About the Program

The ESL Program at Herkimer County Community College, which was established in 1997, is celebrating ten years of providing English Language study to students from around the world.  Students from South East Asia, Europe, South America, Africa and the Asian Sub-continent have developed their English skills as they prepare for majors ranging from Business to Science, and from Radio-TV Production to Fine Arts. Our students have transferred successfully to colleges and universities in the SUNY system as well as to colleges and universities around the United States and around the world.

The ESL program offers non-credit English language development courses as well as credit bearing courses designed for international students attending Herkimer County Community College.  Non-credit courses do not count toward receiving a degree but they may help a student prepare for the credit bearing courses that require facility in American English.  The language courses are designed for students who have studied English but need further practice in order to enter degree programs at HCCC.  These courses can also help students prepare to transfer to other colleges.

The Language courses include the following:

- Three levels of Writing
- Three levels of Grammar
- Three levels of Reading
- Three levels of Speaking and Listening
- An Introduction to American Pronunciation

There are two credit bearing courses.  These are courses that can count toward HCCC degrees.

For questions or further information, please contact the Office of International Programs: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

ESL Students at HCCC

On the basis of their admissions documents and HCCC administered placement tests, international students may be advised to take ESL courses.  The ESL staff will advise students at the time they enroll for their classes.

- Students may enroll in a complete ESL program for one to three semesters.
- Students may enroll in ESL courses at the same time they are enrolled in courses in their majors.
- Students may receive tutoring help in English while they are enrolled in non-ESL courses.

ESL Facilities

The ESL program is centrally located on the college campus in Johnson Hall.  The ESL Suite includes office space for the ESL faculty, a tutoring room, a quiet study room, a student computer room and a student lounge.

The ESL area is open all day, and tutoring is available by appointment and on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday during the day and one evening each week.

For questions or further information, please contact the Office of International Programs: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)