program consists of 20 hours per week of classes: 5 hours of speaking/listening, 5 hours of grammar/communication, and 10 hours of an integrated reading/writing content-based class chosen by each student. The content class changes in the middle of the semester, giving each student two choices per semester. Some of the content choices that the students have had in the past are: business,science, sports, education, travel and tourism, ecology, health and nutrition, cross-cultural communication, American history, and cities of the world.

In addition to four hours of class each weekday, students have access to a multimedia lab and computer labs for word-processing, e-mail and the world wide web.

Students can participate in language-building activities such as Theater Club, Book and Film Club, the CELCIS Newsletter, and visits to local schools to share information about their countries. They can also practice English conversation with conversation partners or in conversation groups, as well as get to know their classmates better playing sports, visiting local tourist attractions, and attending holiday parties and social hours.

Depending on their proficiency level when entering CELCIS, students will study from two months to a year to attain the necessary TOEFL score and recommendation needed to enter Western Michigan University.

TOEFL preparation classes are offered when there is sufficient student interest.