ENGLISH AS A
SECOND LANGUAGE
Whether English is your second, third, or fourth language, Northampton’s
English as a Second Language (ESL) program will help you learn and
improve. We offer academic, full-semester credit classes that help
get you ready for college-level courses as well as helping you
to master English skills essential to academic work, jobs,
and day-to-day conversation. Students can choose
to study full-time or part-time, taking morning,
afternoon, or evening classes. Whether you
simply want to improve your English skills
or prepare for a degree program, NCC’s
ESL program can help. Residents,
citizens, and international
students from over 70
countries have studied
here, so you’re in
great company!
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
NCC offers four levels of English classes, from beginner (Level I) to advanced (Level IV) in four major skill areas. Classes include:
»» ESL I: a comprehensive course covering reading, writing, and speaking for students with little to no knowledge of English.
»» Level II Introduction: a comprehensive course covering reading, writing, and speaking for students with a basic knowledge of English.
»» Grammar/Writing: Levels II, IIIA, IIIB, and IV
»» Reading: Levels II, III, and IV
»» Speaking: Levels II, III, and IV
»» Clear Speech (pronunciation): Levels I and II
»» Attention to Accent: A pronunciation class for Levels III and IV
»» ESL Technology for Academic Success: a course for students to gain confidence using computers while learning related
vocabulary and practicing speaking skills.
»» ESL College Success: This course focuses on helping second language learners fit into the US college environment by discussing
cultural adjustment, college policies, graduation requirements, campus resources, programs and services, and more.
NCC ESL SUMMER INSTITUTE
NCC’s Summer ESL Institute is perfect for advanced ESL students who need a brief 6 or 12 week “bridge” session of ESL
courses before beginning their four-year college or university program in the fall. It’s a great way to quickly improve your English
skills before the fall semester. Summer I takes place between late May and early June while Summer II takes place between July
and mid-August.
The Summer Institute is also a great way for ESL students who want to begin an academic career here at NCC to prepare for
their major classes in the fall. Whether you choose to visit us for just the summer or join us in the summer and stay for your
Associate’s Degree, NCC Summer ESL Institute is the best place to begin your college journey in the United States. ALL ESL
students are welcome to study during our Summer sessions!
LANGUAGE LAB
Learning a new language can be difficult. ESL students can learn English more effectively with additional practice and support.
Our ESL Language Lab is the place to go to:
»» Seek academic advising about which ESL classes are right for you
»» Get free tutoring
»» Join one of our free conversation groups
»» Practice English language learning software when you start your courses
»» Study and work on homework
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
All new ESL students must take the ESL placement test. The COMPASS Placement Test is a computer-based
test which will assess your skill levels in reading, listening, and grammar so we know which courses are best for
you. Students will also be asked to provide a very brief writing sample. You will get the results immediately, and
an advisor will help you choose your ESL courses. The test is completely free. Beginners can take ESL I without
taking the test.
Main Campus Location: 215 Richardson Hall
For placement testing schedule, please refer to our website
http://w w w.northampton.edu/esl
If you have any questions about Northampton Community College’s ESL Program, please contact Stephanie Kotz,
ESL Professional Assistant at 610-861-5552 or skotz@northampton.edu.
For the Monroe Campus, please contact Kate Kresge at 570-369-1816 or kakresge@northampton.edu