English as a Second Language (ESL) Resources
There are many opportunities to study English on UK's campus and in the Lexington community. Following is a sample list. Use the links provided for more details. OIA staff may also know of additional ESL opportunities.
Center for English as a Second Language: The Intensive English Program in the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) is designed to improve the English language proficiency of non-native speakers of English. The program is intended for three different groups:
- Students who need to become proficient in English so that they can be accepted into academic programs at the University of Kentucky and other U.S. colleges and universities.
- Students admitted to degree programs who need to improve their English language skills.
- Non-students who have other reasons (business, social, personal) for wishing to improve their English.
CESL offers five 8-week sessions per year with five levels of proficiency. Students are tested after their arrival and placed into the appropriate level. Please note that acceptance into the Intensive English Program at CESL does not guarantee acceptance into degree programs at the University of Kentucky.
International Conversation Hour: The International Conversation Hour is a free program designed to provide opportunities to practice speaking and pronouncing real, everyday conversational English with native English speakers as well as other international students and community members. This program is sponsored by the University of Kentucky Writing Center.
ESL Classes in Graduate and Family Housing: UK Graduate and Family Housing, Lexington Chinese Church and International Oasis sponsor free English classes each semester.
UK Training and Development ESL Classes: UK employees looking to improve their English speaking ability can join the university's Training and Development ESL Classes to practice conversation and pronunciation, learn vocabulary and phrases and become more familiar with American slang. Join a class at anytime.
NOTE: These classes, like all Training & Development offerings, are available to University of Kentucky employees only.
Operation Read: Operation Read promotes individual growth and a stronger community through its English as a Second Language program. By offering free individual and small group tutoring, Operation Read's ESL program helps adult students achieve their personal and career goals.
Operation Read's ESL program is delivered through volunteer one-on-one and small-group tutoring, and through classes taught by experienced, culturally-sensitive ESL instructors.
Beginning students learn the basic English skills needed to survive in the community, at work, and at home. At every level, students work on improving their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Our volunteer tutors provide encouragement and support so that students feel confident using English outside the classroom in a very short time.