English as a Second Language Options

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: 

1.  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**** 
       
2.  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 can be found by clicking here.
       
3. 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 Profs. Vaccaro and Hageman in rooms S-223-A and S-250.  Summer ESL Advising Schedule
      
      Monday, November 6, 2-4pm, Vaccaro and Hageman S-223-A and S-250
      Wednesday, November 15, 1:30-3pm, Vaccaro and Hageman S-223-A and S-250
      Monday, November 20, 2-4pm, Vaccaro and Hageman S-223-A and S-250
      Wednesday, November 29, 1:30-3pm, Vaccaro and Hageman S-223-A and S-250
      Wednesday, December 6, 1:30-3pm, Vaccaro and Hageman S-223-A and S-250
      Monday, December 11, 3-5pm, Vaccaro and Hageman S-223-A and S-250
      Monday, December 18, 5-7pm, Vaccaro and Hageman S-223-A and S-250
      Wednesday, January 3, 4-6pm, Vaccaro and Hageman S-223-A and S-250
      Thursday, January 11, 3-5pm, Vaccaro and Hageman S-223-A and S-250
           LAST DAY FOR ADVISING BEFORE THE CLASSES BEGIN ON 1/17/24
      Wednesday, January 17, 1-3pm, Vaccaro and Hageman S-223-A and S-250
      Monday, January 22, 1:30-3pm, Vaccaro and Hageman S-223-A and S-250
      Wednesday, January 24, 1:30-3pm, Vaccaro and Hageman S-223-A and S-250
           LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR REGULAR START CLASSES
      Monday, January 29, 1:30-3pm, Vaccaro and Hageman S-223-A and S-250
      Wednesday, January 31, 1:30-3pm, Vaccaro and Hageman S-223-A and S-250
           Last day to register for Late Start Classes-- Limited Schedule
       
      There will be no new student ESL advising from 2/1/24 to 4/3/24

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. 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 and the WORKFORCE ESL PROGRAM? 

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 $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 OR  908-526-1200 x8462