Procesos e información detallada para ESL
Is English as a Second Language at RVCC right for you?
Explore our comprehensive English as a Second Language options. 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
- You can do this IN PERSON by going to the ADMISSION OFFICE (use visitor’s parking lot, main entrance)
OR - 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****
- You can do this IN PERSON by going to the ADMISSION OFFICE (use visitor’s parking lot, main entrance)
- Take the ESL Placement Test
- Book an appointment online
OR - Call 908-526-1200 x8401 to set up an appointment
OR - Email: tcenter@raritanval.edu to set up an appointment
OR - Walk-In to the testing center IN PERSON. Leave enough time (at least 2 hours before close) to take the test. Hours can be found by clicking here.
- Book an appointment online
- Meet with an Academic Advisor to make a schedule
- Academic Advising is available Monday-Friday https://www.raritanval.edu/admissions-info/advising-and-counseling
OR - ESL Advising Hours with Profs. Bell, Vaccaro and Hageman
ESL Advising Schedule for Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 Registration
- Academic Advising is available Monday-Friday https://www.raritanval.edu/admissions-info/advising-and-counseling
The sooner you register, the more likely you are to get classes. If you wait until July or August to register, classes may be full. Register early to avoid any late registration fees.
Thursday, May 1, 3:00 - 4:00 pm - Rooms S-223A and S-223B, Professors Bell and Hageman
Monday, May 5, 2:30 - 3:30 pm - Room S-223A, Professor Bell
Wednesday, May 19, 3-5 pm - Rooms S223-A and S-223-B, Professors Bell and Hageman
Thursday, June 5, 5-7 pm - Room S-223-A, Professors Bell and Hageman
Wednesday, June 11, 3-5 pm - Room S-223-A, Professors Bell and Hageman
Wednesday, June 25, 1-3 pm - Room S-223A, Professor Hageman
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many levels does your program have?
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. The academic ESL program has 5 levels: beginning, low intermediate, intermediate, high intermediate and advanced (for class descriptions for Title II ESP please see below). 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 ACADEMIC ESL PROGRAM, WORKFORCE ESL PROGRAM and the Title II ESL?
| Academic ESL | Workforce ESL | Title II ESL |
I would like to take college classes/get a degree at RVCC OR I already speak, read and write some English OR I want to learn advanced speaking, reading, writing and grammar in English | I want to learn English for a job OR I speak little/no English OR I am looking for Professional Discussion Groups & Accent Reduction | I want to learn English and I am not an official RVCC student |
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 courses and enroll in an eligible certificate or Associates degree program. Apply here. For more details please contact finaid@raritanval.edu.
Workforce ESL courses are not eligible for financial aid.
How much does ESL at RVCC cost?
ACADEMIC ESL
Most students take either 6 credits (part time) or 12 credits (full-time) per semester.
6 credits is about $1344 for residents of Hunterdon or Somerset Counties
12 credits is about $2688 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 degree seeking students taking academic ESL classes.
WORKFORCE ESL is less money (about $365 per class), but students cannot get financial aid because billing is not based on college “credit hours.”
TITLE II ESL is free.
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.
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 OR 908-526-1200 x8462
TITLE II ESL PROGRAM
Title II ESL Office Assistant Maryam Abdulwahab at TitleIIESL@raritanval.edu OR 908-526-1200 x8623
Title II ESL CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
BEGINNING LITERACY
The Beginning Literacy class is for the students with limited English skills. It is the most basic skills class for people new to the language. The focus is beginning to build a foundation of basic vocabulary and simple grammar to assist with everyday communication.
BEGINNING
Students move from the Beginning Literacy class after gaining basic skills or for students that have some low-level verbal ability and simple word recognition and test into this level.
HIGH BEGINNING/LOW INTERMEDIATE
This course is for the student with a foundation in basic vocabulary and simple grammar. The focus in on continuing to build basic vocabulary and grammar and applying language skills to short reading, writing, listening and speaking tasks.
INTERMEDIATE
The intermediate course is for the student with moderate English language skills who can usually navigate limited day-to-day and workplace communication. The focus is on increasing knowledge of English skills through reading, writing, listening an speaking tasks that gradually increase in length and detail.
HIGH INTERMEDIATE/LOW ADVANCED
This level class is for the student with strong English language skills who can usually navigate most day-to-day and workplace communication. The focus is on increasing English language fluency through reading, writing, listening and speaking tasks of increasing length and challenge.
ADVANCED
Students in this level class have a fair grasp of the spoken language as well as grammar and writing. The upper level classes are offered Integrated Education and Training courses offered as part of the English as a Second Language program. ServSafe Food Handler, OSHA (Occupational Health & Safety Administration certification) or a Medical EKG class have been offered. These training classes can change from year to year.
