Non-credit Certificate inAcademic English as a Second Language Program (ESL)

ESL, Languages, Humanities, Philosophy and Speech

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Academic ESL Program Information

Since 1991, we have served more than 1,000 English learners from around the world in our Academic ESL Program. Our students are refugees, student-visa holders, businessmen and businesswomen, and visiting scholars.

Students in this program can earn a certificate in proficiency in ESL. This certificate is intended for international students and non-native residents to develop proficiency in academic English and study skills.

We are an accredited program with a strong reputation for excellence and innovation. ESL faculty members and staff are committed to preparing our students to be competitive with their American counterparts in vocational and academic programs and in the workforce.

Students who complete the Academic ESL program:

Read, write, listen, speak to succeed in academic and vocational classes.
Develop study skills to succeed in academic and vocational classes.
Work with online classes.

Graduation and Transition Ceremony

In May, we honor students who have completed the advanced level. On the same day as the college graduation, the ESL Graduation Ceremony is held in the morning for friends and family to celebrate your accomplishments. The college administration, including the president and members of the board, as well as college faculty and staff join together to honor the students completing the Adult Education ESL Program and Academic ESL Program.

Academic ESL Courses

Upon entering the program, students are given our language placement test to determine their entry level: Foundations, Intermediate, or Advanced.
To receive the certificate, a student must receive a “C” or better in each of the following:

ESL 051 Foundations I
ESL 053 Foundations II
ESL 062 Intermediate Grammar
ESL 064 Intermediate Reading
ESL 066 Intermediate Writing
ESL 068 Intermediate Oral Skills or
ESL 070 – Communication Skills
COMM 105/ESL 072 – Advanced Grammar
ESL 074 Advanced Reading
ESL 076 Advanced Writing
COMM 100/ESL 078 Advanced Oral Skills

Academic ESL Admission Requirements

Before you begin the program, you will take the language placement test. The score that you receive on this test will help us figure out which classes would be most helpful for you in reaching your goals.

Learn More About Placement Testing

ESL International Voices Magazine

One of our college values is the appreciation of diversity. This means that you and your cultural experiences are at the heart of the educational mission of Black Hawk College.

While you are in the advanced writing class of the ESL program, you will write and publish an article for our ESL Newsletter. You will decide what to write. You will set up the interviews, and the you will work through the writing process. Students have written about customs, political and educational issues, and some very funny stories involving cultural adjustment.

Your voice is heard! Our administration, board members and faculty get a copy of the ESL newsletter each semester. You give the whole college community an understanding of who you are and what you dream about.

Frequently Asked Questions About Academic ESL

How many students are usually in my Academic ESL class?

We try to keep our class size to about 15 students so you can get personal attention from your instructor and easily work with classmates.

Do I get academic credit for the courses in the ESL Program?

Most of the classes in the Academic ESL Program are developmental courses. This means that students take these classes to prepare them to take college-level classes, so students do not receive academic credit for these classes. But if you take ESL 078/COMM 100 or ESL 072/COMM 105, you will receive academic credits for these classes while enrolled in the Academic ESL Program.

When can I begin the Academic ESL Program?

You can begin the Academic ESL Program at three times during the year:

The fall semester begins in August and ends in December.
The spring semester begins in January and ends in May.
The summer session begins in June and ends in July. This is an intensive six-week session.

Is there financial assistance for Academic ESL classes?

Eligible permanent residents or citizens may apply for financial aid to pay for tuition and possibly books. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. Some limited scholarships are available for ESL students through the Black Hawk College Foundation.

Do I have to pay for Academic ESL classes?

Yes. The classes in the Academic ESL Program are five-credit-hour classes, so students need to pay tuition based on the current per-credit-hour fee.

Do I have to take all of the classes in the Academic ESL Program?

The number of classes that you have to take will depend on the type of program and the major that you choose. In general, students who choose to take certificate programs or two-year vocational programs should complete the classes in Level 6 (Intermediate courses). However, students who want to complete associate degrees or transfer programs should complete Level 7 (Advanced courses).

How do I know which ESL classes I need to take?

Before you enroll in the ESL Program, you will be given a language placement test. Your level is determined by your score on the test. For more information about ESL classes, please call 309-796-5183.

Let’s Get Started!

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Contact

Janet Francisco
Program Coordinator

franciscoj@bhc.edu
309-796-5183