Workforce Development & Community Education 
    
    May 02, 2026  
Workforce Development & Community Education

Specialized ESL Courses


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In addition to general multi-level ESL classes, the ELI offers a variety of specialized courses offering instruction in one or more skill areas. All specialized courses are designed for specific proficiency levels. New students must obtain administrative approval which may require a test or short interview to register for any specialized course.

Winter/Spring Course Offerings 2026


Accent on Fluency

The substantial additional speaking and listening practice of this course supplements the Intensive English program (or another ELI English course) and helps accelerate progress towards language learning goals through immersion in English. Also provides additional pronunciation activities to enable learners to improve the clarity of their communication. 

  • ELI-ESL 1210-H, 38 T/W/Th Afternoons, Jan.13 - Apr. 22 (skip 2/4, 3/4 , 3/17-19, 4/1), 12:30-2:10 pm, $280 In-Person

English for Academic Purposes Program (EAP)

Prepares students for matriculated college study through a contextualized academic curriculum that integrates English language skills with academic content. English for Academic Purposes offers an introduction to academic literacy with a focus on building academic vocabulary and reading/writing skills applied to academic tasks. The course also develops independent study skills, test preparation, and communication skills needed for college readiness. 

Prerequisite: ELI Level 6 proficiency. 

ELI-ESL 1650 

  • (C) 24 Mon/Wed Evenings, January 21-April 20  (skip 3/16, 18) 6:30-9:30 pm, $360 In-Person
  • (P) 24 Mon/Thurs Mornings, January 26-April 23  (skip 3/16, 19) 9:00 am-12:00 noon, $360 In-Person
  • (DR) 24 Tues/Thurs Evenings, January 27-April 23  (skip 3/17, 19) 6:30-9:30 pm, $360 Remote Special Focus EAP + Business: This class will combine the  standard EAP curriculum with overlapping Business English for  Internationals curriculum.
  • (A) 12 Sat, January 17-April 11 (skip 3/21),  9:00 am-3:30 pm,  $360  In Person

TOEFL Preparation Workshop  

This course is designed to help learners improve their English language skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing in preparation for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). This is achieved through TOEFL practice tests and focused instruction and practice in academic reading and listening comprehension, grammatical accuracy, and clarity in speech and writing. Additionally, students develop valuable test-taking and critical thinking skills necessary for successful performance in regular college credit programs. 

Prerequisite: ELI Level 6 proficiency. 

ELI-ESL 1300

  • (D) 22 Tues/Thurs Evenings, January 27-April 16 (skip 3/17, 19) 7:00-9:30 pm, $275 In-Person 
  • (Q) 22 Tues/Fri Mornings, January 23-April 17 (skip 3/17, 20; 4/3) 9:15-11:45 am, $275 In-Person

Extra English

This 6-week, 12-hour course provides balanced instruction and 
active practice in communicative and academic English language skills including speaking, listening, reading, and writing with a focus on grammar and vocabulary development. Gain more practice in English in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Corequisite: Must be currently enrolled in a level class

ELI-ESL 3004

  • 6 Mon, Mar 9-Apr 20 (skip 3/16) 12:30-2:30 pm, $30 In-Person
  • 6 Tues, March 3-April 14 (skip 3/17) 6:00-8:00 pm, $30 Remote 

Pronunciation: Prerequisite: ELI Level 4+ spoken proficiency

The Sound System of English 
Students will learn the difference between similar English sounds and become better at articulating them. Participants will also identify problematic areas in their speech related to the production of vowels and consonants. 

  • NEW! ELI-ESL 1510-A, 12 Saturday Mornings, January 17-April 11  (skip 3/21) 9:00 am-12:00 pm, $292 In-Person
  • ELI-ESL 1510-C, 12 Monday Evenings, January 26-April 20  (skip 3/16) 6:30 pm-9:30 pm, $292 In-Person

Fluency Building Workshop

Students will engage in a variety of individual and group activities, building skills and confidence. Oral language is stressed, but out-of-class assignments and some readings accelerate progress.

  • NEW! ELI-ESL 1520-D, 10 Tues/Thurs Evenings, February 10- March 12 (no skips) 7:00 pm-9:00 pm, $185 In-Person

TESOL Certificate Program 

This intensive, 12-week, non-credit program prepares you to teach ESL to adults, in-person or remote, in the U.S. or abroad. Practical classroom instruction integrated with observation and discussion of ELI classes allows for development of knowledge and teaching skills, which you apply and hone by practice teaching through the ELI’s ESL classes which span a broad range of proficiency levels. 
Details at www.sunywcc.edu/TESOL. 

*Immigration Form I-20 is available for TESOL students.

Prerequisite: B.A Degree, No teaching experience required

  • ELI-TESL 3001/2/3, M/W/Th Mornings, January 21-April 20 (skip 3/16, 18, 19), 9:00 am-12:30 pm, $2,025 In-Person
  • ELI-TESL 3001/2/3 R, M/W 6:00-9:30 pm, and Sat 9:00 am-12:30 pm January 21-April 20 (skip 3/16, 18, 21), $2,025 Remote

Level 3 Supplemental 

Do you need help getting ready for your next level? This 4-week, 12-hour supplemental learning course provides balanced instruction and active practice in communicative and academic English language skills. Students receive extra practice in writing, grammar, speaking, vocabulary & test-taking. Students must be currently enrolled in Level 3.

  • ELI-ESL 1225-SUP3, 4 Mon Evenings, March 23 –April 13 6:30 pm-9:30 pm, $40 In-Person

Citizenship Exam Preparation Workshop, IN-PERSON at SUNY Westchester Valhalla.

For students at ELI Level 3+ (advanced beginner level). This course covers American history and government to prepare for the US Citizenship Exam.
For course availability, schedules, and more information, call Eileen McKee, Welcome Center Director, at 914-606-5626.

  • ELI-ESL 1860-F, 6 Thurs. mornings, Jan. 29-Mar. 5, 9:15 am-12:15 pm, GTW-110, free, but a $10.50 fee applies.

Summer Course Offerings


Pronunciation: The Sound System of English

This course helps intermediate to advanced learners improve pronunciation by addressing vowel and consonant articulation and identifying speech issues. For ELI Level 4+spoken proficiency.
At SUNY Westchester Valhalla:

  • ELI-ESL 1510-C, 12 Mon., May 18-Aug. 10 (skip 5/25), 6:30-9:30 pm, $292.
  • ELI-ESL 1510-A, May 16-Aug. 8 (skip 7/4), 9:00 am-12:00 noon, $292.

New! Fluency Building Workshop

Students will engage in a variety of individual and group activities, building skills and confidence. Oral language fluency is the focus, but out-of-class assignments and reading will accelerate your progress.
At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: ELI-ESL 1520-D, 10 T/Th, June 2-July 2, 7:00-9:00 pm, $185.

English for Academic Purposes Program (EAP)

This course prepares students for college study by integrating English language skills with academic content, focusing on vocabulary, reading, writing, test prep, and communication. Prerequisite: ELI Level 6 proficiency.
At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: ELI-ESL 1650

  • C: 24 M/W evenings, May 18–Aug. 10 (skip 5/25), 6:30-9:30 pm, $360.
  • P: 24 M/Th mornings, May 18–Aug. 10 (skip 5/25), 9:00 am- 12:00 noon, $360.

REMOTE

  • DR: 24 T/Th evenings, May 19–Aug. 6, 6:30- 9:30 pm, $360.

Extra English

This 6-week, 12-hour course provides balanced instruction and active practice in communicative and academic English language skills including speaking, listening, reading, and writing with a focus on grammar and vocabulary development. Gain more practice in English in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Corequisite: must be currently enrolled in a level 0-7 ESL class.
At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: ELI-ESL 3004, 6 Mon, July 6-Aug. 10, 12:30-2:30 pm, $30.

REMOTE: 6 Tues, July 7-Aug. 11, 6:00-8:00 pm, $30.

Special Focus EAP + Business

This advanced ESL course develops speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills for academic business programs.
At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: ELI-ESL 1650-A, 12 Sat., May 16–Aug. 8 (skip 7/4), 9:00 am-3:30 pm, $360.

TOEFL Preparation Workshop

This course helps learners improve their English reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills for the TOEFL through practice tests and focused instruction. It also builds academic comprehension, grammar, clear communication, and essential test-taking and critical thinking skills for success in college-level programs. Prerequisite: ELI Level 6 proficiency.
At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: ELI-ESL 1300

  • D: 22 T/Th evenings, May 21-Aug. 4, 7:00-9:30 pm, $275.
  • Q: 22 T/F mornings, May 19-Aug. 7 (skip 6/19 & 7/3), 9:15-11:45 am, $275.

Level 3 Supplemental 

Open to current Level 3 students only. Need help preparing for the next level? This 4-week, 12-hour supplemental course offers balanced instruction and practice in writing, grammar, speaking, vocabulary, and test-taking.
At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: ELI-ESL 1225-SUP3, 4 Mon. evenings, July 6-July 27, 6:30-9:30 pm, $40.

Citizenship Exam Preparation Workshop 

For students at a high-beginning level (ELI Level 3+), this course covers American history and government to prepare for the US Citizenship Exam. For course availability, schedules, and more information, call Eileen McKee, Welcome Center Director, at 914-606-5626.
At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: ELI-ESL 1860-F, 6 Thurs. mornings, May 14-June 18, 9:15 am-12:15 pm, GTW-110, free, but a $10.50 fee applies.

TESOL Certificate Program (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

This intensive, 12-week, non-credit program prepares you to teach English as a Second Language to adults, in-person or remote, in the U.S. or abroad. Practical classroom instruction integrated with observation and discussion of ELI classes allows for development of knowledge and teaching skills, which you apply and hone by practice teaching through the English Language Institute’s English as a Second Language classes which span a broad range of proficiency levels. Prerequisite: B.A. Degree, no teaching experience required. More details at www.sunywcc.edu/esl-teaching-su
At SUNY Westchester Valhalla: ELI-TESL 3001/2/3, M/W/F, May 18-Aug. 14 (skip 5/25, 6/19, 7/3 & 8/12), 9:00 am-12:30 pm. $2,025.

REMOTE: ELI-TESL 3001/2/3 R, M/W 6:00-9:30 pm and Sat. 9:00 am-12:30 pm, May 16-Aug. 10 (skip 5/25 & 7/4). $2,025.

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