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Program Information
ESL / ALP American Language Program – Paramus
What do I have to do to take ESL classes?
Follow the steps at: bergen.edu/getstarted
You will fill out the application and then take the English Language Proficiency test so that you can start at the level that is good for you. For information about the Accuplacer placement exam and test dates/times please see the Office of Testing Services web page. On campus visit the Office of Testing Services, Room S-127, call 201-447-7203, or email [email protected]
Where do I go get information about International student admissions?
All information can be found on the International Student Admissions web page.
How many hours and classes are in each level?
The full program is 15 credits/hours of class each week: Grammar, Reading, Writing, and Speech classes.
See below.
May I study part-time?
Yes, part-time students may take one, two, or three courses – 3, 6, or 9 hours/credits. Students with F-1 visas must take at least 12 credits in fall and spring semesters.
See below.
What is the tuition for ESL courses?
Tuition is based on the number of hours/credits and the number of classes. Detailed information about tuition and fees can be found on the Bursar’s Web page (Tuition and Fees)
Can I get Financial Aid?
For information, go to the Financial Aid web site.
Does the program have day and evening classes?
Classes can be taken in the morning, afternoon, evening or weekends.
Can I take ESL courses online?
Yes, you can take Level 2 & Level 3 courses online or partially online (hybrid). Grammar, Reading, Writing and Speech are all available. To take these courses, you should be comfortable using a computer and be self-motivated.
Do ESL Courses count for college credit?
Most ESL courses count as “non-degree” credits, so except for SPE-100, they do not count in the total number of credits required for graduation, and they do not transfer to other colleges.
Can I take college courses while I am taking ESL classes?
Students who test into the advanced level may be eligible to enroll in a learning community, which is a paired ESL and college-level course while completing ESL requirements.
Do I need to take any other placement test before I start my major?
Students can also prepare for and take the math placement test during the final semester of ESL classes in order to transition smoothly into their selected majors.
How do ESL courses affect a student’s GPA?
ESL courses are averaged into a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA). Good grades in ESL courses can help a student get off to a good start in college.
Scheduling Options
Full Time
15 Credits:
- 5 courses for each level:
Grammar A, Grammar B, Reading, Writing, & Speech - The levels are:
Foundations, Level One, Level Two, & Level Three
12 Credits:
- Grammar A & B must be taken together.
- Grammar and reading should precede writing.
- Full-time students may also take the optional one-credit speech classes below.
Part Time
Students can take any combination of credits and courses to meet their needs. Part-time students can take up to 11 credits. For more information, contact Dr. Jiang (
[email protected]) ESL/ALP Department phone: 201-879-7168.
1 Credit:
- Foundations & Level One: Pronunciation – SPE-006
- Level Two: Pronunciation – SPE-006 or Idioms – SPE-010
- Level Three: Pronunciation – SPE-006, Idioms – SPE-010, or Listening – SPE-008
3 Credits:
- Foundations: Reading ALP-006, Speech SPE-009, or Writing ALP-007**
- Level One: Reading ALP-044, Speech SPE-001, or Writing ALP-043**
- Level Two: Reading ALP-054, Speech SPE-002, or Writing ALP-053**
- Level Three: Reading ALP-064, Speech SPE-003, or Writing ALP-063*
- TOEFL iBT Preparation ALP 068***
6 Credits:
- Foundations: Grammar A & B – ALP 004/005
- Level One: Grammar A & B – ALP 041/042
- Level Two: Grammar A & B – ALP 051/052
- Level Three: Grammar A & B – ALP 061/062
9-11 Credits:
Part-time students taking 9-11 credits can take any combination of credits, but grammar and reading should precede writing.
** Permission from the department chair required if Writing is taken without other classes in that level.
***Must be taken at the same time or after the required Level Three Classes
