ESL Classes

[everandel 0]

Has Anyone had experience with taking ESL classes within a few weeks of arriving to the US?

My fiance wants to take classes soon, but I'm unsure if is able to. She just got here recently and the semester classes start soon.

[payxibka 10,045]

Has Anyone had experience with taking ESL classes within a few weeks of arriving to the US?

My fiance wants to take classes soon, but I'm unsure if is able to. She just got here recently and the semester classes start soon.

The best thing you an do is keep her busy so she does not get bored.... ESL would be a good thing.....

[lucyrich 20]

Definitely start the classes as soon as you can. Sometimes there may be rules regarding advance enrollment dates, length of residence for in-state tuition discounts, etc., but those things are going to vary depending on who is sponsoring the classes. Just contact the enrollment office and see what needs to be done. If it's too late for this semester at the first place you call, ask them if there are other agencies in the area that might offer anything. ESL classes are often taught by community colleges, high school adult education districts, churches, and various other community agencies.

ESL classes help not only in the obvious English learning, which is essential to integrate into the culture, find a job, etc., but they also provide some social interaction outside of the house, some boredom relief, and can help in adjusting to the culture shock of moving.

[Nikita2Charles 32]

I am not sure what part of California you fiancee will be, but most 2 year colleges have an ESL program, also you can check your city adult education program, they have esl courses also. Good luck

[Rodney 0]

ESL can start as soon as she/he arrives. My fiancee arrived three weeks ago and she is in classes already.

[lindaishak 0]

hello,

my fiance just arrived here alost 2 weeks ago and he began ESL classes the second week of being here. he is doing good so far and has met some other individuals going throug the same thing with mastering the english language. the classes are free and through our local district adult education program. the classes are open enrollment so they began on 1/3 but he didnt go until 1/16 and he can go anytime during the class or miss days. highly recommed these classes...very good and loving the free thing..heheheh!!

melinda

[ultimoxo 0]

It's good to hear that the ESL classes are working out well for many. My fiance and I have just arrived in the U.S. last week and have been inquiring about the ESL class at the local college here. It's great that it is free!

I been having a problem about the social security number though. The lady on the phone at the college insists that my fiance needs a social security number to register in the class. We went to the social security office today and they told me that this should not be the case. Also, my fiance's name wasn't in the system yet because it's only been a week since we arrived. The class starts in two weeks and she wants to get in ASAP. I won't be able to get her a SSN number in time. She will not even be working! That's what a SSN is for, right?

What does the social security number have to do with the ESL class? Has anyone encountered this?

[Rodney 0]

You do not need a SSN. My fiancee does not have one. The school should just assign a different number. I would contact a higher manager if they continue to tell you this.

[ultimoxo 0]

A lady who heads the ESL program at the community college here has explained to me that the government grant that funds the program explicitly asks for SSN's of the students. She said that this is because the program is set up to prepare students for employment and later successful employment can be tracked by the SSN. I'm sure this breaks a few privacy laws and it is a mis-use of SSN's. Fortunately, the lady said my fiance can enroll and I can show the SSN when it arrives (She has two weeks from the start of the class, about a month from now total). Otherwise, my fiance would have been excluded on this basis. SSN's should not be used in this way.

You do not need a SSN. My fiancee does not have one. The school should just assign a different number. I would contact a higher manager if they continue to tell you this.

Rodney,

I have seen some websites where colleges say they will simply assign a different number, as you suggested. I believe this is in cases where there are using your SSN as your ID number, as many places do and which I think should be illegal. This college is saying that it is a requirement of the specific program. Thanks for your suggestion.

[Michaela_Hassan 1]

Has Anyone had experience with taking ESL classes within a few weeks of arriving to the US?

My fiance wants to take classes soon, but I'm unsure if is able to. She just got here recently and the semester classes start soon.

Hassan got here in mid December and is taking ESL classes now, he really likes it, plus it gives him a chance to get out by himself.

Michaela

[grass 0]

How do you guys get ESL free especially for new immigrates? I search the website of college here. They have ESL course but it is not free. Do I need to talk to them and tell them I am newcomer and the fee could be deducted?

[MrsAmera 41]

A lot of Technical colleges or community colleges have grants that allow them to offer the programs free. If you are looking at 4 year universities they often do charge. I would look in the phone book and call any and all local community and technical colleges and ask what they offer for ESL courses.

[Rodney 0]

I guess your area is doing it differently. The lady here also wanted the SSN and also mentioned the government grants. She then offered to just assign here a number and let her enroll in the classes. The only things she had to do from there was a placement test to determine her level of English skills.

For the person looking for the classes. You need to look at the community or technical colleges. Don't look at the universities.

Good luck to all.