| Westchester Community College services over
5,000 English as a Second Language students, more than any other educational institution in the county. Ten levels of ESL
instruction are offered at Westchester Community College. Each level provides balanced instruction
and active practice in all English language skills: listening, speaking
(including pronunciation), standard grammar, reading, and writing. New
students take an examination to determine the level at which they begin
study. Most ESL students use a language laboratory for additional
practice. English-only environment for all activities promotes maximum
learning. These courses serve the needs of the general learner and
learners preparing for college/university study. Instructors are
professionals in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other
Languages). Our courses are offered in Spring (January–April), Summer
(May–early August) and Fall (September–December).
How To
Register for an ESL Course
- When? Come to the ESL office or register by telephone, or on the internet. We recommend registration as soon as possible because most courses fill up quickly.
Three convenient ways you can register:
- Register in person at the English Language Institute Office in Academic Arts Building, Room 302, then pay in the Administration Bldg., Continuing Education office, room 207.
- First:
Obtain all information about courses & placement testing; complete a registration form at the English Language Institute Office, AAB-302.
- Second: Take completed form to Administration Bldg., Rm. 207 (Office. of Continuing Education). Payment by Visa/MasterCard, check/money order or cash. All students pay an $8.00 F.S.A. fee once per semester in addition to the tuition (except for ESL courses at extension sites).
- Save time and gas! Register by telephone and pay with MasterCard or Visa. Call 914-606-6656.
Register using our new secure online (internet) form, paying with Visa or MasterCard. (Not recommended for new students, but GREAT for everybody else.)
Class Locations
The English Language Institute
offers classes in a number of locations throughout Westchester County.
Not all classes are offered in every location, so be sure to check the
semester schedule.
- Mount Kisco
Lutheran Church of the Res.
15 S. Bedford Rd.
- Mount Vernon
175 Gramatan Avenue
- Peekskill
27 N. Division St., downtown
- Port Chester
Port Chester Middle School
- Mahopac
Mahopac High School
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- New Rochelle
Blessed Sacrament School,
15 Shea Place
- Ossining
Arcadian Shopping Center
- Somers
Somers High School
- Yonkers
Cross County Shopping Center
(blue office bldg., 5th fl.)
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Placement
Testing
Testing required if you are new or did not take final exam in
the preceding semester. Placement test is given at 1st session of
Saturday ESL, Evening ESL and Intensive ESL. You must already be
registered for a class to take test. Testing information is provided at
time of registration.
Immigration Form I-20
If you would like to come to the United States on an F-1 (student) visa, you may apply for immigration form I-20 through the English Language Institute. F-1 students study full-time (18 hours per week) in the Intensive English Program of the English Language Institute. The Intensive English Program is appropriate both for students who are interested in preparing for college study and for those who want to improve their English for personal or
professional reasons.
There are two situations under which you may apply to be an F-1 international student:
- If you wish to apply at US Consulate in your country and enter the United States with an F-1 student visa., download the
ESL I-20 application packet.
- If you are already in the United States and would like to change your immigration status to F-1 without returning to your home country, download the
ESL Change of Status application packet. (Note: Not all
students are eligible to change their status. Please call us at (914)606-6656 to discuss your situation before completing this application.)
For more information, or to request that an application be mailed to you, please call (914)606-6656.
NY / Westchester
County Residency
All ESL tuition rates stated are
resident rates. Residents have lived in NY State at least 1 year. If you
have been in NY for the past 12 months, but live, or lived outside of
Westchester County, call 914-606-6656. Non-residents are welcome, but pay
tuition plus a non-resident surcharge of 150%.
Refund Policy
100% refund before 1st class
50% refund after 1st class
No refund after 2nd class
Conversation
Partners
Once you enroll in the ESL Institute and reach Level 4 or above, you can request a Conversation Partner. Your partner will work with you one hour a week to improve your English speaking skills. You work in a relaxed, informal atmosphere on the Valhalla campus, helping to build your confidence and fluency. This program is provided as a free service by the Volunteer office. It’s easy to apply for a conversation partner: Pick up an application at the ELI office in AAB-302 or go to the Volunteer Office in Room 243 of Library.“Something to Talk About” -
Group Discussion Sessions
This is a series of small, group discussions led by a facilitator and available to Level 5 students and above. “Something To Talk About” will give you additional opportunities to practice speaking and will help you build confidence in a group setting. The Program meets on Wednesdays 12:15 pm and there is no cost to you.
For further information contact Robert Nechols, Director of the ELI, in Room 302 of the Academic Arts Building or come to the Volunteer Office in Room 243 of the Library.
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