Non-credit Certificate inAcademic English as a Second Language Program (ESL)

Academic ESL Program Information

Since 1991, we have served more than 1,000 English learners from around the world in our Academic ESL Program. Our students are refugees, student-visa holders, businessmen and businesswomen, and visiting scholars.

Students in this program can earn a certificate in proficiency in ESL. This certificate is intended for international students and non-native residents to develop proficiency in academic English and study skills.

We are an accredited program with a strong reputation for excellence and innovation. ESL faculty members and staff are committed to preparing our students to be competitive with their American counterparts in vocational and academic programs and in the workforce.

Students who complete the Academic ESL program:

• Read, write, listen, speak to succeed in academic and vocational classes.
• Develop study skills to succeed in academic and vocational classes.
• Work with online classes.

Graduation and Transition Ceremony

In May, we honor students who have completed the advanced level. On the same day as the college graduation, the ESL Graduation Ceremony is held in the morning for friends and family to celebrate your accomplishments. The college administration, including the president and members of the board, as well as college faculty and staff join together to honor the students completing the Adult Education ESL Program and Academic ESL Program.

Academic ESL Courses

Upon entering the program, students are given our language placement test to determine their entry level: Foundations, Intermediate, or Advanced.
To receive the certificate, a student must receive a “C” or better in each of the following:

ESL 051  Foundations I
ESL 053  Foundations II
ESL 062 Intermediate Grammar
ESL 064 Intermediate Reading
ESL 066 Intermediate Writing
ESL 068 Intermediate Oral Skills or
ESL 070 – Communication Skills
COMM 105/ESL 072 – Advanced Grammar
ESL 074 Advanced Reading
ESL 076 Advanced Writing
COMM 100/ESL 078 Advanced Oral Skills

ESL International Voices Magazine

One of our college values is the appreciation of diversity. This means that you and your cultural experiences are at the heart of the educational mission of Black Hawk College.

While you are in the advanced writing class of the ESL program, you will write and publish an article for our ESL Newsletter. You will decide what to write. You will set up the interviews, and the you will work through the writing process. Students have written about customs, political and educational issues, and some very funny stories involving cultural adjustment.

Your voice is heard! Our administration, board members and faculty get a copy of the ESL newsletter each semester. You give the whole college community an understanding of who you are and what you dream about.