English as a Second Language (ESL)

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.

Why Choose Parkland College:

● small class sizes and a personalized education ● Intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program for non-English speakers ● complete two years and transfer credits to a 4 year university ● in the same city as the University of Illinois, a top research university ● around ½ the yearly cost of 4 year universities ● diverse international student population, more than 300 international students ● faculty focus on global awareness and multiculturalism ● stand out!

Precollege ESL

The ESL program offers a series of 3 credit hour skills courses in four skill areas for academic preparation. Students can enroll part-time or full-time; course placement is based on scores from either the ACT COMPASS/ESL test or TOEFL. The courses are available from beginning through advanced levels in grammar/writing and listening/ speaking/pronunciation. Supplemental instruction through computer-based assignments and specialized electives may be available depending on student need. Students do not need a TOEFL score to apply to the ESL program.

Intensive ESL

Our Intensive ESL Program helps students improve their English skills for success in American colleges and universities. For the full-time international student, Parkland’s ESL program: - Meets the requirements for F1-students for full-time English preparation. - Includes 20 hours a week in practice and improvement of vocabulary/writing/speaking and pronunciation skills. - Focuses on student success through active learning: small groups, problem-solving, computer-based learning. - Is taught by knowledgeable, qualified, and caring professionals.

The Parkland Learning Advantage

Parkland Intensive ESL classes are small, averaging only 12 to 14 students. Each class typically has students from a variety of countries. Our teachers will help identify skills needing improvement, develop a learning program, chart progress in specific skill areas, and prepare for successful interaction in an American college environment. Students will have extensive free access to computer labs and can learn academic computer skills at each level. Electives are also available in TOEFL preparation, pronunciation, and conversation practice.

The English Conversation Club

The English Conversation Club, or ECC, is a registered student organization on Parkland’s campus composed of non-native English speakers. Members meet regularly to practice their English language skills outside of class and discuss shared challenges they face learning in a new language and culture. Meetings take place weekly in the Student Union usually during lunch, which is provided, and all non-native English speakers are encouraged to attend.

Course Listing:

English as a Second Language Program The ESL program offers a series of 3 credit hour courses for academic preparation in four skill areas. These courses are available from beginning through advanced levels in grammar/writing and listening/speaking/pronunciation. Students can enroll part-time in one course or full-time. Specialized electives appear as 500 level ESL courses in the class schedule.