Immigrant and Refugee Student Advising Web

• How do I apply to Shoreline's ESL program?

You should complete a Shoreline Community College application form (click here) and mail it to:

Shoreline Community College/ ESL Program
Humanities Division/Attn: Debby Hunter
16101 Greenwood Avenue North, Seattle. WA 98133.

 You can also come by in person to our office located inside the Advising Center – Room# 5229 . Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also call Debby Hunter at (206) 546-5827 or email at dhunter@shoreline.edu

• I just took the ESL test, when will I know the test results?

You will receive your placement results by mail in about two weeks.

• How soon can I register for classes after taking the ESL test?

We offer test dates every two weeks. After the test your name will be placed on the waiting list and you will be notified by mail as soon as a class is available. The waiting list goes by the date we receive your application. 

• Can I register for both daytime and evening ESL classes?

No, you need to choose either the morning or evening program.

• Do you have a long waiting list for daytime ESL classes?

We do not have long waiting lists. We usually can offer prospective students a class, for the next available quarter. However, the time of the class offered may not be the first choice for new students.

• I am interested in attending evening ESL classes, how soon can I start attending classes? How long is your waiting list?

Usually, there is at least a three-month waiting period for evening classes. The length of the waiting list depends on your placement level and the availability of spaces at that level.

• I have taken ESL classes at another community college; can I sign up for the same level classes here?

No, you need to take our assessment test and be placed according our results.

• How many hours per week do I have to attend ESL classes?

It is important to attend your classes. You can sign up for our daytime full-time program (15 hours per week plus two hours of computer lab); or you can sign up for our part-time program in the evening (5 hours per week)

• How long will it take me to complete each level of ESL?

Each level of ESL can be completed in three months, but completing a level depends on each student's individual abilities and study skills. Usually, students repeat at least one level during the course of their studies. Students that attend their classes on a regular basis have a better chance to pass to the next level in three months.

• I have financial aid this quarter; will I loose my financial aid if I have to take ESL classes?

You will not loose your financial aid. You can simply request to use it another quarter.

• I completed the ESL program at my high school, but I tested low on the ASSET test, do I have to take ESL classes?

We recommend that you take ESL classes if you have lived in the United States less than five years and plan to go to a university. Our ESL program will prepare you to have the English proficiency skills that you need to succeed at the university.

• Why can't I learn English in the regular English program classes, such as English 080?

The emphasis of our ESL classes is overcoming grammatical problems that are typical for students whose first language is not English. Our instructors have graduate degrees in Teaching English as a Second Language. English department instructors have advanced degrees in English literature and their instructional emphasis is different.

• I am registered for an ESL class that is too easy for me, can you sign me up for a higher level of ESL?

You should speak with your instructor about your concerns.

• When can I start taking regular college level classes?

ESL students usually can start taking some classes when they are in our level five classes. A good rule is that the more advanced ESL classes that you have completed  before taking college classes, the better grades you will be able to get.

• I am looking for a short career because I need to work as soon as possible. Do I need to complete the ESL program in order to get started in my program?

There is not shortcut to language learning. You do not need to complete the entire ESL program to start taking some classes that you need for your career program. But, the more ESL classes you have before taking your program related classes the better grades you will be able to obtain.

• I have a degree from my country; can you accept my previous classes? What do I need to do?

Please contact the ESL Program advisor for more information about this question.

• If I do not finish your ESL program, can I transfer to another college and finish my ESL classes there?

You can transfer to another college, but you will need to follow their registration procedure to register for classes..

• Can I have a tutor?

Please contact the ESL Program Advisor for more information.

• I passed my level, but the next level is too hard for me, can I take that level again?

You should talk to your teacher about your concerns.