Menu
Back
Home > Academic Programs > Adult ESOL Program > English

Adult ESOL Program

Academic Programs

    đŸ‡ªđŸ‡¸ Visit the Spanish version of this page.

    Learn to Speak English for Free!

    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.

    Program Calendar 2023 – 2024

    Class Days Location Time
    Morning English Tuesdays and Wednesdays Great Barrington 9 a.m. to noon
    Evening English Tuesdays and Wednesdays Lee and Great Barrington 6 to 9 p.m.
    Conversation Thursdays Great Barrington 6 to 8 p.m.
    Basic Computer Skills Mondays, starting Jan. 1, 2023 Great Barrington 6 to 8 p.m.

    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? If so, fill out our inquiry form!

    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

    Questions? Get in Touch

    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 non-native English speakers that focus on Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills. Students will be given 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 (Must be enrolled in a leveled sequence 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

      Here are some resources for students who want more practice or for students who are waiting for a space in our English classes:

      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.

    Adult ESOL Program Office

    St. James Place
    352 Main Street, 2nd Floor
    Great Barrington, MA 01230
    413-236-5260

    Get Directions