ESL FAQs

What types of ESL programs or classes do you offer?
We have a wide range of ESL classes to fit your needs. They generally fit into the following categories:

• For resident students, we offer an intensive college credit program. This is a three-level program that runs on the semester calendar (fall, spring, summer) at 15 weeks (or 10 weeks for summer). This program is 12 college credits (non-transferable) and is considered full time.
• We also offer a similar program for International Students. The core ESL classes are the same as the resident program, but there are additional classes to supplement the visa classroom time requirements. These are noncredit courses.

Do you have ESL classes for J1 visa students or Au Pairs?
We do not offer any ESL classes for J1/Au Pairs visa holders.

How much do the programs or classes cost?

Red Rocks Community College offers payment plans for tuition.

For more information: https://www.rrcc.edu/paying-for-college

What are the requirements needed to take ESL classes at RRCC?
If you are interested in the resident core ESL classes, you need to apply to the college   (www.rrcc.edu/apply-now/new-student) and complete the FAFSA (federal financial aid) (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa ) packet. After that you will need to take an ESL assessment to get your English skill level and then you are ready to enroll in classes.

If you are interested in our International Student ESL program, you will need an F1 visa. Make an appointment with the International Student Services for help with that application process. https://www.rrcc.edu/international

How long are the classes? Length of semester, days, and times.
It really depends on which program you want. In general, we offer our classes on the semester system that aligns with RRCC academic calendar. Our semesters are 15 weeks long. The fall semester starts in mid-August and ends the middle of December. Our spring semester starts the third week of January and ends in mid-May.

Our 12-credit core class run 3 days a week with classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. They are about 3.5 hours per day and start at 9:00 am and end around 12:30 pm.

How much homework can the students expect?
Before you enroll in any ESL class, please consider the amount of time outside of the classroom you will need to study. It is recommended that you spend about 2 hours per week per credit. So, a 12-credit course would require about 24 hours per week of homework to excel in your class.

If you take one of the noncredit courses, your homework requirement will be less. We created these classes for people with jobs and families with limited time. In these classes you will still have homework, but it will be much less.

How do I know what ESL skill level I am?
After you apply to the college and get a student number (S#), you can make an appointment with our assessment center to take the Accuplacer ESL assessment. This will determine your English level. This test is about 2 hours long and is free of charge. Make an appointment here: https://www.rrcc.edu/assessment

To get your student number, please apply to the college here: https://www.rrcc.edu/apply-now/new-student

Are your classes financial aid eligible?
The only classes that qualify for federal financial aid are the resident core ESL for credit classes. In order to receive this benefit, you must contact the financial aid office and fill out the FAFSA application form. The sooner you can do this, the better for you. These applications can take time to process. Here is the link: https://www.rrcc.edu/financial-aid

Is there anyone to assist with the F1 International Student Visa process?
Yes. Please contact the International Student Services Center to help you every step of the way.

Here is the link: https://www.rrcc.edu/international

Why should an F1 Visa International Student choose RRCC ESL?
As a smaller program, students will receive more teacher time and more support services. Our student to teacher ratio ensures that our students get the attention they need to succeed. Our teaching staff are highly qualified and very experienced. We have high expectations for our teachers and students to get the best possible outcomes and next level success. Compared to other programs, we do not require a TOFEL score. We will assess your level at our campus (or remotely) and only require a basic level of English for admittance. The cost of our program is substantially lower than other schools and yet we provide a high-quality education and experience. We are committed to your success and view you as valuable individual and just not a number.