Center for Business and Workforce Development · 1127 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA · (570) 327-4775 · Fax (570) 321-5546
English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
Pennsylvania College of Technology accepts qualified students into our ESL program who are matriculating into one of our degree programs and have sponsorship by a recognized agency (scholarship, company, or organization) or are local U.S. citizens or local individuals with their own visas.
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program prepares students to improve their English to successfully participate in college classes and community situations.
In the program, participants will prepare for the required TOEFL exam to test English proficiency and academic skills such as writing essays, taking notes, reading textbooks, and making presentations.
In addition, the program will help prepare students for daily activities such as shopping, doctor appointments, housing, transportation, and casual conversations.
Classes in the intensive ESL program are held 18 to 24 hours a week.
Levels Available
Beginning Fall 2010, the ESL program will offer up to three levels of classes each semester. Before classes begin, participants take assessments to help determine the appropriate level for them.
Level 1: Mid to High Beginning
Level 1 helps participants gain basic English skills in vocabulary, reading, grammar, writing, listening, and speaking. Classes focus on preparing participants to communicate in survival situations such as looking for an apartment, shopping, and getting medical care. These classes also begin introducing skills for simple academic tasks and begin to lay a foundation for TOEFL skills that will be emphasized in later levels.
Level 2: Low to Mid Intermediate
Level 2 helps participants improve their abilities in vocabulary, reading, grammar, writing, listening, and speaking. Participants are encouraged to use their communication skills in social and survival situations within the community. These classes emphasize basic skills for the TOEFL, as well as academic tasks such as taking notes, making presentations, reading textbooks, and taking exams. In additional to regular ESL classes, participants have opportunities to spend two hours each week practicing their English while volunteering in the community.
Level 3: High Intermediate to Advanced
Level 3 emphasizes vocabulary, reading, grammar, writing, listening, and speaking to prepare participants for the TOEFL and college placement test. This level focuses on preparing participants for academic tasks such as writing essays, taking notes, reading textbooks, and making presentations to help with transition into their majors. Participants are encouraged to enroll in a credit class for their future majors. As part of their ESL classes, participants have opportunities to apply their English and academic skills to the credit class that they are taking.
Sample First Semester Schedule
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. | Vocabulary | Grammar | Vocabulary | Grammar | |
| 9 a.m. | Vocabulary | Grammar | Vocabulary | Grammar | |
| 10 a.m. | Reading | Listening | Reading | Listening | |
| 11 a.m. | |||||
| Noon | Reading | Listening | Reading | Listening | |
| 1 p.m. | Writing | Speaking | Writing | Speaking | |
| 2 p.m. | Writing | Speaking | Writing | Speaking |
Student Services
In addition to the academic program, students sponsored by recognized agencies and admitted to the ESL program may access other services on campus. Some services may require a fee. General services that are available include:
- International student advising
- Health services
- Counseling
- Dining units
- Library
- College Store
- Campus Police
- Recreational activities
- Fitness center
- Intramural sports
After students have met admission requirements for English proficiency, college placement testing and academic advising are also available.
Students in Level 3 classes may also request to take a credit class as a non-degree student. This credit class should not occur during scheduled ESL class time, and students must meet all prerequisites for classes. Students should consult with the lead ESL teacher prior to scheduling credit classes. Students may then enroll at the Registrar's office and make payments to the Bursar's office.
Housing
During the summer semester, on-campus housing may be available. If available, new ESL students are encouraged to stay in on-campus housing. During the fall and spring semesters or if on-campus housing is not available during the summer semester, program staff will help arrange initial short-term off-campus housing and provide information and assistance to look for off-campus housing.
Special Features
- Small class sizes
- Orientation to American culture
- High standards
- Supportive environment
- Optional special topics classes to integrate ESL skills and material from students' future majors
- Service learning experiences in appropriate semester
Applying
Complete the Noncredit Application for International Students to apply for the ESL program and mail application to the address below. When sending the application, include the $50 non-refundable application fee by check or money order payable in U.S. dollars to Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Conditional acceptance may be available for applicants who do not meet minimum English proficiency requirements but are otherwise academically qualified for admission. An offer of conditional admission means that once you have met English proficiency requirements, you have successfully passed Penn College's placement exams, and you have shown sufficient financial guarantee, we will re-evaluate our status for full admission to an academic program.
Workforce Development & Continuing Education
DIF 29
ATTN: ESL
Pennsylvania College of Technology
One College Avenue
Williamsport, PA 17701
- Need an I-20 or seeking conditional admission? Complete all four pages of the application.
- Do not need an I-20? Complete pages 1 and 2.
Important Dates
| Semester | Application Deadline | Class Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2010 | April 1 | June 1-August 5 |
| Fall 2010 | June 1 | August 16-December 10 |
| Spring 2011 | November 1 | January 10-May 6 |
Tuition & Fees:
| Summer 2010 (10 weeks/18 hours per week) |
Fall 2010 (16 weeks/24 hours per week) |
Spring 2011 (16 weeks/24 hours per week) |
Summer 2011 (10 weeks/18 hours per week) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (estimated) | $3,370 | $5,050 | $5,050 | $3,540 |
| Meals (estimated) | $780 | $1,300 | $1,300 | $780 |
| Housing (estimated) | $1,500 | $2,550 | $2,550 | $1,500 |
| Health Insurance | $140 | $350 | $350 | $140 |
| Estimated Totals | $5,790 | $9,250 | $9,250 | $5,960 |
* Tuition & fees are subject to change without notice.