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English as a Second Language

If you are interested in Adult Basic Education classes, complete our form to start the process. If you have questions, call 847-214-6904 or email ABECRegistration@elgin.edu.

Inquiry Form

English as second language instruction can benefit non-native English speakers, regardless of language group or nationality. Gaining confidence in written and spoken English skills can be critical to your college and workforce success.

ECC’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Program focuses on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. ECC offers day and evening courses at several locations and online. All ESL classes are offered at no cost to eligible non-native English speakers.

  • As a student, you will be supported to gain English language fluency for success in school and at work.
  • Courses are offered day and evening at Elgin Community College, Carpentersville, Streamwood, and Hanover Park Education and Work Center.
  • All classes are provided free of charge to eligible immigrant students.
  • A placement test is required.

Part-Time ESL Programs

  • Beginning Level

    We offer courses at different levels to help students learn basic English skills, including beginning literacy, low beginning, and high beginning. After completing the high beginning level, students can handle common social situations, ask questions about everyday activities, share their opinions, write simple sentences, and read familiar texts.

    Who should attend: Non-native English speakers from any language group or nationality.

  • Intermediate Level

    Courses at the low and high intermediate levels get students ready for more advanced education or job opportunities. After finishing the high intermediate level, students can either leave the program, move on to advanced ESL classes, join the intensive ESL program, or start other college courses if they fit their goals. An academic advisor is available to help students with this transition. These classes are free for students who qualify.

    Who should attend: Non-native English speakers from any language group or nationality wish to prepare for higher-level education or employment opportunities.

  • Advanced Level

    Courses offered at the advanced level prepare students for entrance into college-level classes. Upon completing the advanced level, students can read and write to ensure success in college-level English courses. They can receive free in-district tuition for one, three-credit-hour college classes to help them achieve their educational and career-related goals. A student services specialist is available to help students transition to college-level English.

    Who should attend: Non-native English speakers from any language group or nationality who wish to prepare for entrance into college-level classes.

If you currently hold a student visa, you may not enroll in the ESL Program but should consider our Intensive English Program for students who would like to begin a degree or certificate program at ECC. All other students on certain visas cannot join the free adult education program.

Online Registration


Please fill out our inquiry form for more details about signing up for ABE/ASE classes. This form helps us understand what you need and prefer so we can guide and assist you with registration. By filling out the form, we can give you the best support and help you confidently start your learning journey.

Email ABECRegistration@elgin.edu or call 847-214-6904 for more information.

Inquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a quick question? Use our FAQ to find the answer.

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Stevens Amendment (FY24):
Stevens Amendment: Approximately $718,727 (40%) of the Illinois Adult Education and Literacy Program cost at Elgin Community College is federally funded under Title II, Adult Education and Family Literacy of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.

English as a Second Language

Learn about our English as a Second Language (ESL) program. These free classes help students improve.

Contact

Adult Basic Education Center

Building K, Room K100
847-214-6904
ABECregistration@elgin.edu

Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
Friday: 8 am to 4 pm