Supportive English language learning that builds confidence for work, school, and everyday life

Our ESL program provides practical, real-world language skills for academic, professional, and everyday communication. You’ll build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing English through interactive instruction and cultural immersion — gaining workplace-ready communication skills, improved comprehension, and cross-cultural awareness. Supportive faculty and authentic learning experiences prepare you for success in college courses, careers, and community life.

RVCC offers ESL for two goals: learning English for work and everyday life, and earning college credit toward a degree or certificate. Pick the path that fits you below — and if you’re not sure, we’ll help you decide.

Learn English for Work & Daily Life (Non-Credit)

Best for you if:

  • You want to improve your English for a job, your family, or daily life
  • You speak little or no English, or want to build basic skills
  • You want to start quickly without a placement test

Cost: About $395 per course. Materials not included. Non-credit courses are not eligible for financial aid.

Placement test: Not required.

Levels: Basic ESL; Introduction to ESL (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B); Pronunciation & Accent Reduction.

Contact: Maryam Sheikh – maryam.sheikh@raritanval.edu, 908-526-1200, ext. 8462, or 908-218-8871

Earn College Credit (Academic)

Best for you if:

  • You want to take college classes or earn a degree at RVCC
  • You already speak, read, and write some English
  • You want advanced speaking, reading, writing, and grammar

Cost: Tuition by credit — about $1,344 for 6 credits (part-time) or $2,688 for 12 credits (full-time) for Hunterdon/Somerset residents. Payment plans available. Financial aid available for degree-seeking students in an eligible certificate or associate degree program.

Placement test: Required (ESL Placement Test).

Levels: Beginning, Low Intermediate, Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced.

Credential: Certificate of Completion in English as a Second Language.

Contact: Lindsey Hageman · lindsey.hageman@raritanval.edu · 908-526-1200 x8221

Not sure which path is right for you?

Take the ESL Placement Test at the Testing Center — or just ask us. Contact an ESL Advisor and we’ll answer your questions about the program and your educational and career goals, help you understand your placement results, and work with you to build a schedule.

  • Book a placement test online, call 908-526-1200, ext. 8401, or email tcenter@raritanval.edu.
  • Walk in to the Testing Center (arrive at least 2 hours before closing)
  • Still deciding between non-credit and credit? Email Maryam Sheikh (non-credit) or Lindsey Hageman (credit) — no test needed just to ask.

You can place into any level, or place out. From non-credit (Workforce) ESL you can move up into credit (Academic) ESL when you’re ready.

Non-Credit (for work & daily life)

  • Basic ESL — for those with little English; build communication for work, family, and personal life.
  • Introduction to ESL 1A & 1B — basic pronunciation and vocabulary; simple grammar; write simple sentences and short paragraphs.
  • Introduction to ESL 2A & 2B — continue basic grammar; write simple narrative and descriptive paragraphs.
  • Pronunciation & Accent Reduction — clearer pronunciation and listening for work, school, and daily life. (Prerequisite: Level 2A/2B or high-intermediate proficiency.)

Each non-credit level is 36 hours of instruction.

 

How to Enroll

Credit (for college & careers)

  • Advanced Beginner — advanced beginning skills in reading, writing, grammar, speaking, and pronunciation.
  • Low Intermediate — lower intermediate reading, writing, listening, speaking, and pronunciation tasks.
  • Intermediate — build fluency and comprehensive skills in academic English. Students may also take a math course at the same time.
  • High Intermediate / Low Advanced — build fluency and comprehensive skills in academic English through longer, more challenging tasks. Students may take a variety of non-ESL, major classes at the same time.
  • Advanced — refine grammar and writing to master academic English. Students may take a variety of non-ESL, major classes at the same time.

Academic ESL offers focused courses in English Grammar, Speaking & Listening, Reading & Writing, and Pronunciation to prepare you for college-level English.

 

How to Enroll

  • Apply to the College — online or in person at the Admissions Office. (Allow at least 24 hours after applying before step 2. You should receive an email with your student number, which you’ll need.)
  • Take the ESL Placement Test — book online, call 908-526-1200, ext. 8401, email tcenter@raritanval.edu, or walk in.
  • Meet with an Academic Advisor to build your schedule. Register early for your preferred times and to avoid late fees.

When classes run: Fall (late Aug/early Sept–late Dec), Spring (mid-Jan–mid-May), Summer (late May–July). Academic ESL offers morning and evening classes in Fall/Spring and evening classes in Summer; non-credit is mostly evenings, with some morning and Saturday options.

Location: RVCC main campus, Branchburg, NJ PENDING location, small classes (about 18 students).

Non-Credit Courses

Basic ESL (In Person)

LA316 – 36 hours
Instructor: Sreya Rao
Course Fee: $395
Date: January 26-March 4
Day: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 6-9pm
click here to register
Last day to register is January 20

LA316 – 36 hours
Instructor: Sreya Rao
Course Fee: $395
Date: March 16 – April 22
Day: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 6-9pm
click here to register
Last day to register is March 9

LA316 – 36 hours
Instructor: Sreya Rao
Course Fee: $395
Date: May 4 – June 10
Day: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 6-9pm
click here to register
Last day to register is April 27

ESL Level 1A – Low Beginning (In Person)

LA303 – 36 hours
Instructor: Myriam Adyadou
Course Fee: $395
Date: January 20 – February 26
Day:  Tuesday & Thursday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last day to register January 13

LA303 – 36 hours
Instructor: Myriam Adyadou
Course Fee: $395
Date: March 10 – April 16
Day: Tuesday & Thursday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last day to register March 3

LA303 – 36 hours
Instructor: Myriam Adyadou
Course Fee: $395
Date: April 28 – June 4
Day: Tuesday & Thursday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last day to register April 21

ESL Level 1B – Low Beginning (In Person)

LA304 – 36 hours
Instructor: Joel Hanson
Course Fee: $395
Date: January 27 – March 5
Day: Tuesday & Thursday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last day to register January 20

LA304 – 36 hours
Instructor: Joel Hanson
Course Fee: $395
Date: March 17 – April 23
Day: Tuesday & Thursday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last Day to Register March 10

LA304 – 36 hours
Instructor: Joel Hanson
Course Fee: $395
Date: May 5 – June 11
Day: Tuesday & Thursday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last Day to Register April 28

ESL Level 2A – High Beginning (In Person)

LA312 – 36 hours
Instructor: Guillermo Reina
Course Fee: $395
Date: January 26 – March 4
Day: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last day to register January 20

LA312 – 36 hours
Instructor: Guillermo Reina
Course Fee: $395
Date: March 16 – April 22
Day: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last day to register March 9

LA312 – 36 hours
Instructor: Guillermo Reina
Course Fee: $395
Date: May 4 – June 10
Day: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last day to register April 27

ESL Level 2B – High Beginning (In Person)

LA313 – 36 hours
Instructor: Mary-Helen Mach
Course Fee: $395
Date: January 26 – March 4
Day: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last day to register January 20

LA313 – 36 hours
Instructor: Mary-Helen Mach
Course Fee: $395
Date: March 16 – April 22
Day: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last day to register March 9

LA313 – 36 hours
Instructor: Mary-Helen Mach
Course Fee: $395
Date: May 4 – June 10
Day: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last day to register April 27

ESL Level 3A – Low Intermediate (Online)

ESL 3A helps students build everyday English skills through practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The course emphasizes simple sentences, basic vocabulary, and communication for daily life and work.

36 hours
Instructor: TBA
Course Fee: $395
Date: TBA
Day: TBA
Time: TBA

ESL Level 4A – High Intermediate (Online)

ESL 4A develops students’ ability to communicate more confidently in everyday and work situations. The course builds vocabulary, strengthens reading and writing skills, and emphasizes longer sentences, clearer pronunciation, and greater listening comprehension.

36 hours
Instructor: TBA
Course Fee: $395
Date: TBA
Day: TBA
Time: TBA

Pronunciation & Accent Reduction (Online)

Pre-requisite: ESL Level 2A/2B or a high intermediate level of English proficiency.

Pronunciation & Accent Reduction is a 36-hour program with guided practice, listening activities, individualized feedback, participants will develop clear pronunciation, improve listening comprehension, and gain practical communication skills for work, school, and daily life.

LA902 – 36 hours
Instructor: Karla Vega
Course Fee: $395
Date:  January 26 – March 4
Day: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last day to register January 20

LA902 – 36 hours
Instructor: Karla Vega
Course Fee: $395
Date: March 16 – April 22
Day: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last day to register March 9

LA902 – 36 hours
Instructor: Karla Vega
Course Fee: $395
Date: May 4 – June 10
Day: Monday & Wednesday
Time: 6-9pm
Click here to register
Last day to register April 27

FAQ

How many levels are there?

Non-credit (Workforce) has Basic plus Introduction to ESL Levels 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B. Academic (credit) ESL has five levels: beginning, low intermediate, intermediate, high intermediate, and advanced. You can place into any level, place out, or start below our program in a community program.

What’s the difference between Academic and Workforce ESL?

Choose Academic (credit) if you want to take college classes or earn a degree, already speak/read/write some English, or want advanced grammar and writing. Choose Workforce (non-credit) if you want English for a job, speak little or no English, or want conversation and accent-reduction practice. Not sure? Take the placement test.

Is financial aid available?

Yes — but only for Academic (credit) ESL, and only if you’re enrolled in an eligible certificate or associate degree program. Apply for aid online or email finaid@raritanval.edu. Workforce (non-credit) courses are not eligible for financial aid, because billing isn’t based on credit hours.

How much does it cost?

Academic (credit): about $1,344 for 6 credits or $2,688 for 12 credits (Hunterdon/Somerset residents); payment plans available. Workforce (non-credit): about $395 per course.

Can I earn a credential?

Yes — a Certificate of Completion in English as a Second Language, earned through the Academic ESL program, on its own or added to any major.

Do I need to take college classes in English right away?

No. Many students begin in Workforce ESL and move into Academic ESL as their English grows.

Prefer another language?

Use the accessibility toolbar button at the bottom right of the page to translate this page in your language. Or click the following link to translate into Spanish: En Español

Questions about enrolling? Email Maryam Sheikh (Maryam.Sheikh@raritanval.edu) or call 908-526-1200 x8462 — no placement test is required for non-credit ESL.

Full-Time Faculty

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Cheryl Bell
Cheryl Bell

Cheryl Bell

Professor

Professor Cheryl Bell has taught English to Speakers of Other Languages for 30 years, including over 20 years at Raritan Valley Community College, where she specializes in innovative, student-centered approaches to language acquisition. A National Writing Project Teacher Consultant and conference presenter at TESOL International and regional venues, she is passionate about empowering multilingual students to succeed academically and professionally.

Degrees:

  • M.A.,TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and Bilingual Education, University of Findlay
  • B.S., King’s College
Andrea Vaccaro
Andrea Vaccaro

Andrea Vaccaro

Professor

Professor Andrea Vaccaro has been teaching advanced ESL composition for over 20 years. She has written two editions of a textbook titled Masterful Essays in Academic English: A Language Learner’s Handbook and has another book that will be published in the summer of 2027 titled The Cyborg and the Luddite: A Memoir.

Degrees:

  • M.A. in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), University of San Francisco
  • B.A., Women’s Studies, Rutgers University
Lindsey Hageman
Lindsey Hageman

Lindsey Hageman

Instructor, ESL Program Coordinator

Lindsey is the ESL Program Coordinator and a tenure-track ESL instructor at Raritan Valley Community College. She has 8 years of teaching experience across multiple language levels. Her interests include inclusive pedagogy, career competencies, process-writing, and literature in the language classroom.

Degrees:

  • MS TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany
  • BA, English Literature, McGill University

Contacts

Non-Credit / Workforce ESL (Basic & Introduction to ESL)
Maryam Sheikh
Maryam.Sheikh@raritanval.edu
908-526-1200, ext. 8462

Academic / Credit ESL
Lindsey Hageman
lindsey.hageman@raritanval.edu
908-526-1200, ext. 8221

Andrea Vaccaro
andrea.vaccaro@raritanval.edu
908-526-1200, ext. 8575

Placement Testing
tcenter@raritanval.edu
908-526-1200, ext. 8401

Upcoming Academic ESL Advising Hours

  • August 5: 12:30 – 2:30 pm in Room S223-A
  • August 10: 4:00 – 6:00 pm in Room S223-A
  • August 19: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm in Room S-223-A
  • August 25: 4:30 – 6:30 pm in Room S-223-A * Ayuda en español