Adult ESOL Program

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Learn to speak English at BCC

Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program

The Berkshire Community College (BCC) Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program (AEP) offers three levels of ESOL instruction. All the classes are designed to assist non-native English speakers, primarily immigrants, assimilate into the community and support them in reaching their academic and career goals. Classes focus on English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. However, critical thinking, digital literacy, civics, and navigating systems skills are also integrated throughout the curriculum. In our programs, students do not just learn the English language, they also learn how to access the resources necessary to succeed and thrive in the community and in the workplace.

Who are the BCC ESOL students?

Danielle Montiero

Danielle was a BCC AEP student for over three years. Danielle came to our program with a long-term goal to enter the healthcare field, but she knew she needed to improve her English before she could start her career. Danielle enrolled in our distance learning course and in 2021, after improving her English language skills and confidence, she enrolled in the phlebotomy course at BCC. Danielle completed the course, passed the certification test, and immediately accepted a position as a phlebotomist at Berkshire Health Systems.

Danielle Montiero

Are you interested in learning more about FREE ESOL classes? Submit our inquiry form!

Apply for the Margaret Swann Scholarship for Immigrant Students

BCC ESOL Students have gone on to rewarding career and educational activities.

  • Build small businesses
    • Learn about opening your own business through the BCC Certificate in Entrepreneurship
  • Grow as creators
    • Train to build sets for local theaters or learn how to use a 3D printer in the BCC Science Commons
    • Expand Hospitality and Culinary Skills though BCC classes and certificate programs
  • Develop as healthcare practitioners
    • Earn a Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy or Community Health Worker Certificate through the BCC Allied Health programs
  • Past and current AEP students work at
    • Berkshire Health Systems
    • Guido's
    • Interprint
    • Kripalu
    • Miravel

Contact Us

Email: alp@berkshirecc.edu
Phone: 413-236-5260

Or, visit us:

Adult ESOL Program
352 Main Street, Suite 212
Great Barrington, MA 01230

Get Directions

The BCC Adult ESOL Program (AEP) is partially funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Adult and Community Learning Services.

Resources

  • Class Descriptions

    ESOL Sequence Classes

    Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Level Classes: Leveled classes for adult English language learners that focus on reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Students must take a placement test prior to enrolling.

    Distance Learning

    Distance Learning ESOL Cohort: Distance Learning students are coached through a self-paced, individualized online program, Burlington English, to learn English. Students must have basic computer skills, be self-motivated and be at least a high beginner English language level to enroll.

    Supplemental Courses (only for students enrolled in a leveled sequence class or distance learning class)

    • Conversation Class: A class for beginner and low intermediate students that focuses on the speaking and listening skills necessary to manage daily life in the Berkshires.

    • Basic Computer Skills Class: For all English language levels, this class teaches basic computer skills including computer shortcuts, email, calendars and formatting.

  • Resources for ESOL Students

    Getting Your High School Equivalency Credential

    High School Equivalency Testing Program Information

    HiSET®/GED© Comparison Chart

    Massachusetts Adult Literacy Hotline

    GED© Website

    HiSET® Website

    Learning English at Home

    Below are resources for students who want more practice or for students who are waiting for a space in an English classes:

    • Let's Learn English, an online program with 52 short videos and practice.

    • English Conversation is a series of shows about the same characters. They speak slowly and add English subtitles. It is good to practice listening to English.

    • English Speaking, another continuing series of episodes with slower English and English subtitles.

    • The Adult Literacy League website has many other resources for learning English.

    • USA Learns has free English classes for you. Learn English speaking, listening, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, writing and grammar

    You can also:

    • Watch television in English.
    • Listen to the radio in English and learn songs in English.
    • Read books in English (at your level). Children's books are wonderful when learning a new language.
    • Try to meet English-speaking people and have conversations with them. Look on YouTube for English lessons.