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, which provides a forum for our students to be heard in the community.
• Student clubs
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 $345 for the number of sessions indicated. For more information, please call 609-497-2100, ext. 329. There will be no classes on Thurs. 11/27 and Fri. 11/28.
Level 1
30 sessions (9/8-12/17)
3110121 Mon./Wed. 10:30 am-noon
30 sessions (9/8-12/17)
3100003 Mon./Wed. 7-8:30 pm
Level 1/2
30 sessions (9/4-12/18)
3110214 Tues./Thurs. 10:30 am-noon
30 sessions (9/4-12/18)
3100004 Tues./Thurs. 7-8:30 pm
Level 2
30 sessions (9/4-12/18)
3120121 Tues./Thurs. 10:30 am-noon
Level 2/3
30 sessions (9/8-12/17)
3130222 Mon./Wed. 10:30 am-noon
30 sessions (9/4-12/18)
3130226 Tues./Thurs. 7-8:30 pm
Level 3
30 sessions (9/8-12/17)
3130111 Mon./Wed. 10:30 am-noon
30 sessions (9/8-12/17)
3130112 Mon./Wed. 7-8:30 pm
Level 3/4 New!
30 sessions (9/8-12/17)
3130113 Mon./Wed. 10:30 am-noon
Level 4
30 sessions (9/4-12/18)
3190225 Tues./Thurs. 10:30 am-noon
30 sessions (9/8-12/17)
3190226 Mon./Wed. 7-8:30 pm
Level 5
30 sessions (9/5-12/19)
3150131 Wed./Fri. 10:30 am-noon
Level 5 New!
30 sessions (9/8-12/17)
3150132 Mon./Wed. 7-8:30 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 and 3:
Intermediate Conversation, Citizenship Preparation, Intermediate Grammar/Writing, Learning English through the News, American Lingo, What’s in Town
Recommended for students of advanced levels:
Advanced Conversation, Advanced Grammar/Writing, TOEFL Preparation, The Movie Class, Citizenship Preparation, Pronunciation Class, Learning English through the News
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 (9/19-12/12) $285
3160111 Fri. 10:30 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 (9/16-12/2) $285
3160232 Tues. 10 am-noon
12 sessions (9/15-12/1) $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 (9/16-12/2) $285
3160322 Tues. 9-11 am
12 sessions (9/16-12/2) $285
3160323 Tues. 7-9 pm
Intermediate Grammar/Writing
For people who want to sharpen their grammar skills while writing. Students will review troublesome grammar points.
12 sessions (9/19-12/12) $285
3160743 Fri. 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Advanced Grammar/Writing
12 sessions ((9/16-12/2) $285
3160742 Tues. 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 (9/15-11/17) $235
3180663 Mon. 12:15-2:15 pm
American Short Stories
Analyze and discuss assigned works of short fiction. Enjoy sharing perspectives with people from around the world.
10 sessions (9/15-11/17) $235
3180224 Mon. 12:30-2:30 pm
What’s in Town? New!
Learn English while you discover Princeton. Learn about the community and its resources while developing reading, writing, speaking and presentation skills. Students will explore Princeton Borough and Township through community mapping, visits, and local tours. This is a project-based class; students will do individual and group projects and present them in class.
10 sessions ((9/16-11/18) $235
3160664 Tues. noon-2 pm
The Movie Class
Through listening and speaking activities based on scenes from popular American films, this class will develop students’ abilities to comprehend ‘reel’ spoken language. Students must have access to a VCR/DVD player.
10 sessions (9/17-11/19) $235
3160631 Wed. 12:30-2:30 pm
American Lingo New!
“Play it by ear.” “The whole nine yards…” “Step up to the plate!”…the list goes on. Do you speak English, but American expressions and slang leave you confused? This class will go beyond English grammar and structure and really look at the expressions Americans use in everyday conversation.
10 sessions (9/18-11/20) $235
3160651 Thurs. noon-2 pm
Understanding American Culture New!
Are you afraid to use the telephone? Is making an appointment difficult? Do you know what an RSVP is? What is the difference between a condo and a townhouse? This course will provide an overview of American culture and traditions, focusing on everyday situations such as using the telephone, talking to your doctor, and understanding American social customs. Activities will develop language skills to communicate meaningfully in English to become active members of American society.
12 sessions (9/18-12/11) $285
3160699 Thur. 7-9 pm
TOEFL Preparation
(Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Learn the language skills needed to pass the TOEFL test, a requirement for admission to many U.S. schools and for professional certifications. Class is limited to 10 students. A TOEFL language lab is available for practice.
10 sessions (9/19-11/21) $235
3190141 Fri. 12:30-2:30 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.
Intermediate
12 sessions (9/17-12/3) $285
3160344 Wed. 12:30-2:30 pm
Advanced
12 sessions (9/19-12/12) $285
3160333 Fri. 12:30-2:30 pm
Citizenship Preparation Class
U.S. civics, history lessons, and practice sessions to successfully prepare immigrants for U.S. citizenship. Students must be tested for English skills before taking this course. Students will meet with the teacher on Tuesdays and work with tutors on Thursdays. Class is open only to students who have applied for citizenship.
20 sessions (9/16-11/20) Free*
3111111 Tues./Thurs. 12:30-2:30 pm
*The YWCA Princeton receives funding from WIA to provide free citizenship classes to qualifying students.
The following courses are for business, corporate, or university professionals
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