Due to the highly instrumental, test-driven, learning that occurs in secondary education in Korea, EFL teachers at tertiary level face students who, while differing in terms of proficiencies, majors, and learning needs, tend to share a lack of English performance skills. Communicative competence is not yet part of the university entrance exam, so it receives little attention in secondary education, leavingtertiary educators the task of fostering this skill. This paper describes a Freshman English program which attempted to do this by applying recent findings in the fields of cognitive, affective and social learning, and by catering to differing learning needs and multiple intelligences. In order to do this, the researchers put together a student-centered program which encouraged students to take responsibility for their learning through making performance projects, assessing their performance skills, and continuously reflecting on their learning needs, goals and achievements. The program was in effect for four years, and results showed improvement in student confidence, motivation, and attitudes to learning, in addition to communicative competence and autonomy. In conclusion, it is suggested that the humanistic goals of the 7th National Curriculum are achievable at tertiary level. This will, however, involve teacher-training and reform of the test-driven learning environment.