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ESL English as a Second Language

The ESL program at Harford Community College helps foreign-born adults improve their listening, speaking, reading, writing, and communication skills.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

PRE-ORIENTATION
The first step to enrolling in ESL classes is to register for a FREE pre-orientation session. To be eligible you must be 18 years of age or older, NOT currently in high school, and NOT an F1 or J1 Visa holder. All students must attend one of our FREE pre-orientation sessions.  This gives prospective students the opportunity to:

  • Receive information and ask questions about the classes.
  • Speak privately with an advisor about your educational needs and goals. 
  • Sign up for ESL classes.

For classes beginning July 24, 2023 you must attend one of the following ESL Pre-Orientation Sessions:

  • Wednesday, May 31  |  6:30 PM
  • Tuesday, June 27  |  6:30 PM

REGISTER FOR THE NEXT PRE-ORIENTATION SESSION:
CONTACT:  443.412.2406 or lpeniston@harford.edu

ADVISING
After attending a pre-orientation session, students are required to attend an advising session for intake and assessment, a classroom etiquette workshop, and MS TEAMS classroom training. This is mandatory.

TAKING CLASSES
If you have completed pre-orientation and advising sessions, you can now begin your FREE ESL classes where you will:

  • Receive individual and group instruction
  • Learn listening/speaking skills
  • Practice skills for everyday living

ESL classes are two evenings a week and are held throughout the year at various sites in Harford County. Students are responsible for the purchase of books and materials. Participating ESL students will have mandatory attendance and online learning requirements.

Every time I come to class I learn a lot of different things. The teacher always helps us whenever we have a problem. My English improved a lot. I feel more comfortable and confident when communicating. I understand more about America’s history and culture.
Mai T. • Student

Countries of Origin of Students Served in ESL Program in 2020-2021

Brazil | Bulgaria | Burkina | Faso | Cameroon | Chad | China | Colombia | Congo | Costa Rica | Dominican Republic | Ecuador | Egypt | El Salvador | Eritrea | Germany | Guatemala | Haiti | Honduras | India | Iran | Italy | Ivory Coast | Japan | Kenya | Korea | Latvia | Liberia | Lithuania | Mexico | Myanmar (Burma) | Niger | Nigeria | Pakistan | Peru | Puerto Rico | Romania | Russian Federation | Serbia | Thailand | Togo | Turkey | Turkmenistan | Ukraine | Uruguay | Uzbekistan | Venezuela | Vietnam | Wales

The ESL program is supported by federal and state funds granted by the MD Department of Labor.