ESL Information

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.

All students begin registration online, even for seated classes. The online application is found at esl.waketech.edu. An advisor will then contact applicants to schedule registration.

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

Students complete registration paperwork, see a short presentation about the program and take placement tests.

Registration can take between 2½ to 3 hours, and children are not allowed at registration.

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.