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 who 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 needs. 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.
ESL 071 Reading / Vocabulary I
ESL 072 Reading / Vocabulary II
ESL 073 Reading / Vocabulary III
ESL 074 Reading / Vocabulary IV
ESL 076 English for Academic Purposes
ESL 080 Diagnostic Testing for ESL Listening/Speaking/Pronunciation
ESL 081 Listening/Speaking/Pronunciation I
ESL 082 Listening/Speaking/Pronunciation II
ESL 083 Listening/Speaking/Pronunciation III
ESL 084 Listening/Speaking/Pronunciation IV
ESL 085 Listening/Speaking/Pronunciation V
ESL 086 English Language Pronunciation
ESL 087 English Language Conversation Practice
ESL 088 Community English
ESL 089 ESL Research and Technology Skills
ESL 091 Grammar/Writing I
ESL 092 Grammar/Writing II
ESL 093 Grammar/Writing III
ESL 094 Grammar/Writing IV
ESL 095 Grammar/Writing V
ESL 097 American Academic Culture for Non­Native Speakers
ESL 099 Writing Skills for Non­Native Speakers
ESL 101 English Composition for Non­Native Speakers I
ESL 102 English Composition for Non­Native Speakers II
ESL 570 TOEFL Preparation
