Suffolk County Community College recognizes that students who are non-native speakers of English may require specialized English language instruction. English as a Second Language embraces two programs that offer instruction in listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar to students for whom English is a second language. The aim of both programs is to provide limited English-proficient students with a functional knowledge of the English language. The programs will furnish them with the necessary communication skills to secure gainful employment, perform more effectively in daily life situations, and enroll in further college-level courses if they so desire. Inasmuch as Suffolk County currently offers employment opportunities in business and industry as well as academic options, the ESL programs are aimed at making these opportunities accessible to their students.
Instruction consists of sequenced levels, each of which is a prerequisite for the next level.
The non-credit ESL program consists of 5 levels, each of which is a prerequisite for the next. The only requirements are that students be at least 18 years of age and take a placement test in order to determine their level of proficiency and placement. The semester lasts 12 weeks. Students must attend class for 6 hours per week. In addition, students are required to complete one hour of language lab practice per week.