Did you know? Rockford College has the only intensive English program in the area and has been providing exceptional instruction since 1987. Many Rockford residents have friends and family members visiting from other countries. Quite a few of those students are enriching their education and experience by studying English at Rockford College. Rockford College has taught students from Germany, South Korea, Mexico, Mongolia, Spain, Columbia, Venezuela, Poland, Vietnam, Japan, Panama, Thailand, India, Turkey, China, France and Italy, to name a few.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Rockford College’s full-time Intensive English Certificate Program offers courses ranging from two months to 16 months, depending on language goals. Whether your student aspires to study the English language prior to transferring to an American college or wants to improve career opportunities in his or her home country, our ESL program can help reach those educational goals. Prior to starting the program, a meeting will be set up with an advisor to tailor the program to the needs of the student.

Classes are held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with class sizes ranging from six to 10 students. The small classroom environment allows for plenty of personal attention and practice. Rockford College's faculty, staff and students support our program by meeting with students for conversation time after classes so ESL students can enjoy practicing the language in a more relaxed environment and make new friends
Requirements for studying in the United States All foreign students must obtain an F-1 Student Visa to study in the United States. Students can obtain an F-1 Visa application, form I-20, by applying to the Rockford College ESL program. Once accepted for enrollment, the F-1 Visa application should be taken to the American consulate or embassy in the student’s home country to interview for a student visa.

Note: Our minimum age requirement is 18 years. All beginning students must have some prior study of English and be able to use or understand 200-400 words in English.

ESL is an excellent resource for businesses who have employees in need
of English instruction.

Sessions start every 4 weeks, year-round. Students range from 18 to 80 years of age and
come from around the world. The program also allows for participants to share their cultures with other students and the Rockford community. Outings and special projects are integrated into the overall learning experience. Bilingual instruction in Spanish is used as needed.

View the recent article about our ESL Program as published in The Voice

ESL Evening Courses

We are now offering a high-intermediate to advanced certificate ESL evening courses for people who want to improve both written and spoken communication skills. 

Contact cvaliquette@rockford.edu for evening class information.

Click here for more information about these classes!