Top Courses in ESL

Studying English is like learning to play a musical instrument. Whether you want to learn how to speak English or how to improve reading

English, the more you practice - especially spoken English, the better you get at all the other skills. It's a simple principle. It's still a lot of work, but if you follow that, you will be successful.

Most ESL classes spend too much time learning English grammar. It's true that grammar is important, but learning language is like learning to swim. You can't do it by reading a book -- you have to practice!

Students have two options for admission:

Students at Massachusetts International Academy (MAIA) focus on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while also preparing for the academic requirements of university study in the US. The goals of the MAIA curriculum are:

With ELS Language Experience+ 3, you can work toward improving your English for 3 hours each day. Your classes will focus on the conversation that you can use inside of the classroom, and more importantly, outside in the real world. You also have the opportunity to put your new speaking skills to use with a variety of cultural activities specific to the Center you choose.

You can start any Monday of the year and stay for as few or as many weeks as you like. The program’s 3 levels of instruction – basic, intermediate, and proficient – have a placement test each Monday for students to advance in levels, and a certificate of completion is awarded based on attendance. The choice is yours. Choose ELS Language Experience+ 3.... [-]

If you want to become more fluent in English, learn about American culture, or improve your TOEFL score, HFC's English Language Institute (ELI) can help you.

You can take English Language classes during the day, the evening, or on Saturday. Classes are offered in reading, speaking, listening, writing, grammar, study skills, American Culture, and TOEFL prep. Our Intensive English Program prepares you to take college-level courses, to hold a job where you will write and speak English, and to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam. You will develop your English skills through small and large group interactions. Our friendly, caring instructors will help you meet your goals. For additional help, contact the ELI.... [-]

Noncredit ESL classes are designed for adults in the community who want to improve their English to survive in an English-speaking community, to get or keep a job, or to prepare for academic courses. Day, evening and Saturday classes are available for beginning to low-intermediate proficiency levels on both the Kentfield and Indian Valley campuses as well as in San Rafael and Novato. Students must take a noncredit assessment test before registering. These classes are free. For more information call: (415)485-9642.

Credit ESL classes are offered for college credit to students at intermediate to advanced proficiency levels. Classes at each level focus on grammar, speaking/listening, reading/vocabulary or writing. Early registration is strongly advised. To enroll in credit ESL classes, students must take a College of Marin ESL Student Success Workshop that includes placement testing, counseling and orientation before enrolling in classes. Students may call the ESL Office or the Counseling Office to sign up for a workshop. For more information, call (415)485-9642.... [-]

Offering more than 100 Associates Degree and Certificate programs, Parkland College is well known for its small class sizes, state­-of-­the-­art facilities, inclusive learning environment, and personable faculty. Parkland boasts the largest international student body of any 2­ year college in the state of Illinois, with more than 300 students representing more than 40 countries. The Associate Degree offers an ideal and inexpensive doorway for international students wanting to enter the American education system. Having worked to perfect their English language skills through the English as a Second Language (ESL) program or earned two years­ worth of transferable credits, many of Parkland’s international students then transfer on to 4­ year universities (2+2 transfer) around the United States, where they continue their educations, earning Baccalaureate and graduate degrees. Parkland College faculty are well accustomed to the challenges faced by international students are experienced in dealing with them. Parkland strives to enhance global awareness and multiculturalism through education and faculty welcome the perspective brought by international students in their classes.... [-]

The University Center (www.universityprep.com) is an intensive, comprehensive ESL and university preparatory boarding school. We help international students prepare for English language and academic success at great American universities.

Why should international students spend 4 or 8 months in a university preparatory program at The University Center? Our university prep program increases academic and cultural competency, saves time and money, enhances admissions qualifications, and prepares students to get more out of their US university experience.

According to the latest statistics from IPEDS (to which all American universities must report), over 50% of international students studying in the USA take longer than necessary to complete their bachelor’s degrees. (Many "pathway” students are probably taking longer, based on preliminary evidence, but universities are not required to report these graduation rates.)... [-]

Prepare for university-level study, career advancement, or for the accomplishment of personal goals in our CEA-accredited, academically oriented 10-Week Intensive English as a Second Language Program.

Vocation English courses are front-loaded studies in which the student completes courses prior to the career-oriented vocational programs at this College. Vocational English courses focus on the development of the communication and job search skills necessary for employment in the healthcare field in the United States. Topics include health professions in the United States, career pathways, communication with patients and co-workers, health care systems, current critical health issues, and intercultural communication skills.

The participant will practice the skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. We will use activities based on day-to-day healthcare situations, readings related to health care and cases studies from different health professions. The communicative approach of the courses is based on an individual pair, and group task and projects. Each class session will include problem-solving and critical thinking activities in which you will work both individually and collaborate with classmates.... [-]

Students requiring ESL courses will be registered by Student Academic & Financial Services until all ESL requirements are successfully completed. A schedule hold is in effect during this time which prevents students from making changes to their schedule. Students wishing to continue enrollment in ESL courses during the summer must notify Student Academic & Financial Services.

Students enrolled in ESL courses will be allowed no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete each course. Students who are unsuccessful after the second attempt of a course will be assigned an academic standing hold and be placed on academic probation. Students who are unsuccessful after the third attempt of a course will be academically dismissed.... [-]

Our general English courses are designed for people who want to improve fluency, accuracy and confidence speaking in English. Our courses will also improve English language skills which are essential for travel, work purposes or simply for personal interest.

Our general courses develop all aspects of the English language including speaking, pronunciation, listening, grammar, reading and writing. The focus is on improving your basic communication needs in the everyday aspect of the English language. During your English course, you will be expected to participate as much as possible, and work individually, in pairs and in groups as well as take part in whole class activities.... [-]

The goals of the curriculum include:

Full-time students in the Intensive English Program attend classes for a minimum of 21 hours per week. During the fall and spring semesters, students follow the regular university calendar and schedule of Monday / Wednesday / Friday classes of 50 minutes and Tuesday / Thursday classes of 75 minutes each.

Detailed Course Descriptions

The Reading course is designed to improve skills and strategies for improving reading through extensive and intensive reading.... [-]

The Intensive English Language Program within the School of Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences offers preparatory English as a Second Language (ESL) courses to equip non-native English-speaking international students, scholars and professionals with language and culture skills needed to meet the rigor of university life at Fresno Pacific University. These programs provide academic training for international and American students, preparing them for academic success in the university. Students focus on the development and demonstration of competencies in academic research and writing, oral presentation and auditory and pronunciation skills.

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) is designed for second language learners, both international and domestic, seeking to improve their English abilities, particularly to meet language requirements for college and university admission. Along with English language development, the IELP seeks to assist students in their transition to life in the United States. Providing such services is an expression of the Fresno Pacific University Idea in “inviting persons from various cultural, national, ethnic, and religious settings and backgrounds to participate in the educational experience.” Whether these students come only to study English, or to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree, they are provided with numerous opportunities to be challenged academically by fellow students and faculty.... [-]

The ideal course for students who want to improve their overall English language proficiency for general purposes and gain confidence to communicate effectively in real-life situations. This course is also a great starting point for students who would like time to settle into Australian life before starting the English for Academic Purposes or IELTS Preparation courses. Following an integrated skills approach, students do a range of speaking, listening, writing and reading tasks every day to develop their oral and written communication abilities.

Lessons also help students to develop their awareness and use of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation to enable them to confidently express themselves on an ever-wider range of topics with increasing levels of subtlety.... [-]

Felician University’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Program is a comprehensive ESL program with year-round intensive language instruction and cultural immersion. Our program prepares you to enroll in a degree program, enter a competitive job market, or simply improve your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

In our ESL Program, full-time students study for 23 hours a week and must enroll for a minimum of four weeks. Classes are kept to an average of 10 students to ensure students receive a lot of personal attention. In addition to classroom learning, our University campus provides a total immersion experience – ESL students interact with American students, live in the residence halls, participate in clubs, sports, campus activities and explore New York City. We also offer short-term camps and programs.... [-]