ESL Classes in New Jersey (Paterson, Passaic: credit, employment, schools)

[lentzr]

My friend from the Dominican Republic wants to learn fluent English for future employment possibilities. She now speaks basic English, but wishes to become fluent to go to nursing school. She already tried the Ucela Institute in Paterson, but was not impressed by the program. Is there a better ranked private language school for ESL students? We are thinking that the colleges and universities would have better programs that could suite her needs. What are the best ESL classes in Northern NJ? Does anyone have any experiences with ESL programs in NNJ? Which schools have the best options, especially with night classes? Thanks a million.

[qpoiz]

I've never heard of anyone successfully learning English from one of those insititues. Full immersion is the quickest way to learn (that's how I learned beginning at age 9), but being in this area, where a large majority of people speak Spanish, that will be difficult. Avoiding the comfort of living and working in a community where everyone speaks your language will help tremendously.

I would recommend your friend looks for a ESL program at a university or college that allows for a slow transition into a regular academic program. In your friend's case, this would be nursing. I've known people that have come here with little English knowledge, took ESL classes (at Middlesex County College), and after some years of hard work are now completing programs at UMDNJ and Rutgers Business School.

Good luck to your friend!

[Anon-Hate]

Originally Posted by qpoiz

I've never heard of anyone successfully learning English from one of those insititues. Full immersion is the quickest way to learn (that's how I learned beginning at age 9), but being in this area, where a large majority of people speak Spanish, that will be difficult. Avoiding the comfort of living and working in a community where everyone speaks your language will help tremendously.

I would recommend your friend looks for a ESL program at a university or college that allows for a slow transition into a regular academic program. In your friend's case, this would be nursing. I've known people that have come here with little English knowledge, took ESL classes (at Middlesex County College), and after some years of hard work are now completing programs at UMDNJ and Rutgers Business School.

Good luck to your friend!

^ This. I used to be an academidic advisor at a county college and had a few students start at the ESL level and gradually move into developmental English and then credit courses. It's a long haul, but doable. If she is from the Paterson area, then she could check out Passaic County Community College.