INFORMATION FOR ESOL STUDENTS
The Continuing Education Department offers several programs in ESOL: Free English classes, CLIP, the English Language Academy and the English Language Institute. Read below to find out which program is the best one for you.
Free English Classes
REGISTRATION
To register for classes in English as a Second Language, please contact:
Monique Russo, ESOL Registration Coordinator
718.982.2196
OUR PROGRAM
The Adult Learning Center offers ESOL classes on a variety of levels. Day, evening, and weekend classes are available. The classes focus on all four skill areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Your score on the Best Plus Test will determine which of the following classes is right for you:
ESL 1 is for beginner ESL students.
ESL 2 is for intermediate students.
ESL 3 is for high intermediate students.
ESL 4 is for advanced students.
HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
The amount of time you will spend in ESOL classes depends upon many things, including your skill level when you begin the program, your individual abilities, your commitment to attending classes and the amount of time you have to study outside of class. Currently, we have Fall and Spring semesters, which run for 14-16 weeks each.
TESTING
- The Best Plus Test is required of all students entering the program.
- At the end of each semester, all students must be post-tested in order to return the following semester. Students who do not test will not be able to continue in the program.
- After testing at a level 7, students must take the Best Literacy Test. This test assesses reading and writing skills. Students who score 75 or better on the Best Plus Literacy Test must also take the TABE reading test.
Advanced ESOL Students
Advanced ESOL students will exit the program after completing level 4. Those students who wish to earn a GED should make an appointment to speak with the ESOL Director. Only students in good standing will be referred to the GED program and will be required to take math placement and Official GED Predictor Tests.
CUNY LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM (CLIP)
An intensive ESL program for students who want to attend college, or have already been admitted to college. CLIP is a special low-cost* English language immersion program for students who are non-native speakers of English. CLIP classes help students improve their academic English skills and become better prepared for college.
- You can learn English without having to use your financial aid.
- You will spend 25 hours per week in intensive English language instruction and orientation to college, for up to three semesters.
- You will learn reading, writing, and speaking skills that will help you perform better on the reading and writing tests and become a successful college student at CUNY.
- You will learn how to use a computer for writing and research. Spring 2011 CLIP classes will begin on January 31 and end on June 2. To get more information you may visit the Continuing Education office in Room 2A-201 or call 718.982.2196
If you register for CLIP:
- Residents: $180
- Non-residents: $450
- Public Assistance Recipients/SEEK students: $45
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACADEMY
Whether you are a student who has been in the U.S. just a short time or someone who has lived here several years, our courses will help you build your English fluency.
This is a part-time, English as a Second Language program for adults. Classes meet two nights a week from 6:30 to 9:30 pm or on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tuition is $300 for a semester.
Classes provide instruction in reading, writing, listening and speaking English. A separate class focuses strictly on pronunciation. All program instructors are qualified and experienced
Summer Session Information:
Evening classes will meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, from June 19 through August 16. Saturday classes will begin June 23 and finish August 25.
Registration will take place at 6:30 pm on June 11, June 13, and June 15 in 2A-201. You can also register on Saturday, June 16, at 10:00 am in 2A-201. (You only need to attend one session.)
Registration and testing will take about an hour. Please be prepared to pay your bill at time of registration.
To get more information you may visit the Continuing Education office in Room 2A-201 or call 718.982.2182
THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE (ELI)
Students who want to learn English or improve their English language skills, for instance because they are not ready for admission into the College of Staten Island (CSI) or another CUNY college, may enroll in the ELI. ELI classes run 20 hours per week. The sessions are divided into four parts: grammar, reading and writing, workshop, and oral expression. The workshop helps students to prepare for the TOEFL examination. In addition to formal instruction, ELI offers international events; lectures and workshops that help students understand U.S. culture and institutions. Students receive a certificate after completion of each session. Students applying to ELI must complete an application, provide proof of financial support (for non-immigrants in F or J status), and pay a $100 application fee. ELI works with the CSI admissions staff in providing assistance to students interested in applying to CSI. ELI is a member of AAIEP.
Estimated Costs for the English Language Institute’s Fall-Summer Sessions
Fall (September-December) - 14 Weeks $3,000
Mid-Fall (October-December) – 9 Weeks $2,000
*Books not included in the costs, health insurance is mandatory
($340 for 14 weeks/$255 for 9 weeks). Individual classes are
available depending on visa status. Tuition is due on the day of
registration. For questions, email ELI at elistudy@csi.cuny.edu, or
check ELI’s website HERE
North Administration Building (2A) Suite (201)
Phone: 718.982.2182
Fax: 718.982.2038
continuing_ed@csi.cuny.edu