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Around the World at DCCC |
English as a Second Language
You will find important information about admissions, ESL courses, student comments, frequently asked questions(FAQ), and ESL activities. The ESL course of study offers students whose first language is not English the opportunity to develop and sharpen their English language skills to help them succeed in an academic environment and in a new culture.
ESL Course Sequence
There are three levels of ESL courses: Elementary(ESL 020), Intermediate I (ESL 030), and Intermediate II (ESL 040). According to your placement test scores, you will be placed in the appropriate course level. It is possible that you will score on two levels. A student who is enrolled in the Writing, Reading, and Speaking/Listening courses must also attend tutoring sessions. It is important for the ESL student to meet with his or her advisor for course recommendations.
Student Testimonials
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Roman Kapran |
| "The Speaking/Listening course helped me gain confidence in spoken English. I am not afraid to shop or talk on the phone. It has been a cultural experience." Parminder Kaur |
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Mayumi Fujita |
| "The ESL course work was challenging. It was good preparation for continuing with graduate studies. I have learned important skills." Dai Juan Gao |
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Admissions
- Resident Students
Financial Aid
ESL Course Offerings
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that ESL students have asked.
How do I apply to DCCC?
International students who have an F-1 visa (a student visa) may contact the Assistant Director of International Admissions in the Admissions Office. Resident non-native students should contact the Admissions Office.
Will Delaware County Community College accept my TOEFL test score as a placement test ?
No. The TOEFL test score is not accepted at this school. All students must take the SLEP (Secondary Language English Proficiency) Placement Test before registering for courses.
Do I have to take an ESL placement test?
Yes. All students whose first language is not English must take an ESL placement.
Do I have to take ESL courses?
This depends on your ESL placement test scores. Your advisor will explain the scores for you and advise and register you for the appropriate courses.
Do I have to take ESL courses even though I have taken them at another school and I have a letter of recommendation from my ESL instructors?
This depends upon your placement test score. It is possible to test out of the ESL level.
Can I skip levels?
No. Students who have completed the Elementary level may not skip the 030 or 040 levels.
Do I have to take the grammar and writing courses at the same time?
Students must take the grammar and writing courses at the same time. Grammar is a very important part of writing well. The more practice you have in English, the better your language skills will become.
Do I have to go to classes?
Yes. In the United States, students are expected to go to all their classes and participate in class. If a student has many absences, the instructor may withdraw the student from the course. The student not only loses time but also money.
Do I have to go to tutoring?
Yes. The student who takes the Writing, Reading, and Speaking/Listening Courses is given 1 credit for tutoring for each course. In order to pass the course, a student must attend tutoring sessions. This is to give you more help in order to become more proficient in English. Tutoring is free.
What will happen if I miss a lot of classes and tutoring sessions?
You will be withdrawn from the course, or you will fail the course.
What happens if I get very sick and I miss a lot of classes?
It is very important for you to contact your instructor and discuss the situation with him or her. Arrangements can be made.
Can I schedule classes 2 days a week?
It is possible to schedule your classes two days a week if you are a permanent resident or U.S. citizen. However, full-time students (3 or more courses - 12 or more credits) need to come to school five days a week for class and tutoring time.
Do ESL courses transfer?
ESL courses are credit courses. However, because they are developmental courses, they are not transferable.
What is the grading policy?
For ESL and developmental courses, the grading is as follows:
High Pass -- HP
Pass -- P
No Pass -- NP
Transferable courses ENG 100 and REA 100 follow the grading policy of A - F.
When I finish the ESL courses, are there any more developmental courses that I must take ?
When you have completed ESL 043, 044, 045, and 046, you will take two developmental courses with other English-speaking students: ENGLISH 050 and READING 050.
How long will it take to complete ESL courses?
This depends on your entry level and how well you do in your courses.
Can I take credit courses while I take ESL courses?
If you are taking ESL 020 or 030 courses, you may not take any other courses. You may take a computer or math course if you have completed two or more ESL 040 level courses.
Do I have to take ENG 050 and REA 050?
You must register for the courses and the English/Reading instructors will assess your writing and reading levels. All ESL and developmental (ENG 050, REA 050) courses must be completed before a student may take ENG 100 (English Composition 1).
Is there another reading course after REA 050?
Yes. Critical Reading (REA 100) is a transferable three- credit course that will help sharpen your critical thinking in English. It is one of the elective courses.