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.
What English skills will I learn in MCC’s ESL Program?
Students develop skills in English listening and speaking, reading, writing, and grammar. Classroom activities include conversations, presentations, role-plays, and collaborative exercises designed to help students communicate in academic, professional, and everyday situations.
How is my ESL level determined?
MCC uses the Michigan English Language Placement Test to assess English proficiency and place students at an appropriate level. The program offers six levels, from Beginner through Advanced, to support continued language development.
Where are ESL classes offered?
MCC’s ESL Beginner – Advanced program is offered at the Downtown Chicago Campus, which is accessible by public transportation. Students can learn more about the location on the Downtown Chicago Campus page.
Can international students get help preparing to study at MCC?
Yes. MCC provides resources for international students, including information about admissions, visa guidance, and preparation for studying in the United States. Visit the International Students page for additional information and support resources.
Program Information
Campus:
Study format:
Start date:
Chicago, IL Downtown Campus
On Campus
01/11/2027
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.
Meet Marcos, one of MCC’s Student Ambassadors, as he shares how improving his English, participating in campus events, and connecting with students from around the world have shaped his experience at Midwestern Career College.
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
English Language Skills Developed at Every Level
At each of the six ESL proficiency levels, students receive instruction in four core areas:
Reading: Developing English reading comprehension and understanding of written materials.
Writing: Building written communication skills, from foundational sentences to more advanced compositions.
Listening and Speaking: Strengthening listening comprehension, spoken communication, and conversational confidence.
Grammar: Understanding and applying English grammar in spoken and written communication.
Instruction progresses from Beginner through Advanced, allowing students to build on their existing language proficiency as they develop increasingly sophisticated English communication skills.
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
The Midwestern Career College English as a Second Language Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for the period August 2023 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 U.S.
For further information about this accreditation, please contact CEA, 1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, www.cea-accredit.org.
For additional information regarding CEA’s standards and policies, please use the following links:
These courses are not accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education and do not qualify for Title IV financial aid assistance.
Academic English and TOEFL iBT Resources
Students planning to pursue college-level studies in English may benefit from developing the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills emphasized throughout MCC’s ESL Program. These language skills are also assessed by the TOEFL iBT, an English proficiency test used by colleges and universities.
Students interested in learning more about TOEFL iBT requirements, test content, and preparation resources can visit the official TOEFL website from ETS.
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