CCS introduced its ESL (English as a Second Language) program in Stamford in 1999 to meet the learning needs of a growing population of individuals who wanted basic language classes. Enrollments skyrocketed to 230 in fall 2000 and have increased each semester. This fall, 334 registrants from 45 countries around the world are enrolled in a variety of 25 ESL courses at UConn-Stamford.

Classes include core courses that integrate reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, Grammar, Reading/Writing, Pronunciation/Oral Communication, Vocabulary/American Culture, Accent Reduction, and TOEFL Preparation for students who need to improve their test taking skills and their performance on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam.

Program Manager Marcia Gethin-Jones credits the increase in enrollment and consequent expansion of the curriculum to the high quality of the program, as well as the professionalism, patience and availability of the dedicated instructors.

“Students know this is a serious program and word has gotten around the tightly knit foreign communities,” she says. “Many students in the program have registered on the recommendation of friends.”

According to Gethin-Jones, the majority of Stamford’s ESL students are in their 20s and 30s. All have graduated from secondary school, and more than 50 percent have attended or graduated from a college or university. The mix of adult learners includes individuals who worked as professionals (doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc.) in their native countries, au pairs who are required to take courses during their stay, and individuals on student (F-1) visas.

Designed to help students develop proficiency in English for social, professional, and academic purposes, UConn’s ESL program offers a wide range of non-credit classes from beginning to advanced levels. The most popular ESL courses are the core courses and Pronunciation/Oral Communication.

“These courses are offered at convenient times for students from beginning through high intermediate levels,” says Gethin-Jones. “This is when most students feel the need to learn English.”