How to Apply as an International Student

English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

Monroe College is dedicated to making sure all its students succeed. If your primary language is not English, our ESL program, can help with the verbal, written and oral skills you need to succeed.

Study English and experience college-life in scenic Westchester County — only 30 minutes from mid-town Manhattan.

Pathway to undergraduate and graduate degree programs
Affordable tuition and course flexibility
Study in New York City region

Number of hours per week: 18
Number of weeks per level: 12

Three semester starts per year

Full-Time Program

F-1 visa holders and those wishing to be considered for a “conditional admission” to a Monroe College degree program are required to enroll in a minimum of 20 hours per week over a 12-week semester. You will have an online advisement session before the start of the semester to receive important course information and ask questions. Students will progress through levels as a result of quizzes, tests, and other assessment.

Part-time Program

Local students, au pairs, short-term visitors may take as few or as many courses as they would like. Advisement is available upon request. Note: those wishing to be considered for “conditional admission” to Monroe, must enroll in full-time courses.

Proficiency Levels

Three proficiency levels will be offered: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.

They will be assigned either by placement testing or by completion of the previous level. As a student progresses through the levels, the courses build upon the skills they’ve learned in the lower levels and become more complex. The skill requirements for completion of each proposed level are outlined below:

Beginner

Communicates at a basic level in everyday situations
Understands English when spoken slowly and clearly
Understands some words and phrases
Responds to simple questions and directions

Intermediate

Communicates facts and opinions
Understands most questions and statements at normal speaking speed
Carries on conversations with native speakers
Uses English to shop, order food in restaurants, and ask for directions
Discusses and argues in a culturally acceptable way

Advanced/Preparation for College-Level Work

Communicates effectively in most social situations
Understands a wide range of idioms
Maintains extended conversations with native speakers
Uses English with growing accuracy and fluency when both reading and writing

Schedule

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
8:45 am – 10:45 am Reading and Vocabulary	8:45 am – 10:45 am Speaking and Listening	8:45 am – 10:45 am Reading and Vocabulary	8:45 am – 10:45 am Speaking and Listening
10:45 am – 11:15 am Break	10:45 am – 11:15 am Break	10:45 am – 11:15 am Break	10:45 am – 11:15 am Break
11:15 am –1:15 pm Grammar and Writing	11:15 am – 1:15 pm Academic Communication	11:15 am – 1:15 pm Grammar and Writing	11:15 am – 1:15 pm Academic Communication
	2:15 pm – 4:15 pm Professional English

Textbooks

Students studying in our intensive morning program will be required to buy or rent a digital textbook for each of the four core courses, Grammar & Writing, Reading & Vocabulary, Speaking & Listening, and Academic Communication. Students should budget for about $100.

Tuition

$2500 for 12 week semester (Onsite)
$550 per course (Onsite)

$1850 for 12 week semester (Online)
$410 per course (Online)

Course Description

Reading and Vocabulary

Learn different reading strategies and skills to increase vocabulary and reading comprehension. Read a variety of newspaper and magazine articles, novels and stories, and academic texts to learn how to apply these strategies and skills.

Hours/ week: 4 hours per week over 12 weeks – total 54 hours
Days: M/W
Time: 8:45 am – 10:15 am

Course Description

Grammar and Writing

Learn grammar in the context of your own writing and through controlled exercises from the textbook. Learn how to correct your mistakes and improve your writing by editing and revising your papers.

Hours/ week: 4 hours per week over 12 weeks – total 54 hours
Days: M/W.
Time: 11:15 am – 1:15 pm

Course Description

Speaking and Listening

Improve conversational fluency and listening comprehension. This class focuses on communicating ideas in English. Audio, video and reading materials are used for conversation topics and for developing listening skills.

Hours/ week: 4 hours per week over 12 weeks – total 54 hours
Days: T/Th
Time: 8:45 am – 10:45 am

Course Description

Academic Communication

Developing good study habits and methods can be the difference between success and failure at college. Learn note taking, summarizing, outlining and “word cloud” techniques that will support strong

Hours/ week: 4 hours per week over 12 weeks – total 54 hours
Days: T/Th
Time: 11:15 am – 1:15 pm

Course Description

Professional English

Students will learn skills such as constructing an effective email, talking on the phone, online presentations and etiquette, and “watercooler talk.” The course will focus on preparing students for a variety of professional experiences such as working in an office or online, communicating with other professionals in the medical, educational and law enforcement.

Hours/ week: 4 hours per week over 12 weeks – total 54 hours
Days: Tuesdays
Time: 2:15 pm – 4:15 pm