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St. John Vianney Theological Seminary is actively involved in the formation of men from all over the world. Today, men from six continents and many different countries are represented at the seminary. In view of the increasing globalization of the postmodern world, language study and multicultural education are important components in the educational preparation of seminary students.
The seminary offers a program in English as a Second Language and a Spanish Language Program. The most immediate purpose of the former is to provide international students with the language skills necessary for them to succeed in the academic programs of the seminary. The ultimate goal of both programs is to equip students with linguistic and cultural tools they need for effective pastoral ministry.
To support the cultural and linguistic acclimatization of international students, two enculturation courses are offered during the summer term. These deal with the history, geography and political system of the United States, as well as social conventions and taboos and matters of a practical nature.
The core courses of the English as a Second Language Program provide multiple learning tracks to accommodate students at the beginning, intermediate and advanced proficiency levels. The integrated curriculum employs a combination of direct instruction, individual tutoring, authentic experiences and technological support using interactive multimedia in the seminary's language lab. The flexible program structure allows those students demonstrating proficiency in English to move through the program at an accelerated rate. Other students, who are still working towards proficiency, can receive the language instruction they need at the beginning and intermediate levels. The advanced ESL courses also develop background knowledge and academic skills needed for the regular academic program.
ESL students are admitted into the regular academic programs on the basis of their scores in the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Scores of 525 and above allow students to take a full course load; scores of 500-524 allow a course load of 9 credits; students who score between 425 and 499 are permitted to take between 3 and 6 academic credits. Students who score below 525 on the TOEFL are thus gradually integrated into the academic program while continuing to receive instruction in ESL.
The Spanish Language Program offers a two tiered, integrated approach to proficient communication in Spanish. It is offered over two consecutive summers. In the first summer, students receive intense instruction to develop foundational linguistic skills. In the second summer, students are placed in a Spanish immersion program in Queretaro, Mexico. Between the two summers and after completion of the Spanish program, students have the opportunity to utilize instructional software in the seminary's language lab. The instructional program and the immersion program are designed to develop language skills and a cultural awareness which support priestly ministry in a multicultural setting.