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Degree Programs > Arts & Sciences > ESOL Program

ESOL Program

The ESOL Program is your bridge to KCC's excellent degree and certificate programs.

KCC has two ESOL Programs. The Intensive Transition Program in ESOL (ITP) is for international students who are seeking admission to KCC. Students in this program have a TOEFL® score between 400 and 499 and speak English as a second or other language. The credit ESOL program, originally developed for Hawai'i`s resident immigrant population, also serves international students (F-1 visa holders). Which program is right for you?

ESOL classes at KCC are unique. A variety of content-based classes help students to develop their academic English proficiencies. A single ESOL class at KCC offers about 8 ½ hours of contact time in class per week. Beginning level classes and non-credit offerings range from 10 to 20 contact hours per semester. By gaining many opportunities for language practice and interaction, students can take control of their language development. Unlike many other language programs, credit ESOL classes at KCC give students the opportunity to take other credit classes at the same time, thereby making continued progress in their major area of study.

ESOL students have many opportunities for advancement. Students who demonstrate a strong command of academic English may be promoted to English 100 after only one semester. Students who need more time to develop their academic reading and writing skills are invited to join the credit ESOL program. Students in the credit ESOL program are encouraged and expected to enroll in other credit classes at KCC.

Which Program Is For You?

I am a resident immigrant student. How can I begin taking classes at KCC?
Come to KCC and take the COMPASS/ESL placement test. If you place into ESOL 92, you will need to complete a Writing Sample Test. This test may qualify you for ESL 100 or ENG 100. Go to: Sequence of Courses for Resident Immigrant Students

I am an international student. How can I begin taking classes at KCC?
If your TOEFL® score is over 500, you can enroll in ESOL 94 or you can take an optional Writing Test. With the writing test, it may be possible to take English 100. Go to: Sequence of Courses for International (F-1 Visa) Students

If your TOEFL® score is 400 - 499, you can enroll in the one-semester Intensive Transition Program (ITP) in ESOL. After you complete the ITP, you may be able to enroll in ESOL 92 or 94. Depending on my final writing test, it may be possible to enroll in ESL 100 or ENG100. Go to: Sequence of Courses for International (F-1 Visa) Students

Both international and resident immigrant students can have access to KCC's credit classes!

Course Descriptions

Intensive Transition Program (ITP) in ESOL
The ITP consists of two classes and a seminar. Students complete this program in one semester. Students in this full-time, one semester program study academic course content for approximately 20 hours per week, for 16 weeks (30 hours per week for 10 weeks in the summer). The ITP program follows an academic, integrated skills approach to learning. In addition, students in this program enroll in a weekly seminar designed to give support in the areas of choosing college classes, study skills, and adapting to college life.

The ESOL Credit Program
ESOL 90, 91, 92*, 94** (Credit)
Credit ESOL classes serve two main groups of students.

1. Resident immigrants may enroll in ESOL 90 and 91, which serve as entry level classes for local non-native speakers of English.
2. ESOL 92 and 94 serve both international (F-1 visa holders) and resident immigrant students. Students in these classes may also enroll in a selection of KCC's other credit classes, thereby beginning work toward a degree.

All credit ESOL classes meet for approximately 10-12 hours per week, for 16 weeks (with longer hours during the 10-week summer session).

*ESOL 92 is also available to international students who have completed ESOL 197.
** ESOL 94 is also available to international students who have completed ESOL 197 or whose TOEFL® score is over 500.

ESL 100 and English 100* (Credit, college-level)
Both ESL 100 and English 100 are first-year, native-speaker level college English classes. As described in the KCC course catalog, students in ESL 100 and English 100 will develop strategies and skills for effective college writing and critical reading and thinking. Both ESL 100 and ENG 100 include instruction in the composing process, practice in various kinds of writing, including analysis and interpretation, and research and writing from sources. English 100 and ESL 100 are 3-hour per week courses, offered in the fall and spring semesters. In the summer, English 100 is offered during one or both of the 6-week terms. ESL 100 is offered during the 10-week term.

* ESL 100 is taught by ESOL faculty, whereas ENG 100 is taught by English faculty. ESL 100 is designed to give specific language instruction to non-native writers of English.