About WCC'S ESOL Program

The WCC English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program is an excellent choice for ESL learners for a number of reasons. ESOL students have the opportunity to attend classes with people from around the world, as Whatcom hosts international students from more than 25 different countries each year.

ESOL faculty have Master's degrees in teaching English as a second language or related fields and have many years of experience teaching in the U.S. and overseas. Because the ESOL program is part of Whatcom Community College, students have access to all college facilities, such as computer labs, the library, sports facilities, and a tutoring center – at no extra cost.

Proof of English language proficiency is not required for admission to WCC. New students without proof of English language proficiency will complete an English placement assessment. No TOEFL or other standardized test score is required for admission to the ESOL program – though a 61 internet-based TOEFL score (or equivalent) allows students to enroll in at least one college-level course. Once a student has completed the highest level of any intensive course sequence, he or she may enroll in a college-level course without additional testing.

College Transition Courses

College transition courses allow students to continue to develop their English competency and, at the same time, begin their college degree or certificate program. Pathway to English 101 Flyer (PDF).

• Students study academic writing, including using sources
• Students learn techniques for reading college-level texts
• Support classes are available for additional college-level reading & writing techniques
• Students take college-level courses concurrently with College Transition ESOL
• Students become well-prepared for college courses

Pathway to English 101

WCC's ESOL program is designed for writing at the college level. 

Step 1: ESOL Intensive 18 hours/week

• 5 LEVELS: Low-Beginning to Intermediate in each language skill are offered. The core curriculum comprises 16 hours per week of academic English study per quarter including speaking, listening, reading, writing/grammar
• ELECTIVES: International Student Life and Pronunciation (2 hours per week) 
• OPTIONAL: Support classes in Grammar and Reading (2 hour classes)

The intensive courses allow students to study English full-time in order to prepare for college courses. These courses offer flexibility to match students' levels in discrete language skills.

Step 2: ESOL College Transition

• 2 LEVELS: High-Intermediate & Advanced 6 hours of instruction per week per quarter- reading & writing
• Taken concurrently with college-level courses

**Students with IELTS 5.5, 61 TOEFL, Duolingo 90 (or equivalent) are placed into ESOL Transition upon admission to WCC**

Step 3: ENGLISH 101-College Credit English

• Required credits for an associate degree
• Prerequisite for many college classes

**Students with IELTS 6.0, 70 TOEFL/20 writing sub-score, Duolingo 95 (or equivalent) are placed into ENGL101 upon admission to WCC**

Summer English Programs and Short-Term Programs

The ESOL Program is an excellent choice for students who want to improve their English proficiency during the summer.    Two (four week) sessions are offered during the summer, that allow students to attend ESOL intensive English classes for either four or eight weeks.   Summer programs are open to individual students, or groups of students, and can be combined with recreational/cultural events for a customized summer English program.

Summer session dates 2023: 

            Session 1:  6/24 – 7/19

            Session 2: 7/22 – 8/16

Whatcom hosts a variety of short-term English, academic, and cultural programs throughout the year.  Custom programs for English learners or thematic academic programs can be developed upon request.   For more information about summer English or short-term programs, please contact Kelly Kester – Director for International Programs.