Strengthen Basic Skills

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Frequently Asked Questions

 

NOTE: This website uses GTranslate to present information in numerous languages. Wake Tech is not responsible for inaccurate translations.

Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program provides English instruction to adult, non-native-English-speaking residents who are living and/or working in the U.S., with a focus on college and career readiness skills. The ESL program does not admit tourists and does not offer student visas or academic credit for attending our ESL classes.
Wake Tech has locations throughout Wake County, and online and seated classes are available in morning, afternoon and evening sessions. There are also distance education options.

The first step to take ESL classes is to fill out the ESL Interest form.

NOTE: ESL classes are in high demand, and it can take time to receive an invitation to enroll. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

No. Students need to register themselves for the ESL classes.

Enrollment is a multi-step process. You first must complete the ESL Interest form. We will communicate with you through email about enrollment session opportunities. Please be patient as it can take some time for you to receive an invitation to register for an enrollment session due to high demand for our ESL classes.

For the enrollment session, please bring a government-issued photo ID such as a passport or a driver's license. Information sessions begin promptly at the scheduled time and last about three hours – plan on staying until the end. Children are not allowed at the information session.

During the session, you will learn about the program and current class offerings, complete and sign a student information form, provide your class schedule preference and take placement assessments.

Students will be given speaking and reading/writing placement tests during registration to determine class level.
We have six levels of English classes, from non-speakers through advanced levels. Classes are for students who want to learn English to get a job or go to college.
The length of the term varies by location. Classes are typically at least 10 weeks long.
Classes meet four or five days/nights per week, and daily attendance is expected. Since learning a language takes time and commitment, students are required to attend at least 75% of classes from registration to the end of the term.
We have many learning options, including distance education and a Student Support Lab, as well as classes for advanced non-native-English speakers.

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is a curriculum program at Wake Tech designed to develop the academic English skills of college-level students who wish to study in the U.S. There are admission requirements and tuition fees for these classes. Credit and academic visas are available.

For more information, visit efl.waketech.edu or contact Michael Jones at [email protected] or 919-866-5627.

Beyond the Basics is a series of advanced English classes designed for non-native-English speakers. Areas of focus include advanced conversation and fluency, pronunciation, business writing and interpersonal skills for the workplace (negotiating, problem-solving, decision making and nonverbal communication). Classes typically meet once per week for eight weeks, and there is a small fee.

For the next available class, visit the Beyond the Basics page. To register or for more information, contact Vicky Dolganiuc at [email protected] or 919-532-5698.

The International Student Office can provide information about obtaining a student visa, admissions and curriculum classes.