English as a Second Language
Chandana Mahadeswaraswamy, Director
609-497-2100, ext. 306
In addition to our language classes, our ESL students may be offered the following opportunities:
• Community volunteers to tutor students in conversational English
• Speakers from the community to present topical information
• Potluck meals at which students, teachers, and volunteers share wonderful foods from their many cultures
• Special classes (such as International Cooking) taught by our own students
• Publication in our newsletter, Cultural Exchange
• Field trips to local museums and attractions
All participants must be YWCA members.
Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Students new to the program must make an appointment to take a short placement test before enrolling. They will be guided to appropriate Core, as well as Enrichment, classes. Please call 609-497-2100, ext. 329, to make an appointment.
YWCA “Gym Stay & Play” childcare is available! Please inquire when registering.
ESL Literacy Program
The YWCA ESL Literacy Program is approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education and New Jersey State Department of Labor as a registered provider under Chapter 531 guidelines.
Special courses are available for immigrants with limited literacy or schooling in their first language. There are reduced fees and free membership for those who qualify.
ESL Literacy Courses:
• Beginning Literacy
• Pre-Level 1
• Basic Grammar
• Basic Conversation
• Computer Literacy
For more information, contact: ESL Literacy Office, 609-497-2100, ext. 329 (Se habla español.)
ESL Core Curriculum
Our integrated ESL program, open to men and women, is designed to present a well-rounded experience for all levels of language skills. Core classes progress from Level 1, for new arrivals who speak very little English, to Level 5 for more experienced students. The main goal at each level is oral communication, followed by the other language skills of listening, reading, and writing. Class size is limited to 10-15 students. Lower enrollment may result either in class cancellation or reduction of class time.
The fee for core classes is $460 for the number of sessions indicated. For more information, please call 609-497-2100, ext. 329. There will be no classes on 1/19, 2/16, 4/6-4/10, 5/25.
Level 1
40 sessions (1/5-6/8)
3110121 Mon./Wed. 10:30 am-noon
40 sessions (1/5-6/8)
3100003 Mon./Wed. 7-8:30 pm
Level 1/2
40 sessions (1/13-6/4)
3110214 Tues./Thurs. 10:30 am-noon
40 sessions (1/13-6/4)
3100004 Tues./Thurs. 7-8:30 pm
Level 2
40 sessions (1/13-6/4)
3120121 Tues./Thurs. 10:30 am-noon
Level 2/3
40 sessions (1/5-6/8)
3130222 Mon./Wed. 10:30 am-noon
40 sessions (1/13-6/4)
3130226 Tues./Thurs. 7-8:30 pm
Level 3
40 sessions (1/5-6/8)
3130111 Mon./Wed. 10:30 am-noon
40 sessions (1/5-6/8)
3130112 Mon./Wed. 7-8:30 pm
Level 3/4
40 sessions (1/5-6/8)
3130113 Mon./Wed. 10:30 a.m.-noon
Level 4
40 sessions (1/13-6/4)
3190225 Tues./Thurs. 10:30 am-noon
40 sessions (1/5-6/8)
3190226 Mon./Wed. 6-7:30 pm
Level 5
40 sessions (1/14-6/5)
3150131 Wed./Fri. 10:30 a.m.-noon
40 sessions (1/5-6/8)
3150132 Mon./Wed. 7:30-9 pm
Enrichment Courses
These courses are designed to give additional practice in particular language skills that are part of the core curriculum. Students are encouraged to enroll in a core class first, and then seek advice from the ESL program staff for these additional courses.
Recommended for students of Levels 1, 1/2, and 2:
Beginning Conversation and Citizenship Preparation
Recommended for students of Level 2/3, 3, 3/4:
Intermediate Conversation, Citizenship Preparation, Intermediate Grammar/Writing, Learning English through the News
Recommended for students of advanced levels 4, 5:
Advanced Conversation, Advanced Grammar & Writing, TOEFL Preparation, Citizenship Preparation, Pronunciation Class, Learning English through the News, Beyond Language
Additional classes may be added to serve special needs.
Private lessons and off-site sessions also available by request; cost is $50/hour with a 4-hour minimum. Call 609-497-2100, ext. 329, to make arrangements.
Beginning Conversation
Practice communicating simple everyday information.
12 sessions (2/6-5/1) $285
3160111 Fri. 10 am-noon
Intermediate Conversation
Practice commonly used phrases and idiomatic language that native-born Americans use in social situations. Small talk and conversation strategies will be presented in small groups.
12 sessions (2/3-4/28) $285
3160232 Tues. 10 am-noon
12 sessions (2/2-5/4) $285
3160233 Mon. 7-9 pm
Advanced Conversation
Fluency is stressed while students practice idiomatic American speech. Learn to debate and express your opinion like a native-born American!
12 sessions (2/2-5/4) $285
3160322 Mon. 10 am-noon
12 sessions (2/3-4/28) $285
3130323 Tues. 7-9 pm
Citizenship Preparation Class
U.S. civics and history lessons come with practice sessions to successfully prepare immigrants for U.S. citizenship. Students must be tested for English skills. Class is open only to students who have applied for citizenship.
20 sessions (2/3-4/21) $285*
3111111 Tues./Thurs. 12:30-2:30 pm
*The YWCA Princeton receives funding from the federal Workplace Investment Act to provide free citizenship classes for qualifying students.
Intermediate Grammar/Writing
12 sessions (2/6-5/1) $285
3160743 Fri. 10 am-noon
Advanced Grammar/Writing Class
For people who want to sharpen their grammar skills while writing. Students will review troublesome grammar points.
12 sessions (2/3-4/28) $285
3160742 Tues. 12:30-2:30 pm
TOEFL Preparation
(Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Learn the language skills needed to pass TOEFL, a requirement for admission to many U.S. schools and for professional certifications. Class is limited to 10 students. Early registration is necessary. TOEFL language lab is available for practice.
10 sessions (1/28-4/1) $235
3190141 Wed. 12:30-2:30 pm
Learning English through the News
Read and listen to news articles to better understand the English language. Gain greater insight into current events while improving your English skills.
10 sessions (2/2-4/20) $235
3180663 Mon. 12:15-2:15 pm
Beyond Language
This course will help promote awareness of cross-cultural interaction between Americans and those who are new to the American experience. The course focuses on developing speaking, listening, reading, and to some extent, writing English and affords opportunities for correct grammar and usage through discussions and vocabulary exercises.
10 sessions (2/2-4/20) $235
3160799 Mon. 12:30-2 pm
Pronunciation Class
Involves an intensive review of English sounds as well as the effective use of English stress and intonation patterns, with opportunities to practice and receive feedback on your pronunciation.
12 sessions (1/30-4/24) $285
3160333 Fri. 12:30-2:30 pm
The following courses are for professionals who are non-native English speakers.
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