English as a Second Language Options

Is the English as a Second Language program at RVCC right for you?

Explore our comprehensive English as a Second Language program. RVCC offers all levels of English as a Second Language instruction from basic English to advanced academic English.

To take ESL at RVCC:

Apply to the College
1. You can do this IN PERSON by going to the ADMISSION OFFICE (use visitor’s parking lot, main entrance)
  OR
2. You can do this online by clicking here
  
  **** There is a 24-hour wait time between step 1 and step 2 because your student number (G#) needs to be formally put into the system****
Take the ESL Placement Test
1. Book an appointment online
  OR
2. Call 908-526-1200 x8401 to set up an appointment
  OR
3. Email: tcenter@raritanval.edu to set up an appointment
  OR
4. Walk-In to the testing center IN PERSON. Leave enough time (at least 2 hours before close) to take the test. Hours: Mon-Thu - 9am to 6pm; Fri - 9am to 4:30pm
Meet with an Academic Advisor to make a schedule
1. Academic Advising is available Monday-Friday https://www.raritanval.edu/admissions-info/advising-and-counseling
  OR
2. ESL Advising Hours with Prof. Vaccaro in room S-223-A.
  Fall 2022 ESL Advising Schedule:
  Monday, August 29, 4-7pm
  Wednesday, August 31, 2-5pm*
       **Wednesday, August 31 is the first day of classes**
  Tuesday, September 5, 11:30am-1pm
  Wednesday, September 6, 2-4pm**
     **9/6 is the LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR REGULAR START CLASSES
  Monday, September 12, 2-4pm
  Wednesday, September 14, 2-4pm***
       *** Wednesday, September 14th is the first day of LATE START classes**
  Monday, September 19, 2-4pm
  Wednesday, September 21, 2-4pm
     9/21 is the LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR LATE-START CLASSES
  
  ESL ADVISING IS CLOSED FROM 9/22-11/1. I will only see students who have VISA issues or any other DOCUMENTED SPECIAL CURCUMSTANCES in this date range.
  For SPRING 2023 Registration:
  Wednesday, 11/2, 2-4pm
  Monday, 11/7, 2-4pm
  Wednesday, 11/9, 2-4pm
  Monday, 11/14, 2-4pm
  Wednesday, 11/16, 2-4pm
  Wednesday 11/30, 2-4pm
  
  .

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many levels does your program have?
The academic ESL program has 5 levels: beginning, low intermediate, intermediate, high intermediate and advanced. Students can place into any level or place out. Students can also place below our program and start in either a community program or our Workforce (Basic) ESL program. The Workforce Program has four levels divided into 3 semesters: Basic, 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b. After students finish workforce, they can start academic. If you are not sure which program you are qualified for, take the ESL placement test in the testing center.

What is the difference between the WORKFORCE ESL PROGRAM and the ACADEMIC ESL PROGRAM?

Workforce ESL

Academic ESL

I want to learn English for a job

I speak little/no English

I am looking for Professional Discussion Groups & Accent Reduction

I would like to take college classes/get a degree at RVCC

I already speak, read and write some English

I want to learn advanced speaking, reading, writing and grammar in English

IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHICH ONE YOU SHOULD BE IN, TAKE THE PLACEMENT TEST AT THE TESTING CENTER.

When are classes available?
The Academic ESL program has morning classes (usually an 8:30am or a 10am start) and evening classes (a 6pm start) in the Spring and Fall semester and evening classes during the Summer session. Workforce has a mostly evening schedule with some morning and Saturday classes available.

When do the semesters start and end?
Fall: starts Late August or Early September and ends in late December (registration April until mid-September)
Spring: starts mid-January and ends mid-May (registration November-January)
Summer: starts late-May and goes through July (registration March-May)

ALWAYS TAKE PLACEMENT TEST AND REGISTER AS EARLY AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN TO GET YOUR CHOICE OF TIMES

Is financial aid available to take ESL?
YES! But only if you take Academic ESL. Apply here. You cannot get financial aid for Workforce ESL.

How much does ESL at RVCC cost?
Most students take either 6 credits (part time) or 12 credits (full-time). (ACADEMIC ESL)
6 credits is about $1300 for residents of Hunterdon or Somerset Counties
12 credits is about $2600 for residents of Hunterdon or Somerset Counties

Payment plans are also available. If you have ANY BILLING OR PAYMENT QUESTIONS:
https://www.raritanval.edu/paying-for-college/pay-tuition/contact-finance-office
Financial Aid is available for Academic ESL.

Workforce is less money (about $336 per class), but students cannot get financial aid because billing is not based on college “credit hours”

Can I get a credential at the end of the program?
Yes! We offer a certificate in English as a Second Language that students can get as a stand-alone credential or in addition to any major after finishing the ACADEMIC ESL PROGRAM. Here is the catalog page.

If you have specific questions or issues not covered above, please contact

ACADEMIC ESL PROGRAM
Prof. Vaccaro at Andrea.vaccaro@raritanval.edu (preferred) OR 908-526-1200 x8575

WORKFORCE ESL PROGRAM
Maryam Sheikh at Maryam.sheikh@raritanval.edu Maryam.sheikh@raritanval.edu OR 908-526-1200 x8462