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Learn English (ESL)

Find your home at Harper College.

Learn English with people of all ages from around the world. Learn to speak fluently, understand more, and read and write with confidence. Achieve the language skills you need to succeed in college classes at Harper College, in the workplace, and in the community.

The Academic ESL program offers low intermediate to advanced English-level classes only.

Summer and Fall classes available with in-person and online options.

Placement testing is now available for the Summer 2025 semester, starting in May and June, and the Fall 2025 semester, beginning in August, September, and October.

Harper's Academic ESL offers

• A variety of courses in our English as a Second Language Program (ESL)
  
  • Reading, Writing, Conversation, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, and Communication classes
  • Small class sizes
  • Business Communication Skills for ESL
  • Independent study classes
• A course series for high level students in our English Series for Professionals (ESP)
• Affordable cost. 9,700+ students of all ages and backgrounds were awarded $27 million in scholarships, grants and tuition waivers through Harper College (FY19). This may cover tuition/fees, living expenses, dependent care and more. Our experts are here to assist you.
• Dedicated ESL advising services - schedule an advisor appointment online .PDF
• Experienced faculty and staff
• State-of-the-art audio/video language lab
• Free ESL tutoring (for currently enrolled ESL students)
• International Students Club
• You can take English 101 (first year college English) after passing Level V Reading and Level V Writing. Advanced level students can take other college classes together with ESL classes.

With online ESL, you get                                             

• Flexibility in your studies (most classes have no set schedule)                            
• Highly trained faculty working with you
• Online ESL Resources for home learning
• Conversation partners with native speakers
• To study anywhere in the world with Harper ESL     
• For more information on online classes, please click here                                                  

Read about our students and alumni.      

Information for New ESL Students

If you will be applying to Harper for the first time, please click here for instructions on applying. Registration is ongoing throughout the year.

Tuition and Fees**

Harper College offers affordable ESL classes. To learn more about costs, visit the Tuition Rates page.

Learn what financial aid and scholarships available.

Out-of-District Students

Harper's online ESL courses make it easy for students to learn English from anywhere in the Chicago area, across Illinois, or anywhere in the USA. Please click here for instructions on applying.

International Students

Are you looking to learn English from a USA-based college? Harper's ESL program welcomes international students. Visit our International Students page to get started.       

                                                           

Please consider making a donation to support the ESL program.