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English as a Second Language (ESL)

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Aloha! Hawai`i Community College (HawCC) offers two different programs for English language learners.

If you wish to become more fluent in English, but you do not wish to study for a degree, please contact the Intensive English Program at 1-808-934-2698 or email hawcciep@hawaii.edu.

If you wish to increase your knowledge of English in preparation for college courses, see the information below for Hawaiʻi Community College’s ESL Program.

Hawaiʻi Community College’s ESL Program courses are divided into 2 levels:

Higher Intermediate English

  • ESL 20 ENGLISH ESSENTIALS
  • This course focuses on the fundamental skills needed to become a proficient reader and writer of English. This course concentrates on developing reading strategies, academic vocabulary, sentence structure, grammar concepts, and writing through a process approach. 4 credits

Advanced English

  • ESL 21 DEVELOPMENTAL READING
  • In this class you will learn about critical reading and how to understand how a writer uses the English language to inform, entertain, and persuade the reader. You will also learn lots of new academic vocabulary. 3 credits
  • ESL 22G GRAMMAR FOR EXPOSITORY WRITING
  • In this class you will learn advanced grammar skills to apply to your academic writing. These skills will help you develop your own writing style with sophistication and clarity. 3 credits
  • ESL 22W INTRODUCTION TO EXPOSITORY WRITING
  • In this class you will strengthen your academic writing skills by learning how to inform and persuade your readers convincingly. 3 credits

 

Which direction do you want to take?

Who should take Hawaii CCs ESL classes?

Our English language courses are designed to assist speakers of other languages with reading strategies, American writing standards, and grammar skills necessary for college level work. If you would like find out your English language level, contact our testing center to assist you.

We recommend taking ESL reading, writing, and grammar classes at the same time. The reason for this recommendation is because many of the skills that you learn in reading and grammar are needed in writing. However, taking all three classes during the same semester is not required.

What are the differences between ESL classes and other English classes?

Unlike English courses, ESL courses include instruction of the English language. Therefore, the focus is on how to construct the language in addition to how to develop the skills necessary for higher learning.


How do I register for ESL classes?

Follow these steps...

Option 1
If you are not already a student of Hawai`i Community College please take the following steps:

  1. Apply to Hawai`i Community College online:
    https://hawaii.hawaii.edu/apply
  2. Make an appointment with the Hale Kea Testing Center to take the ESL Accuplacer placement tests: http://hawaii.hawaii.edu/halekea/
  3. Register for ESL classes after you receive your placement test results using the MyUH portal or contact the Counseling department

Option 2
If you completed and passed level 4 with the Hawai`i Community College Intensive English Program (IEP), you can automatically register for the advanced levels of ESL courses (ESL 21, ESL 22G, ESL 22W).

Option 3
If you are currently a student of Hawai`i Community College:

  1. Make an appointment with the Hale Kea Testing Center to take the ESL Accuplacer placement tests.
  2. Register for ESL classes after you receive your placement test results using the MyUH portal or contact the Counseling department.

For any questions about ESL, please contact:

Deseree Salvador
dsalvad@hawaii.edu
(808) 934-2699

or

Eri Hall
u 808-934-2698 erihall@hawaii.ed
(808) 934-2698