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 also are distance education and weekend options.

Wake Tech also offer citizenship preparation classes.

The first step to take ESL classes is to schedule to attend an information session. Please check the schedule for when new sign-ups are released. If no sign-ups are available, check back when the next sign-ups are released.

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

Registration is a multi-step process. You first must schedule to attend an information session. Please bring a government-issued photo ID to the information session, such as a passport or a driver's license. Information sessions begin promptly at the scheduled time and last about 90 minutes – plan on staying until the end. Children are not allowed at the information session.

During the information session, you will learn about the program and current class offerings, complete and sign a student information form, provide your class schedule preference and schedule your assessment appointment, which is usually the following week.

Next, you have to take the placement assessment, which determines your class level. Based on your placement level, your class preference and class availability, we will make every effort to place you into the next round of classes.

Students will be given speaking and reading/writing placement tests during registration to determine class level.

We have six levels of English classes for non-speakers, through advanced levels at most locations. 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.

Our classes meet four or five days per week, and daily attendance is expected. Since learning a language takes time and commitment, students are required to attend class a minimum of 75% 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 webpage. To register or for more information, contact Susan Shostak at [email protected] or 919-334-1536.

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