English Language Learning and World Languages Department at Harold Washington College

When I registered for ESL classes at HWC for the first time, my expectations were not so high. I just had felt the need to brush up on my English to continue my life as a new immigrant, so I searched for the closest ESL program from my place online and found HWC. At that time, I had no idea this choice would affect my whole life, especially my career. Many English language learners are not aware of the importance of academic English knowledge and skills, and I was one of them. To me, English was simply a language I needed to keep practicing without knowing where to focus. However, from the first day at HWC, I could learn academic English is very different from English for everyday conversation, and it is critical to know how to use it properly to be successful in not only academic settings but the professional world. Thanks to the experienced and committed professors, I made great progress on speaking and writing skills within a semester and got a high score on TOEFL. I also got recommendation letters from my professors, which helped me to get accepted to UIC graduate school. Now I am back to HWC as an ESL instructor, and I take great pride in my work as I can give what I got from school back to my students, who work so hard for a better future. One small choice I made many years ago has led me to who I am today, and it is one of the best things I have ever done in my life. 처음 Harold Washington College에 등록했을 때만해도 저의 기대감은 그리 높지 않았습니다. 그저 이민자로서의 새로운 삶을 계속 이어가기 위해, 영어공부가 필요할 것 같았지요. 그래서 우선 인터넷으로 집에서 가장 가까운ESL 프로그램을 찾아봤고, 그것이 HWC ESL 과정이었어요. 그때 까지만해도 이 결정이 제 삶, 특히 제 경력에 지대한 영향력을 미칠 것이라는 걸 몰랐습니다. 많은 영어 학습자들은 academic English의 중요성을 잘 모르는 경우가 많고, 저 또한 그랬습니다. 영어는 그저 무조건 매일매일 열심히 공부해야 하는 언어일 뿐이었지요. 그러나 Harold Washington College의 ESL 수업을 들으면서, 저는 academic English가 일반 영어 회화와 얼마나 큰 차이가 있는지, 그리고 미국 학교나 회사에서 성공하기 위해 그것에 대한 지식과 기술 습득이 얼마나 중요한 지에 대해서 확실히 알게 되었습니다. 경험이 풍부하고 헌신적인 교수님들 덕분에, 저는 단 한 학기만에 말하기와 쓰기 실력을 크게 향상시킬 수 있었고, 학기 말에 본 토플 시험에서 고득점을 받았습니다. 이 뿐만 아니라 교수님들께 받은 추천서로 UIC 석사과정에 합격하게 되었구요. 지금은 ESL 강사로 HWC에 돌아와 있으며, 일에 대한 큰 자부심을 가지고 있습니다. 왜냐하면, 제가 학교에서 배운 것을 오늘도 더 나은 미래를 위해 열심히 노력하는 학생들에게 되돌려 줄 수 있으니까요. 제가 수 년 전에 했던 작은 선택이 오늘의 제가 있도록 해 준 씨앗이 되었고, 그 선택은 제가 지금껏 해 온 일중에 가장 잘 한 일이라고 자신합니다

I have had a great experience learning English at Harold Washington. The ESL program is wonderful and is supported by high quality teachers. Something that caught my attention in this College, was its interactive plan of English as a Second Language. As a student, I have felt valued and respected by all the staff. In my country, Venezuela, I was a professor for 15 years, and I can say with property that the ESL program at Harold Washington has an attractive and interactive methodology. The activities are planned beyond a classroom. Thank you very much to all my wonderful professors, especially Sunjoo Kim, Karen Smith, Jackie Cunningham and Gitte Maronde. Thanks for your dedication and patience 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Eternally grateful. Aleska Sever

To complete my Associate of Arts degree, I chose Harold Washington because of the variety of language programs offered each semester. I enrolled in 3 different classes: Spanish, French, and Japanese. I started with Spanish 103 over the summer and I was able to take Spanish 213, a Spanish literature course. In the literature course, the lecture was in Spanish and we could only speak in Spanish. This kind of immersion given to non-native speakers makes all the difference when learning another language. I have improved my Spanish skills immensely by losing the fear to make mistakes. I currently take an introductory French online and Japanese course in-person. I am a motivated learner but everyone needs help. I have never felt that my instructors were hard to reach. I couldn’t have accomplished half of what I’ve done without the great people I’ve met during my time here.

This department is incredible! The teachers are a good mix of sweet craziness and responsibility. My knowledge as increased a lot since I’m here. Also, you will make amazing connections with people from all around the world! I totally recommend this place if you’re looking for improving yourself and your English ☺️

This college is really helpful to improve myself. I have studied there for one year, but I learned many things. Teachers are willing to teach everyting they know. I never regret to choose this college. I recommend it all ESL students.

When I decided to complete my Associates at Harold Washington, I did so with the intention of eventually moving to France to complete my Bachelor's. Thus, I needed to learn French and I needed to learn now, how, was the real question. I was exctatic to find out that Harold Washington offered French 101,102 and 103. I had the privilege of learning French for three semesters with Andrew Cutcher. With his energy, drive and passion for language learning, I felt that this journey would not be as tough as I imagined. He provided support in and out of the classroom by creating literature and film clubs where we could learn about French culture. He provided numerous amounts of activities, resources and encouragement. I was selected as a candidate for a trip to France to participate in a fully immersion course complemented with trips to many museums and restaurants; unfortunately, Covid had other plans. I am now in Cholet, France putting into action everything I learned in his lessons: all the cultural references, étiquette, language, including his teaching method. I use his method to now give English lessons in France. I would be content knowing I am half the professor Mr. Cutcher is, even a quarter; he has big shoes to fill.

Harold Washington college has the best of ESL activities. It has quality teachers to make you understand and accomplish your goals of education.