English as a Second Language (ESL)

There are several differences between the two programs.

• Eligibility: All students are eligible for the Intensive English Program but must have a certain level of proficiency to enter. It is appropriate for students on an F-1 visa. Only Illinois residents are eligible for the part-time Adult Basic Education program. Also, because the part-time program is partially funded by federal grant monies, individuals on certain types of visas are not eligible due to visa restrictions (e.g., visitor visas, student visas, au pairs).

• Cost: The Intensive English Program charges tuition for its classes. Part-time Adult Basic Education ESL classes are free to eligible students.

• Time: The Intensive English Program is full-time (although students may opt for part-time within the program). It only offers daytime classes. The Adult Basic Education part-time program meets 5-6 hours per week. Classes typically meet two days a week (Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday). It offers both morning and evening classes.

• Class start dates and number of weeks: The Intensive English program has multiple start dates throughout the year and consists of 4-week sessions (fall/spring) or 5-week summer workshops. The part-time Adult Basic Education ESL program starts in August/September, January/February, and April. The classes are 10-16 weeks long.

• Location:  The Intensive English Program is offered at the Elgin campus only. The part-time Adult Basic Education program offers both in-person and online classes. In-person classes are available at a variety of locations, including Elgin, Hanover Park, Carpentersville, and (starting fall 2022) Burlington.

• Levels: The Intensive English Program has three levels and requires a minimum understanding of English to qualify for the program. The part-time Adult Basic Education ESL program has 9 levels and serves students with no English proficiency through pre-college.

• Registration process: Intensive English Program enrollment is always open. Come to Building C, Room C221, or call 847-214-7163. A placement test is required for all new students. For the part-time Adult Basic Education ESL program, come to building K to the front reception desk or complete this online form to start the process. 

 

 

To register for our part-time Adult Basic Education ESL classes, please do the following. Please note that you are not registered for classes until you complete all of the steps.

Step 1: Complete this online form to start the process. 

Step 2: Come to the front desk in Building K at 410 Renner Drive in Elgin 60123. Bring a photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or government-issued ID). Bring your DHS medical card or your LINK card if you receive public assistance. Keep in mind, the college is closed on Fridays during the summer. 

NOTE: Current high school students are not eligible for ESL classes. Individuals on temporary or visitor visas are also not eligible for the program.

Step 3: Schedule a pre-test. The test may take up to three hours. Return to building K once you have completed the pre-test.

Step 4: Schedule an orientation. Students who have attended an ESL orientation recently may not be required to attend another orientation. This may last up to three hours. You will do placement within the program at the orientation, so this is a requirement for all new students.

Step 5: Upon completing orientation, you will need to return to the Front Desk in Building K to register for your class. You will select the days, times, and locations of your classes. You are not registered for classes until you complete this step.

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

This full-time academic program for all English language learners is ideal for learning English through immersion. Students interested in the Intensive English Program should call 847-214-7163 or email lcameron@elgin.edu for registration information. Please go to the Intensive English Program’s webpage for more information.

All part-time ESL classes are free for eligible students. Students on certain types of visas cannot take Adult Basic Education classes. There are nine levels in the part-time program, which serves students who do not know any English all the way through to college readiness in English. All students are assessed and placed according to their abilities upon entry to the program.

The Intensive English Program is full-time and only offers daytime classes.

The Intensive English Program is offered in person only. There are remote (online) options for the part-time Adult Basic Education program. 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).

While it is not a requirement for in-person classes, it is strongly recommended for intermediate and advanced students to access 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 borrow a Chromebook from the ECC library.