{"id":6057,"date":"2021-04-26T15:45:23","date_gmt":"2021-04-26T22:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/the-roar.net\/?p=6057"},"modified":"2021-04-26T15:45:23","modified_gmt":"2021-04-26T22:45:23","slug":"sjccs-esl-program-fantastic-and-free-english-classes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/the-roar.net\/?p=6057","title":{"rendered":"SJCC’s ESL Program \u2014 Fantastic and Free English Classes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you learning English for the first time? Looking for free English classes that are convenient for you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At San Jos\u00e9 City College we offer an incredible English as a Second Language (ESL) Program<\/a> with extensive opportunities. Our ESL Department gives you the tools to thrive in any class or situation where English is required, so that you can make your academic and even your personal goals come true. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep reading to learn more about free English classes and everything else our incredible ESL Program<\/a> has to offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI liked this college because I felt the kindness of its teachers and students. Everyone I met was friendly. I have a good network now.\u201d<\/p>Bashir Mire, SJCC student<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\"ESL
ESL students participate in Asian Pacific Heritage Month at SJCC.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What Does SJCC\u2019s ESL Program Offer Students?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First of all, you\u2019re probably wondering about those free English classes. And we have good news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone is eligible to take free non-credit<\/strong> courses at SJCC with the ESL Department. To take non-credit classes, students don’t have to take the ESL Placement test. They can simply fill out the non-credit application<\/a> and enroll in any non-credit class. (Email your application to: sjcc.admissions@sjcc.edu<\/em>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To take for credit<\/strong> ESL classes, the ESL Department recommends students take the placement test so that they can take the right courses to reach their goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ESL classes typically meet two times a week, but the ESL Department offers some Saturday classes as well. And you also get access to additional resources like free assistance with reading and writing assignments (for any subject) at the ESL Lab<\/a>, and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s the how<\/em>, now let’s talk about why<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn English to Achieve Your Goals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every student has their own unique reasons to learn English. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ESL stands for English as a Second Language. But in fact, many of our ESL students already know a second language. Some are learning a third, fourth, (or even fifth) language. And we value each and every one of the unique cultures that students bring to campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019d like to be more confident writing emails at your job or improve your grade in a biology class, the ESL Program<\/a> can help you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Improve Your English to Gain Opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No matter what your motivations, improving your English skills has the power to change your life in many ways, through increased opportunities in employment, education, and even personal lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe help students to improve their English skills so that they can move forward to transfer, earn degrees, or certificates,\u201d said long-time faculty member, Leslie Rice. \u201cWe also help them to pursue better jobs and, overall, better communication within our schools, our medical system, and more.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zerrin Erkal, another dedicated ESL faculty member, said \u201cIn all levels of our classes, we are helping our students to learn the language and the skills to be ready for academic success and to be active participants of our society.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rice went on to say, \u201cSJCC\u2019s ESL Department is committed to each individual student\u2019s success. The teachers listen carefully to each student\u2019s goals and academic dreams.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Improve Your English to Gain Confidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Increased confidence is a less measurable result, but it is truly one of the most significant benefits of learning English for many students. Confidence in communication has the ability to greatly impact our lives. Because it is so closely linked to our effectiveness and self-esteem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBefore I started at SJCC I had no confidence talking to people and I barely read full sentences,\u201d said Meseret Alemu, an ESL student and an aspiring nursing assistant. \u201cBut now I am helping others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy writing skills are much improved after I finished the ESL program at SJCC, which helps me be more confident,\u201d said Trang Lam, who is studying Computer Information Systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This sense of confidence and enhanced communication skills allows students to more easily connect with their peers and enjoy the close-knit community at SJCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBefore I started at SJCC I had no confidence talking to people and I barely read full sentences. […] But now I am helping others.\u201d<\/p>Meseret Alemu, SJCC student <\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\"SJCC
SJCC students Meseret Alemu and Mulugeta Girmay in an ESL classroom at San Jos\u00e9 City College.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ESL Classes Are Essential for a Multilingual Campus <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of SJCC\u2019s greatest strengths as a vibrant Bay Area community college is its diverse student population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our campus is proudly multicultural and multilingual<\/strong> too. We serve international students, immigrants, first generation college students, and even returning students with English language needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFrom the Census of 2010, we learned that 51% of Santa Clara County residents spoke a language other than English at home,\u201d Rice said. \u201cA strong ESL Program is absolutely essential to a healthy, successful South Bay Area campus and community.  We \u2013 the ESL Program \u2013 bring and motivate our community members to join our campus family.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith a strong ESL program, we can support our students to reach their goals and make their dreams come true,\u201d said Erkal, who is a second language learner herself. \u201cWe have multilingual and multicultural students in our classes. Being in these classes with these students is a very valuable experience for us teachers.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have multilingual and multicultural students in our classes. Being in these classes with these students is a very valuable experience for us teachers.\u201d<\/p>Zerrin Erkal, SJCC ESL faculty<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\"English
SJCC ESL faculty. From left to right (front row): Yevgeniya Sokolenko, Dongmei Cao, Zerrin Erkal, Heather Jellison, (back row): Patricia do Carmo and Leslie Rice.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The ESL Lab<\/a> Offers Opportunities & Community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The ESL Lab<\/a> is a place to study English. But it\u2019s so much more than that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ESL Lab provides essential and meaningful academic support to English learners, especially because our students come from such varied backgrounds,\u201d said ESL Lab Coordinator, Patricia do Carmo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s the central hub of ESL the Program, its home base. It\u2019s where you can come together in community and lean on supportive faculty and peers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ESL Lab Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anyone who is enrolled in at least one course at SJCC and would like access to the ESL Lab’s resources can take the free 0-unit ESL 508 Lab class with the ESL Department. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll find in the there:<\/p>\n\n\n\n