| Q: |
What does the Language Center offer the non-native English speaker? |
 |
| A: |
- Six levels of Listening and Speaking
- Six levels of Grammar and Writing
- Three levels of Reading and Vocabulary Development
- Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Conversation
- Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Grammar
- Two levels of Pronunciation
- TOEFL preparation
- Two levels of Public Speaking
- Four levels of On-line English
|
| Q: |
What is the difference between credit and continuing education ESL classes? |
|
| A: |
Credit ESL focuses on academically bound students and emphasizes preparation for college study. Continuing Education ESL is designed for professionals, participants preparing to enter careers requiring English proficiency, and those seeking general broad-based English skill development. It emphasizes English for everyday living and informal business transactions. |
| Q: |
Should I take Credit or Continuing Education ESL Classes? |
|
| A: |
If you have a high school diploma or equivalent and need English for college, you should sign up through CREDIT. If you are an international student on an F-1 Student Visa, you must register through CREDIT.
If you do not have a high school diploma or already have a college or university degree, you should register through CONTINUING EDUCATION. If you are on a Tourist Visa, you should also register through CONTINUING EDUCATION.
|
| Q: |
Do I earn any credits for the ESL courses? |
|
| A: |
Credit ESL students can earn institutional credit qualifying them for full-time student status, financial aid, and insurance needs. However, this credit will not transfer and may not be used to meet degree requirements.
Continuing Education students can earn a diploma awarding Continuing Education Units [CEUs]. CEUs are recognized internationally as a measure of substantive professional education and training.
|
| Q: |
What are linked courses? |
|
| A: |
Continuing Education [CE] works closely with the semester credit hour [SCH] program to offer linked classes in which both CREDIT and CONTINUING EDUCATION students are enrolled in the same section. Students who register for these classes must meet the requirements as established by the instructor to satisfactorily complete the class. |
| Q: |
How do I know which level to take? |
|
| A: |
Students who register for the first time in the ESL courses are required to take a Placement Test as an initial assessment of proficiency level. A paper and pencil test is offered at various times during the year. In addition, students can take an individual computerized test in the Assessment Center, Academic Building, Room 102, during the following hours: Monday and Thursday, 7:00 am- 9:30 pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 am- 8:00 pm; Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm; and Saturday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm.
|
| Q: |
What is TOEFL? |
|
| A: |
TOEFL [Test of English as a Foreign Language] is a test to evaluate the English proficiency of international students who plan to apply for admission to colleges or universities in the U.S. For North Harris College, the minimum score is 550 [paper-based] or [213 computer-based]. International students who are registered in the Intensive English Program are exempt from TOEFL. International TOEFL testing is not offered at North Harris College. Students should visit the TOEFL website at http://www.toefl.org/ for a list of test centers and test dates. A TOEFL Preparation class, however, is offered through the Language Center. |
| Q: |
What is CELTA? |
|
| A: |
CELTA [Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults] is an ESL teacher training program that North Harris College offers in partnership with the University of Cambridge. This certificate has recognition as an initial qualification for English language teaching to adults internationally. |
| Q: |
Do you offer on-line courses. |
|
| A: |
Yes, the Language Center offers three levels of General English and one Executive English course. Students go to http://nhc.dli.com to take their placement test. They then print out their results and register for the appropriate course. |
| Q: |
How do I get an F-1 student visa? |
|
| A: |
The Intensive English Program is authorized to issue the I-20 form that the student needs to obtain an F-1 student visa for full-time intensive English study. Students desiring an I-20 must make an appointment with the Foreign Student advisor and submit the following documents:
1. A complete Application for Admissions form.
2. A notarized letter indicating evidence of sufficient financial support for the academic year.
3. Most recent academic transcript.
|
| Q: |
How do I register for a course? |
|
| A: |
If you are a new student, and you don’t have a social security number, fill out an application for admission, take it to the Admissions Office in the Academic Building, and request a college identification number.
1. Take an ESL placement test at the Assessment Center (A-102)
2. Return to the Language Center (HPE-105) for placement and advising.
3. Register for your classes in the Admissions Office early to assure yourself an opening in the class.
|
