Center for English Language Education
Learn in a Community that Cares
The Center for English Language Education (CELE) at Northwest University (NU) provides intensive academic English instruction to students from around the world with the goal of developing scholars, leaders, and international professionals.
CELE is dedicated to cultivating a culture-rich community that provides exceptional English-learning experiences to develop language learners and dynamic leaders who promote intercultural education, exchange, and engagement.
Program Quick Facts
- Start Dates: August & January
- $6,260 CELE tuition per semester (2026–27)
- $12,300 Bridge tuition per semester (2026–27)
- 6 levels offered including a Bridge level
- Conditional admittance into NU undergraduate (AA, BA), graduate programs, and doctoral programs
Not only will students receive a top-notch ESL education, but they will be welcomed into the caring community of Northwest University where they will engage in the culture, broaden their worldview, and develop as leaders.
I am grateful to study at NU. I have completed the CELE program here and I am studying the MSITM program. The teachers and students here are excellent. They are friendly and kind. I love our campus. I love everything about NU.
–Yue Zhang
Application Requirements
- Application
- Application Fee ($30)
- Write a one-page essay in which you introduce yourself and describe how you plan to use English in the future.
- Copy of Passport
- Official Bank Statement
Christian Faith Statement
CELE students are not required to have a personal faith in Jesus Christ, however, NU is a Christian university and CELE students are expected to follow the Community Handbook and attend chapel with NU students two times per week.
CELE Viewbook
We invite you to come in and take a look around at what NU has to offer you as a CELE student. We look forward to welcoming you to Northwest University.
English Translation Viewbook
After You Are Accepted
Congratulations! We will contact you with the next steps regarding housing, arrival dates, airport pickup, class registration, and orientation. We will be with you throughout your Journey to Northwest University.
Language Placement Exam
After arriving at NU, all CELE students take a Language Placement exam which will determine the course levels they will enroll in. Students must pass Level 6 (Bridge) to graduate from CELE and to qualify to matriculate to an NU degree program.
Students who are in the Kirkland/Seattle area and are seeking conditional enrollment into an Undergraduate or Master's program may schedule a placement exam through cele@northwestu.edu at any time to evaluate their language readiness for admittance. There is a $100 testing fee, which will cover up to 2 testing sessions. Students will receive a comprehensive 5 skill evaluation report (Grammar, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) within 1 week of testing.
Levels of Instruction
Based on testing results, students will be placed in one of our 6 levels of instruction:
- True Beginner
- High Beginner
- Elementary
- Low Intermediate
- High Intermediate
- Advanced: Bridge/Undergraduate (successful completion qualifies for undergraduate and graduate admission)
Students in the Bridge level take 2 ESL and 2-3 NU courses for credit.
Courses
The CELE program is academically rigorous to prepare students for university success. Students take Grammar, Comprehensive English, and Reading and Vocabulary Courses in Levels 1 through 4, adding new classes in Levels 5 and 6.
- Grammar: Learn grammatical structures and practice them in writing and speaking.
- Comprehensive English: Grow English grammar and 4-skills (writing, reading, listening, and speaking) and expand your vocabulary while learning how to use English in everyday situations.
- Reading and Vocabulary: Build academic vocabulary and reading strategies for faster and more accurate reading comprehension.
- Academic Writing Elective (Level 5 only): Learn academic essay structures and use the writing process to improve your work.
- Speaking and Listening (Level 6 only): Increase academic listening competence and respond through spoken and written English.
- Bridge Writing (Level 6 only): Continue to strengthen your academic writing and learn to analyze literature at the undergraduate level. This is a hybrid class taken concurrently with the undergraduate course Composition I: Expository Writing.
CELE Activities
Throughout the semester, CELE organizes activities and field trips for students to learn about the American culture and traditions. Students enjoy trips into Seattle, Bellevue, and other towns to visit parks, museums, sporting events, and much more! During their first week on campus students participate in an interactive orientation to get to know other CELE and NU students. Some say it is one of their favorite experiences at NU.
Airport Pickup
The International Education office will provide airport pick up at the Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC) on a selected day. Upon acceptance to NU, the International Education office will contact you with information regarding arrival dates and orientation.