ESL for Vietnamese immigrants in Houston, TX

[Noktor 4]

My fiance just arrived and I would like to know if anyone here knows of a place where she can learn english in the Houston area. Would prefer someone or some place that has experienced teachers who are bilingual in both english and vietnamese because my fiance doesn't know much english, just the very basics.

[Dashinka 24,635]

Community Colleges are a good place to start looking.  

 

https://www.hccs.edu/continuing-education/ce-programs/esl/

[JasonGG 280]

My wife attended the ESL certificate program at the local community college.  Just needed to show proof of current address to get the cheaper in-county tuition.  Immigration status was not a factor.  
 

I think it was about 8 classes over 2 years, $300-400 per class.  They offered free classes, too, but no certificate that allows you to begin other programs at a state university.

[Noktor 4]

I tried to apply online for ESL classes at HCC but it asks for SSN and my fiance doesn't have one. Is this mandatory?

[JasonGG 280]

On 2/21/2023 at 3:41 PM, Noktor said:

I tried to apply online for ESL classes at HCC but it asks for SSN and my fiance doesn't have one. Is this mandatory?

It may be required, but it’s very easy to get a ssn. Takes about 7-10 days once you submit your application and documents.

 

If that’s not an option, call and ask for the ESL/ELL department.  They may have to register her for you.

[Stein 276]

My wife is also taking English classes at the local community college.  They have a full ESL course, five semesters.  She had to do a three hour placement test and started in Level 3 of the 5.  Best part is our classes are completely free.  Three hour classes, twice a week.

 

Beyond this set of courses they have English for college prep and one other class for business English.  Those we need to pay for.

[Legend of Summer 23]

On 2/25/2023 at 6:21 PM, JasonGG said:

It may be required, but it’s very easy to get a ssn. Takes about 7-10 days once you submit your application and documents.

 

If that’s not an option, call and ask for the ESL/ELL department.  They may have to register her for you.

how did you get SSN within 7-10 days when you first arrive in the state? 

[JasonGG 280]

28 minutes ago, Legend of Summer said:

how did you get SSN within 7-10 days when you first arrive in the state? 

A SSN is fairly easy to get. You only need to prove identity/age and proof of lawful presence.  The SSN is pretty easy to get, just follow the instruction for form SS-5.  A recent immigrant can apply with their valid foreign passport and I-94 or other document showing lawful immigration to the U.S.  More recently, my wife updated her S.S. card for her legal name change after citizenship.  We visited the SSA office on Thursday and had the new card in hand the following Monday.  It helps that we are close to Baltimore and SSA headquarters.  -  Jason

 

 

[Legend of Summer 23]

1 hour ago, JasonGG said:

A SSN is fairly easy to get. You only need to prove identity/age and proof of lawful presence.  The SSN is pretty easy to get, just follow the instruction for form SS-5.  A recent immigrant can apply with their valid foreign passport and I-94 or other document showing lawful immigration to the U.S.  More recently, my wife updated her S.S. card for her legal name change after citizenship.  We visited the SSA office on Thursday and had the new card in hand the following Monday.  It helps that we are close to Baltimore and SSA headquarters.  -  Jason

 

 

 

Some of my friends have to wait 3 months for their wives green card. 

Edited April 3, 2023 by Legend of Summer