The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program is designed for students whose native language is not English. Its goals are to help students gain proficiency and confidence in the use of English and to prepare them for entry into academic or career programs.
The ESL credit program comprises a sequence of 5 writing-based courses, as well as electives in grammar and oral communication. Placement is based on the results of a standard ESL Placement Examination and a writing sample.
Extended Studies & Workforce Education also offers non-credit ESL classes at a more basic level. These include courses in conversation, grammar, reading and writing and current events Students successfully finishing the non-credit program are eligible to take credit ESL and other college classes. For further information call (203) 857-6881.
Foreign Language/Humanities Credit for
ESL
High Intermediate and Advanced ESL courses (ESL 142, 152 and 192)
can be counted as foreign language/humanities electives toward
graduation with the following stipulations: Students may apply up to 10
ESL credits toward the degree in General Studies; all other degrees and
programs will accept no more than 6 ESL credits.
College Credit Program of Study
Students must demonstrate mastery of listening, speaking, reading and
writing skills before progressing to the next level. After successful
completion of the ESL sequence, students progress to English 101 (ENG
101). Language and computer laboratories as well as portfolio assessment
may be required in four and six-credit courses.
Next Steps
If you are interested in taking ESL courses for credit or non-credit,
you must take a placement test to determine your English proficiency
level. In order to take the placement test you must take the following
steps:
1. Fill out an application for admission
to the college at the Admissions Office.
2. Pay a $20.00 application fee.
3. Sign up at the Admissions Office to take the Placement Exam.
4. Consult the Placement Exam schedule which states the exact dates and
times the test is given.
For more information on admissions, call (203) 857-7060.
For more information on the ESL credit program, call (203) 857-6854 or 857-7176. For more information on the non-credit ESL program, call 857-6881.
Financial Assistance is available to eligible students in the ESL credit program.