English as a Second Language | ESL Program

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Smiling ESL students in the campus hallway at MCC.

ESL Program

Midwestern Career College’s ESL Beginner – Advanced courses are for students who wish to learn English in order to fulfill their personal, academic, or professional goals. The intensive, sequenced courses focus on the four English-language skill areas: listening and speaking, reading, writing, and application of grammar. Instructors use a variety of activities— interviews, dialogues, role-plays, language-games, and others — to give students opportunities to develop and use their English-language skills.

The ESL program is designed for students whose knowledge of English allows them to score within a range of A1 to C2 on the Michigan English Language Placement Test.

Build English Skills for College, Career, and Daily Life

Midwestern Career College’s ESL Beginner – Advanced courses are designed for students who want to improve their English for academic, professional, and everyday communication. The intensive, sequenced program develops the four core English-language skill areas: listening and speaking, reading, writing, and grammar application.

Through interviews, dialogues, role-plays, language games, presentations, and collaborative classroom activities, students build confidence using English in real-world situations. The program supports learners preparing for college-level study in the United States, professional opportunities, and daily life in English-speaking environments.

Students are placed into levels ranging from A1 to C2 based on the Michigan English Language Placement Test, allowing instruction to align with each student’s current language proficiency and learning goals.


Program Information

Campus:Study format:Start date:
Chicago, IL Downtown CampusOn Campus04/20/2026

Student Support and Campus Information

📍 Where This Program Is Offered:

This ESL program is available at our Downtown Chicago Campus, conveniently accessible by public transportation.

🌍 Studying from Outside the U.S.?

Learn more about international student admissions and support, including visa guidance, arrival planning, and community resources.

🧭 Questions or Need Support?

Visit our International Student Services center for assistance with advising, documentation, or transitioning to campus life.

What You’ll Learn

Based on your language skill level, you will be placed in one of six levels:

  • Beginner
  • High Beginner
  • Low Intermediate
  • Intermediate
  • High Intermediate
  • Advanced

Course Areas by Level

Each level includes integrated instruction in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and grammar development to help students build practical English-language skills over time.

  • Beginner Reading; Beginner Writing; Beginner Listening and Speaking; Beginner Grammar
  • High Beginner Reading; High Beginner Writing; High Beginner Listening and Speaking; High Beginner Grammar
  • Low Intermediate Reading; Low Intermediate Writing; Low Intermediate Listening and Speaking; Low Intermediate Grammar
  • Intermediate Reading; Intermediate Writing; Intermediate Listening and Speaking; Intermediate Grammar
  • High Intermediate Reading; High Intermediate Writing; High Intermediate Listening and Speaking; High Intermediate Grammar
  • Advanced Reading; Advanced Writing; Advanced Listening and Speaking; Advanced Grammar

Inside MCC’s ESL Program

Get a closer look at MCC’s ESL classrooms, where students practice speaking English, work together in small groups, and build communication skills for everyday life, school, and work.

ESL Program Objectives

  • Apply major rules of grammar and usage in speech and writing.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of U.S. interpersonal and cultural norms.
  • Write clear, focused, logically organized essays, responses, and summaries in English.
  • Use reading strategies to understand text and apply critical thinking skills to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate arguments.
  • Take notes on lectures in English and answer various types of questions often asked on quizzes and tests.
  • Give clear presentations supported by visual aids and collaborate with peers to complete projects.

Experienced ESL Faculty and Student Support

ESL faculty are certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and hold degrees in linguistics, education, communications, or related fields. Through ongoing professional development, instructors continue refining teaching strategies that support English-language learners from a wide range of academic and cultural backgrounds.

In addition to classroom instruction, MCC’s Admissions and Student Services teams help students navigate each stage of their educational experience, including adjusting to academic life and daily living in Chicago and the United States.

Accreditation

Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) logo.

The Midwestern Career College English as a Second Language Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for the period August 2018 through August 2033 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions.

CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the United States.

For further information about this accreditation, please contact CEA at 1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, call (703) 665-3400, or visit cea-accredit.org.

These courses are not accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education and do not qualify for Title IV financial aid assistance.

Disclosures


More on English as a Second Language

See Also

Last updated: May 2026

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Admissions Contact Info

Admissions

100 South Wacker Drive, LL 1-50
Chicago, IL 60606

312-236-9000 ext. 2
international@mccollege.edu

 

Business Hours:

Mon – Thu 9:00A.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Fri 9:00A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

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