Language After you arrive in the U.S., you may experience some or even a lot of difficulties regarding the English language. English language spoken in daily life is probably different from what you may have studied in school. But don't worry: almost everybody who is a non-native speaker experienced the same problems you may have, and they all learned to adapt. If you would like to improve your English language skills you should carefully listen to radio stations, watch TV news channels and read a good newspaper. In addition, classes for English as a second language (commonly referred to as ESL) are offered by Fermilab, some churches, and the local colleges. X.  Language     1.  Classes at Fermilab     2.  College of DuPage
1.	Classes at Fermilab ESL classes held at Fermilab in the Users' Center are organized by NALWO, the Fermilab women's organization. Attendance for guests visitors and their spouses is free. The schedule is Monday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. There are separate classes for beginners and advanced students. The beginner and intermediate classes focus on the general use of the English language, grammar and basic vocabulary, whereas the advanced class emphasizes on pronunciation and American idioms. Just come to the Users' Center at 9:30am on Monday or Friday, and the teachers will help you start the lessons. All classes are great places to meet other newcomers from foreign countries and their families, and a chance to ask questions concerning those new expressions and phrases you hear every day but may not quite understand. The instructors are more than happy to help you with respect to many questions and to work on improving your language skills. Back to top
2.	College of DuPage Fermilab belongs to the district of the College of DuPage, with headquarters in Glen Ellyn. The information provided here refers to those classes only. Waubonsie College in Aurora (Kane County) and other local colleges may also offer ESL programs, but you will receive the reduced rates for residents only if you live within their area. The English Language Institute (ELI) at the College of DuPage is a full-time ESL program. It offers classes at six different levels from beginning through advanced. The classes focus on listening/speaking/pronunciation, reading/vocabulary and writing/grammar and meet 15 hours a week (18 hours a week). In addition to the intensive program, you can enroll in single classes. All classes require a meeting with an ESL Advisor in the ESL Advising office placement test. The ESL Advising office is located in the Multicultural Center, Instructional Center (IC), Room 2084D in Glen Ellyn. To make an appointment, call (630) 942-3697, 942-3307, or 942-2551, or walk in Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.(5:30 to 7:30) You can also call to request a program information packet by mail. If you are planning to proceed with further studies at a college, you should make sure to receive credit for your ESL classes. It will count toward any future degree program at the College of DuPage. For ESL classes at the College of DuPage, the general college tuition rates apply. Currently, the rates are $35 per credit hour ($96 per credit hour) for residents of the college district per quarter (semester). That means if you attend the intensive program with 15 hours per week, the fee will be $525 ($1728) for about three months. In addition, all classes require the purchase of course and study books. The college book store sometimes offers used books at a better price. Students of previous quarters might be interested in selling their books to you, too. General information about the College of DuPage as well as their brochures and class listings (schedule) can be obtained at www.cod.edu. Or call (630) 942-2373 (630) 942-3697 to request material. Back to top