The International Guide to English Language Programs, 1998

Alexander D. Gregor is director of the Centre for Higher Education
Research and Development at the University of Manitoba and the co-editor
of Postsecondary Education in Canada: The Cultural Agenda.

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United
States are the focus of this book, which is aimed at students and others
interested in learning or improving their English-language skills. Like
other volumes in the EI series, the guide is well organized and
presented. There are glossaries to assist readers with unfamiliar
nomenclature and acronyms and tear-out postcards (or fax orders) that
can be used to secure further information.

Although colleges and universities are its main focus, the guide also
identifies other sources of English training and provides information on
ESL and TOEFL connections. The book is organized by country but designed
to make intercountry comparisons easy. Each country section is prefaced
by a map and a brief but well-written profile that provides information
on a wide range of topics (including visa requirements, insurance, and
cost of living) as well as an overview of the most significant aspects
of the country’s postsecondary system. Each country section also
includes a summary of English-language programs in the form of a
comparative chart outlining the principal characteristics of the
profiled institutions (the program levels, the availability of
accommodation, etc.).

For each of the institutions, there is a two-page profile that provides
information on programs (levels and content), admissions, costs,
availability of housing, and information on the city and setting in
which the institution is located. Included as well is information on the
college or university “admission link” (i.e., the recognition given
to successful completion of the courses involved). Also noted are the
affiliations and memberships held by the programs, which provide some
useful measures of quality and reputation. In addition to the more than
200 programs that are profiled, there is supplementary contact
information (including e-mail and Web site addresses) on some 460 other
programs.

This useful reference is recommended for any office or library serving
international students or others interested in English-language
development.