English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are for individuals who are native speakers of another language and who need to improve their English language skills for academic or employment purposes. Courses are offered for credit at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Both an intensive English program and part-time programs are offered.

The ESL/Linguistics Department serves students from any language background. Some students are referred to the department from the Harper College assessment program. Student educational backgrounds range from six grades completed through completion of graduate/professional programs. Students with fewer than six years of education are referred to the Adult Educational Development Department for enrollment in the Nonnative Literacy Program.

Students are tested during registration and counseled for appropriate program and course placement. For more information, contact the department office at 847.925.6226.

Intensive English Program
The Intensive English Program at William Rainey Harper College is dedicated to providing excellent comprehensive English language instruction for postsecondary students whose primary language is not English. Professionals in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) will utilize proven English language teaching methods and techniques to prepare students for further academic study in the U.S. This learner-centered program will be offered on a full-time basis for both international students and residents of the U.S.

Students completing the final level of the Intensive English Program will be able to enroll in the highest-level English as a Second Language (ESL) reading and writing courses at William Rainey Harper College while also enrolling in selected degree credit courses. Upon successful completion of these reading and writing courses, students will have the academic English language skills needed for success in all degree credit courses offered by William Rainey Harper College and may enroll in any degree credit courses and programs for which they meet the prerequisites.

This program meets the INS requirements for students on student visas. It is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs. For further information about this accreditation, please contact the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, 1725 Duke St., Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314, 703.519.2070.

Part-Time Academic ESL Program
This program is for those students who wish to improve their English language skills for educational, professional or employment reasons on a part-time basis. Depending on their proficiency level, students may enroll in one or more classes, including a core sequence of integrated skills courses as well as intermediate to advanced courses in reading, writing, grammar, listening/speaking, formal and informal vocabulary, pronunciation, American culture and TOEFL preparation. Students in this program may also enroll in other appropriate college courses.