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

Four semester starts per year

Fall Term I: September 9 – October 25
Fall Term II: October 26 – December 7

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 18 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

ESL APPLY HERE

Schedule

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Reading and Vocabulary 8:45 – 10:45 am	Speaking and Listening 8:45 – 10:45 am	Reading and Vocabulary 8:45 – 10:45 am	Speaking and Listening 8:45 – 10:45 am	Professional English 8:45 – 10:45 am
Break 10:45 – 11:15 am	Break 10:45 – 11:15 am	Break 10:45 – 11:15 am	Break 10:45 – 11:15 am
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 11:15 am – 1:15 pm

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 – 10:45 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

1	2	3	4	5

Course Description

Academic Communication

You will be expected to communicate in many ways during your academic career including participating in activities such as one-on-one and group discussions and engaging with project teams. Learn language and communication techniques in the context of your real-world situations. You will also learn note-taking, summarizing, outlining, and “word cloud” idea organization techniques that will support your academic and professional lives.

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

Course Description

Professional English

Students will learn skills such as constructing and delivering a proper presentation, effective emailing, talking on the phone, and communicating in other professional situations. The course will focus on preparing students for a variety of professional experiences such as working in an office or remotely.

Hours/ week: 2 hours per week over 12 weeks –
total 24 hours
Days: Tuesdays
Time: 2:15 pm – 4:15 pm