English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program

About WCC'S ESOL Program

Whatcom Community College (WCC) has offered English instruction for international students for over 30 years. Students may begin their studies at WCC regardless of their English language level and without standardized test scores. The ESOL program at WCC is here to teach and support students, whether they are here for a study-abroad language and culture experience or to complete a degree.

The WCC English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program is an excellent choice for English as a Second Language learners for many reasons.

ESOL Program Pathways

We offer all levels of English language instruction. From beginner to advanced, Whatcom Community College ESOL is here to serve.

ESOL Intensive

Class series designed for students to study English full-time to prepare for college courses. These courses offer flexibility to match students' levels in discrete language skills with 5 distinct levels.

International students in the Intensive ESOL program will study English 18 hours per week per U.S. immigration requirements for full-time students.

Intensive ESOL international students will enroll in:

10-credit Core course with domestic English language learners (immigrant and refugee students from a variety of countries). This is an integrated skills class which meets 10 hours a week and focuses on speaking, listening, reading, and grammar/writing.

4-credit Intensive Writing course specifically for international students. This course is the gateway to ESOL College Transition courses and English 101.

2-credit English Skills Practice course specifically for international students. This course will provide instruction targeted at the students’ language needs and goals.

2-credit ESOL course (varies by quarter). The first quarter, students usually take International Student Life, which is an orientation course for new students studying and living in the U.S. In future quarters, students may take Pronunciation or other available 2-credit courses.

Upon successful completion of level 5 Intensive Writing, students will move to ESOL College Transition and academic college classes.

ESOL College Transition

Class series designed to support students in academic writing and reading, including using sources. Two credit support classes are available for additional college-level reading & writing techniques. International students in the ESOL College Transition program will study English 6 hours per week and take additional academic classes 6 hours per week for a total of 12 hours per week per U.S. immigration requirements for full-time students.

ESOL 113 – high intermediate reading and writing (6 credits) is taken with academic college classes.

ESOL 115 – advanced reading and writing (6 credits) is taken with academic college classes.

Upon successful completion of ESOL 115, students will move to English 101.

English 101 - College Credit English

ESOL Summer English Programs and Short-Term Programs

WCC staff with international programs looking at globe

Summer English Programs

The ESOL Program is an excellent choice for students who want to improve their English proficiency during the summer. Two (four week) sessions are offered during the summer, that allow students to attend ESOL intensive English classes for either four or eight weeks. Summer programs are open to individual students, or groups of students, and can be combined with recreational/cultural events for a customized summer English program.

Short-term Programs

Whatcom hosts a variety of short-term English, academic, and cultural programs throughout the year. Custom programs for English learners or thematic academic programs can be developed upon request. For more information about summer English or short-term programs, please contact Gabriela Llanos - Coordinator for English Speakers of Other Languages and Transitional Learning