Intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) Program for F-1 Students

Our intensive English program offers high quality English language instruction designed to prepare students for success in college level classes taught in English. Our full-time classes meet the criteria for students to receive an I-20 form and apply for an F-1 visa to study in the U.S. F-1 students will attend classes five days a week on our Lakewood campus. ESL classes at RRCC are a great option for students who want an affordable way to begin their studies in the U.S.

Course Structure

Intensive ESL at RRCC is divided into three levels - basic, intermediate, and advanced. Each level takes one semester to complete. We will assess your English comprehension during the application process and place you in the appropriate level. Once students complete the advanced level, they are ready to enroll in college classes. Students who enter the program in the basic level can complete the program in one year by taking classes during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

F-1 students are required to take classes five days a week. Three days a week are dedicated to the English language classes for your assigned level, which we refer to as the Core ESL classes. International students are also required to take supplemental classes on the other two days a week to practice their English speaking and comprehension, and learn skills that are needed to succeed in college level classes.

Sample Schedule

Monday – Core Level ESL class from 9 AM to 12:35 PM

Tuesday – Supplemental classes: ESL Film Appreciation from 9 AM to 12:00 PM and First Year Experience 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM

Wednesday – Core Level ESL class from 9 AM to 12:35 PM

Thursday –  Supplemental classes: ESL Civics from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and Oral Communication from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

Friday – Core Level ESL class from 9 AM to 12:35 PM

*This is a sample schedule. Supplemental classes are required for F-1 students and may change each semester.

Cost

The Intensive ESL program for F1 international students costs $5200 per semester for the 2024-25 school year. F1 applicants must show at least at least $30,020 in available funds to enroll in the ESL program for one academic year. This includes tuition for two semesters plus the estimated costs associated with living in the area for nine months. You can find more information about costs on our application process page.   

Intensive ESL to Bachelor’s Degree

Intensive ESL at Red Rocks is your first step to a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. university.

Step 1: Intensive ESL à  Begin at your current English level, and move through the program until completing the Advanced level.  The intensive ESL program at RRCC can be completed in one year, even if you start at the beginning level.

Step 2: Associate’s Degree at Red Rocks Community College à After completing Advanced ESL, enroll in the degree program of your choice at RRCC.  We offer many in-demand associate degrees and academic programs for you to choose from.

Step 3: Transfer to a Four-year College à Red Rocks Community College is proud to have transfer agreements with some of the best colleges and universities in the state of Colorado. Your AA or AS Degree will transfer to all Colorado public 4-year colleges and universities if you complete your AA or AS degree with a C or better - and the remaining 60 credit hours in a school or arts and sciences at the four-year public institution of your choice.  Learn more about transfer opportunities.

Intensive ESL for Colorado Residents

Colorado residents can enroll in the Intensive ESL program for college credit. The program is suitable for students who want to learn English for school, their career, or personal reasons. They will take the same Core Level classes described above on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The core level program is 12 credits, and students pay the RRCC rate per credit. Colorado residents do not take the supplemental classes designed for international students.

ESL Programs for Other Visa Types

Currently, RRCC only offers the intensive ESL Programs for F1 students and for Colorado residents. These are not suitable for people on visa types that do not allow full time study. Reach out to our international office for more information and to find out if our programs are suitable for you. Additional options for part-time study are being developed for future semesters.

Contact

International student services staff are happy to help you learn more about the ESL program at Red Rocks. Please call 303-914-6416 or e-mail international@rrcc.edu to request an appointment.