ESL FAQ

Learning to write and speak English confidently can be really important for doing well in college and at work. The Intensive English program starts at different times during the year and has sessions that last 4 weeks in fall and spring, or 5 weeks in summer.

The part-time Adult Basic Education ESL program starts in August/September, January/February, and April. These classes go on for 10-16 weeks.

Did you know? 

Our summer programs in Intensive English are made for students who want to improve their English skills and learn about different cultures. In class, you'll do activities that help you listen, read, speak, and write better, whether you're a beginner or more advanced. These workshops are in June and July, with a focus on reading, writing, grammar, and speaking. They meet in the morning and afternoon from Monday to Thursday.

Intensive English Full- or Part-time Program: This program helps you learn English quickly using a special method. You'll study different skills one after another in a series of lessons. Classes are only in the daytime.

Adult Basic Education Part-time Program: This program meets for 5-6 hours each week. Classes are usually two times a week, either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. You can take classes in the morning or evening. It's good for anyone who speaks English as a second language, no matter where they're from.

Classes happen in Elgin, Hanover Park, Streamwood, and Burlington, Illinois.

While it is not a requirement for in-person classes, it is strongly recommended for intermediate and advanced students to have access to a computer or tablet to do additional work at home. Students may use computer labs on campus if they do not have access at home. If a student selects an online class, they may be able to borrow a Chromebook from the ECC library through our technology lending program. Come to the Library Circulation Desk in Building C.

The Intensive English Program is full-time. This program meets the requirements of a full course of study for F-1 international students and is appropriate for students on other types of visas.

Did you know?

There are four modules – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Pre-collegiate. In addition to the modules, students choose from various electives to complete their schedules. After initial placement, students are reassessed every four weeks with the potential to move to the next module, which allows them to move quickly through the program.

Elgin Community College offers an intensive English program (IEP) for prospective college students, international students, professionals, business people, and others who want to improve their English skills. This program helps with success in higher education, the business world, or personal growth.

1. The program uses a focal skills approach that helps language skills grow naturally. It includes modules focused on Listening, Reading, Writing, and Pre-collegiate skills, with electives available.
2. For those who want to learn English quickly, the full-time program is ideal. Students are assessed every four weeks and can move to the next module as they progress.
3. The program meets the requirements for full-time study for F-1 international students and works for other visa holders too.

Summer Program

Our intensive English summer programs are designed for students who want to combine a high-quality English language development program with intercultural experience. 

• Classroom activities integrate listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills.
• Levels include beginner to advanced. 
• Workshops run in June and July. 
• Classes meet in the morning and afternoon, Monday through Thursday.

Students interested in the Intensive English Program should call 847-214-7163 for registration information. Please go to the Intensive English Program's webpage for more information.

The Intensive English Program is offered in person only.

The part-time Adult Basic Education program has remote (online) options. These classes employ a combination of a live class via Zoom (or other video conferencing tool) and independent online work via the college learning management platform (D2L). 

To sign up for ESL classes, complete our form to start the process.

To sign up for the Intensive English program, come to Building C, Room C221, or call 847-214-7163.

Don’t have access to technology at home?
We can help! ECC is committed to supporting students by addressing the technology needs of ECC students to the greatest extent possible. This initiative aligns with the college’s Shared Value of Equity by ensuring students who do not currently have access to the technology needed are helped with a smooth transition to online instruction. We offer laptops, Chromebooks, and graphing calculators. 

An orientation is a meeting where students can find out about our program and how to sign up for classes. Students will also get their assigned spot in the program. Before starting ESL classes, students will join a workshop to get ready for learning languages successfully.

The level of English you need to enroll in classes successfully depends on the college program you are interested in. While there isn’t a prerequisite level of ESL for college classes, it is generally recommended that students complete the advanced levels before taking classes such as English 101. Completing the intermediate levels may allow for success in college classes for other programs. Students may take college-level courses at any time but may save time and money by taking ESL classes first. Don't hesitate to contact the ABEC Transitions Coordinator, Elena Gardea, for further information at 847-214-6928 or email egardea@elgin.edu.

To register for our part-time Adult Basic Education ESL classes, follow these steps. Remember, you're not signed up until you finish all these steps.

Step 1: Complete this online form to start the process. We will contact you to complete the process or call 847-214-6904. Wait to receive a call from ECC or call us back if we leave you a voicemail. 

Step 2: Visit the front desk at Building K, 410 Renner Drive, Elgin 60123. Bring a photo ID like a driver’s license or state ID. If you get public help, bring your DHS medical card or LINK card. Note: The college is closed on Fridays in the summer.

Note: High school students now in school can’t take ESL classes. People here on visits can’t take part either.

Step 3: Schedule a pre-test. The test could take up to three hours. After you finish, head back to Building K.

Step 4: Set up an orientation. If you've done an ESL orientation before, you may not need to do another. This could take up to three hours. New students must do this to get into the program.

Step 5: Once you finish orientation, go back to the Front Desk in Building K to sign up for classes. Pick the days, times, and places for your classes. Remember, you're not signed up until you finish this.

For more information about signing up for classes, email ABECRegistration@elgin.edu or call 847-214-6904.

There are 9 levels in the part-time Adult Basic Education program. The part-time Adult Basic Education program serves students who do not know any English through college readiness in English. All students are assessed and placed according to their abilities upon entry to both programs.

English as a second language (ESL) instruction at ECC is for all non-native English speakers from any language, group, or nationality. Instruction includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking and is conducted entirely in English. Classroom instruction and college support services allow immigrant students to progress toward self-sufficiency and economic success. 

All classes are offered free of charge to eligible immigrant students.

Students will attend a pre-course workshop to prepare for language learning success before enrolling in ESL classes. 

Beginning ESL Instruction

The purpose of these courses is to help English language learners improve their reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills in English; improve their mathematics and basic technology skills; and acquire an understanding of the American system of government, individual freedom, and the responsibilities of citizenship so that these learners can be full participants in their community. Upon completing the high beginning level, students may exit the program or transition to intermediate ESL instruction to work on career or academic readiness.

Intermediate ESL Instruction

These classes aim to equip students with the skills needed for career and academic readiness. Along with improving basic reading, writing, speaking, listening, and mathematics skills, students will develop the academic and soft skills necessary to transition to college or a career successfully. Upon completing the high intermediate levels, students may exit the program to pursue a high school equivalency certificate, enter a career/vocational training program, transition to advanced/academic ESL classes, or enter the workforce. An academic advisor is available to help students make the transition.

Advanced ESL Instruction

The purpose of these classes is to prepare students to enter college-level classes. Students who want to enroll in advanced ESL classes must first meet with an ESL staff member and take the appropriate placement tests. Students in these levels focus on the academic reading, writing, speaking, listening, and technological skills needed to transition to college-level work.

Students are ready to enroll in college degree programs after completing the advanced levels. Students interested in transitioning to college-level programming are encouraged to take the College Transitions for ESL Learners course. Students interested in this course must receive a recommendation from faculty or staff to enroll. Students in this course must co-enroll in a transferable credit college class. Upon successfully completing the College Transitions for ESL Learners course, in-district tuition for one three-credit-hour college class will be waived. Individuals must live or work in the district to be eligible for the waiver.

There are multiple ways to get English practice outside of class. Students may join one of the many on-campus organizations (e.g., clubs, volunteer groups) through ECC’s student life. There are also groups off campus that they may join. Gail Borden Library offers district residents many free services and resources, including conversation groups and citizenship conversation groups through the Literacy Connection.

Right now, the only class on Saturdays is the citizenship class. To join the citizenship class, students need to also be taking an ESL class in the Adult Basic Education part-time program. Want to join? Fill out the form to sign up for classes. Please give a current email address and your main phone number. Learn more

Did you know?

ECC's Adult Basic Education Center offers citizenship classes to improve your knowledge of the U.S. government, prepare for the citizenship interview, and study for your citizenship test.

ESL through the Adult Basic Education Center

Elgin Community College is committed to making education as affordable as possible. All part-time ESL classes in our Adult Basic Education program are free for eligible students. Students on certain types of visas are not eligible to take Adult Basic Education classes. Please complete our form to start the process.

Intensive English Program

Full-time ESL classes for all English language learners through our Intensive English Program are not free. Students must register and pay on the first day of each session. Enrollment is always open. Come to Building C, Room C221, or call 847-214-7163. A placement test is required for all new students. 

• In-District Tuition: $387.00 per session (20 hours per week): $1,548 per semester.
• Out of State/International Tuition: $1,188 per session (20 hours per week): $4,752 per semester.

Did you know?

ECC offers several convenient ways to pay educational expenses for full-time ESL classes through the Intensive English Program. As soon as you enroll in classes, your registration/billing statement is ready. ECC will no longer mail registration/billing statements. Students can access their statement anytime by logging into the accessECC Student Portal and clicking Self-Service. Students are responsible for paying the amount due on their tuition statement by each semester's corresponding due date. Make checks payable to ECC. Please send it to the Student Accounts office. Allow 10-14 days for your tuition payment to be received. Your payment must be received and receipted by the due date, or you will lose your class space.

This may be possible depending on the course and any prerequisites it may have. Please contact the ABEC Transitions Coordinator, Elena Gardea, for further information at 847-214-6928 or email egardea@elgin.edu. 

Did you know?

After completing the College Transitions for ESL Learners course, ECC offers in-district tuition for one three-credit-hour college class will be waived. Individuals must live or work in District 509 to be eligible for the waiver.