English Language Center @ Howard CC

Business & Professional Certificate Program

2011-12-05T07:55:00.000-08:00

Did you know that you can earn a Business & Professional Certificate by completeing any three of the following courses in one year:

Advanced Pronunciation Training

Reduce your foreign accent and learn to pronounce English in a way that will make others understand you better.
Mondays and Wednesdays 7:00 p.m.-09:30 p.m. from February 13, 2012-April 30, 2012

English for Business Communication

Improve your written and oral communication around these topics: cultural diversity, socializing, using the telephone, negotiating, making presentations, and participating in meetings.

English for Effective Presentations

Develop effective communication skills through discussions, oral readings, and short presentations.

English for Job Seekers

Topics include career assessment, resume and over letter writing, electronic applications, networking, interviewing, and the culture of the U.S. workplace. What will you learn in this class? Read in this blog post - http://ellcathowardcc.blogspot.com/2010/09/top-ten-in-ellcs-english-for-job.html

English for Managers - NEW!

This course focuses on on current management topics such as leadership styles, motivation, recruiting, marketing, use of teams, strategy, dealing with change, managing across cultures, downsizing, finances, and risk management/decision making.

Professional Writing

Work on various types of professional writing such as e-mail correspondence, conventions, memos, short reports, summaries, business letters, cover letters, and resumes. What will you learn in this class? Read in this blog post - http://ellcathowardcc.blogspot.com/2010/09/top-ten-skills-esl-student-will-learn.html

When registering, look for course titiles with * Business & Professional Certificate* in the class schedule!

ELI News and Updates - November 7, 2011

2011-11-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Students,

November 7, 2011

Name Change: The English Institute at English Language Center

The English Language Institute is simplifying its name to the English Institute, or EI for short. The English Institute will continue to be the full-time English program within the English Language Center. The English Institute currently has about 150 students, most of whom have an F1 (student) visa.

Winter and Spring 2012 Course Schedule

Pick up the winter and spring course brochure now in the EI Office, or view the brochure on the EI website! You can register for winter and spring classes starting November 21. To register, please make an appointment with your advisor. F1 international students must provide proof of health insurance for next semester before they can register.

Staff Changes

The English Institute said goodbye to Emily Betz Close on October 28. She accepted a new position working for a governmental organization in Washington, DC. We will miss her!

Please welcome our new EI Advisor, Leonor Davis! Leonor speaks Portuguese and French and will advise students who previously met with Emily. She is available for appointments on Mondays and Thursdays.

Intent Forms due December 1

The EI needs to know your plans for Spring 2012. Will you continue studying? Transfer to another school? Return to your home country? Last week you received a green intent form. Please indicate what your plans are, sign the form, and return the form to the EI Office by December 1.

Upcoming ELI Activities and Deadlines

Deadline for F1 students to apply to HCC for spring semester

Visit the HCC website for more information: http://www.howardcc.edu/admissions/apply/intl/COl.html

Deadline: November 15, 2011

Arts Around the World: Celebrating 10 Years of the English Institute

Don’t miss this fantastic international event with country displays, music, dancing, food, and a fashion show organized by EI students!

When: Thursday, November 17 from 12:00-2:00pm

Where: HVPA Lobby, Howard Community College

Registration for Winter and Spring classes

Pick up the course brochure in the EI Office, or view the brochure on our website!

When: Starting Monday, November 21 by appointment with your advisor

Thanksgiving with American Families

Share the Thanksgiving meal with an American family.

When: Thursday, November 24

To sign up, please email instructor Emily Hicks at ehicks@howardcc.edu

Thanksgiving Break

There are no classes from Wednesday, November 23 to Sunday, November 27. Enjoy the holiday!

English Institute Scholarship Applications due

In the next few days, check your email for information about English Institute scholarships for the spring 2012 semester.

Deadline: Friday, December 1, 2011 at 4:00pm at the EI reception desk (HR-200)

Check the calendar on the EI website for activity updates.

ELI News and Updates - October 18, 2011

2011-10-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Students,

October 18, 2011

We need your help: Arts Around the World

Help us celebrate the ELI’s 10^th Anniversary by participating in Arts Around the World in the HVPA Lobby on November 17 from 12:00-2:00pm. We will have 12 country displays, music, dancing, food, a fashion show, and more! See pictures from last year here: http://on.fb.me/ArtsAroundtheWorld2010

Do you want to participate in a country display or the fashion show? If so, please contact your ELI Advisor by Monday, October 24.

Time to Meet with your ELI Advisor

It is now the middle of the semester, so it is a great time to meet with your ELI Advisor to discuss how the semester is going and make plans for next semester. Please make an appointment with your advisor by emailing her or writing your name on the sign-up sheet in the ELI reception area. Note that registration for Winter and Spring classes will not begin until November 21.

Transferring to HCC?

The application deadline for F1 students transferring to HCC for the Spring semester is November 15, 2011. Visit the HCC website for more information: http://www.howardcc.edu/admissions/apply/intl/COl.html

Upcoming ELI Activities

First Friday Party

Enjoy a Friday night with ELI friends and Americans at an American home.

When: Friday, November 4 from 6:30 – 9:30pm

New York City Trip

When: Saturday,November 5 from 7:45am – 11:00pm

Cost: $35 for bus ticket. You will also need to bring spending money.

Buy your bus ticket in the ELI office starting October 3. All ELLC (even non-ELI) students can buy their tickets at the HCC bookstore.

View photos from previous NYC Trips:

NYC Spring 2011 - http://on.fb.me/ELISpring2011NYC
NYC Fall 2010 - http://on.fb.me/Fall2010NYC
NYC Spring 2010 - http://on.fb.me/Spring2010NYC
NYC Spring 2010 student pictures - http://on.fb.me/StudentpicsfromSpring2010NYC
NYC Spring 2009 - http://on.fb.me/Spring2009NYC

You can also read testimonials from previous NYC trips in this post.

You might hear Mariachi music on the subway when you go!

Check the calendar on the ELI website for activity updates.

Arts Around the World: Celebrating 10 Years of the ELI

Don’t miss this fantastic international event with country displays, music, dancing, food, and a fashion show organized by ELI students!

When: Thursday, November 17 from 12:00-2:00pm

Where: HVPA Lobby

Check the calendar on the ELI website for activity updates.

Photos from Recent ELI Events

Check out photos from the Grand Prix, First Friday Party, and Renaissance Festival on our Facebook and Flickr sites!

Flickr – www.bitly.com/ELLConFlickr

Facebook – www.bitly.com/ELLConFacebook

ELI News and Updates - September 20, 2011

2011-09-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

Dear ELI students,

October is Resume Month at the ELI

Do you have a resume in English? A resume (also known as a résumé) is a brief summary of your education and work experience, which you may give to a potential employer or include in scholarship, college, or graduate school applications. In the month of October, make an appointment with your ELI Advisor to get help with creating a resume. Whether you have a resume in your native language or have never had a resume, your ELI Advisor can help you create a new resume in English of which you can be proud!

Earn a $200 tuition discount for the Spring 2012 semester!

If you have a friend or family member who wants to learn English, now is the time! All continuing ELI students will receive a $200 tuition discount for the Spring 2012 semester for each new F1 international student who comes to study here!

Here’s what to do:

1. Talk to your family and friends and give them an application. Help them apply and tell them how much you love ELI. J

Application: http://bit.ly/ApplytoELI (packets are also available in HR 200)

2. Tell an ELI advisor the name of your friend(s) who plan to apply.

Tell your friend to include YOUR name in the application. (There's a space for this on page 5.)

Photos from ELI Fall Welcome Picnic

Did you attend the Welcome Picnic last Thursday? View the photos and tag yourself.

Flickr - http://bit.ly/WelcomePicnicFall2011

Facebook – http://on.fb.me/WelcomeLunchFall2011

ELI Calendar | Upcoming Activities for October 2011

HCC Grand Prix

Watch world-class horse-riders soar over obstacles and raceagainst the clock at this outdoor event.

When: Saturday, September 24 from 1:30 – 4:00pm

This event is free but tickets are limited. Sign up now inthe ELI office.

First Friday Party

Enjoy a Friday night with ELI friends and Americans at anAmerican home.

When: Friday, October 7 from 6:30 – 9:30pm

Maryland Renaissance Festival

Don’t miss this unique chance to experience life in a 16^thCentury English village! View photos from last year here - http://on.fb.me/MDRenaissanceFestival2010

When: Saturday, October 8 from 9:15am – 3:00pm

Cost: $15 for ticket. You will also need to bringspending money.

Buy your ticket in the ELI office starting September 26.

New York City Trip

When: Saturday,November 5 from 7:45am – 11:00pm

Cost: $35 for bus ticket. You will also need to bringspending money.

You can also read testimonials from previous NYC trips in this post.

You might hear Mariachi music on the subway when you go!

Check the calendar on the ELI website for activity updates.

Fall 2011 semester students

2011-09-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

Fall 2011 semester students,

Please answer these questions:

1) What class are you taking this semester?

2) Why are you taking this class?

3) How did you find out about this class?

ELI News and Updates - August 26, 2011

2011-08-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Dear ELI students,

Fall Classes start on Monday, August 29, 2011

Classes start this Monday, August 29. Remember to bring your class schedule to school on Monday. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your first class.

Parking: See the attached map for information about student parking on campus. The new garage next to Hickory Ridge is open for student parking.

Room Numbers: Attached to this email, you will find a list of class room numbers in Hickory Ridge and Duncan Hall for Monday. Room numbers will also be posted in the buildings. Staff will be in the hallways to help you find your classes.

Tuition: Tuition must be paid before you attend class. You can pay at the Cashier in RCF-212 or enroll online in the tuition payment plan: www.howardcc.edu/paymentplan

Schedule Changes and Questions: If you need to change your schedule or have questions, you can email an ELI Advisor or come to the ELI Office on Monday between 8:30am and 8:00pm.

Hurricane Irene
The hurricane is expected to affect our area this weekend. Be prepared for power outages. There is a possibility that Howard Community College will open late or even be closed on Monday. Check the HCC website for updates or sign up for cell phone text message alerts here: www.howardcc.edu/alerts. For more tips on Hurricane Irene preparedness, see this note on Facebook.

Welcome to our new ELI students

Welcome to our 55 new ELI students! F1 international students attended orientation on Wednesday, and resident students will attend orientation on Monday. Check the ELI website and our Facebook page for orientation photos.

Did you receive this card in the mail?
HCC has a new system for giving refunds. You can choose to receive your refund on a “Higher One card.” All students will receive this card in the mail this week. Look for a bright green envelope, and keep the card you receive! For more information, visit www.howardcc.edu/refunds.

ELI Calendar | Upcoming Activities for September 2011

HCC Campus Carnival

Join the party on the Quad to celebrate the start of the new semester. Earlier in the week, pick up a beach ball at the Student Life office on the second floor of the Galleria. If you bring your beach ball to the Quad at 11:30am, you can be part of an HCC “flash mob” as you bounce your ball to the music!

Labor Day – No classes

Howard Community College will be closed for the Labor Day holiday.

ELI Welcome Lunch

Enjoy lunch and play outdoor games while you meet other ELI students and teachers.

Club Rush

Learn about different clubs at HCC, and sign up to join a club.

Check the calendar on the ELI website for activity updates.

ELI News and Updates - July 19, 2011

2011-07-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

Dear ELI students,

Registration for Fall classes

Have you registered for Fall classes? If you have not registered yet, please make an appointment with an ELI Advisor before August 5. You will need to pay your tuition or enroll in the payment plan by August 3 (or within 48 hours of registering if you register after August 3). F1 students must provide proof of health insurance before registering.

Campus Job Available for Graphic Designers

Are you a student with graphic design experience? Are you a graphic design major and looking for new items to add to your professional portfolio? The ELI is looking to hire one student to assist with marketing projects. Visit the Work Study Job Board and look at the description for position #276 - http://www.howardcc.edu/admissions/pay/finaid/1112/workstudyjobboard1112.htm.

Contact Emily at ebetz @ howardcc.edu if you would like to apply.

Campus Job Available for Graphic Designers

Do you want to practice your English and share your culture with others? The ELI is looking for 1 student to be a partner for an HCC intern. If you are interested, email Emily at ebetz @ howardcc.edu (no spaces). Please include your full name, phone number, and a paragraph describing 3-5 of your favorite aspects of your culture and how you would share them with a foreign person.

ELI Calendar | Upcoming Activities for Summer II 2011

ELI Indoor Soccer Game!

Let’s play some soccer! soccer. Join ELI friends at the Soccer Dome in Jessup (about 10 minutes from HCC) on these dates:

Wednesday, July 27 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm (Note date change from July 28.)

Friends and family members of ELI students are welcome to play too!

The cost is $7 per player (for the field rental). Sign up and pay in advance in the ELI Office.

Watch the video from the first Soccer Game:

Gh ost Tour in Historic Ellicott City

When: Wednesday, July 20 from 6:00pm – 10:15pm

Where: Historic Ellicott City
What: Join ELI friends on a walking tour of Old Ellicott City to learn about the resident ghosts.
Price: Tickets are $12. Buy your ticket now in the ELI Office. Friends and family of ELI students are welcome too.

Check the calendar on the ELI website for activity updates.

ELI News and Updates - June 29, 2011

2011-07-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

Dear ELI students,

Summer II Classes start on Tuesday

The Summer II session starts this Tuesday, July 5, 2011! Day classes will be in Duncan Hall, and evening classes will be in Hickory Ridge. Classroom numbers will be posted on the first day, or you can check room numbers by logging in to HCC Express.

*We recommend that you park in the new garage next to the Hickory Ridge building. The entire garage is open for students.*

Registration for Fall 2011 Classes

Have you registered for Fall classes? If not, please make an appointment with an ELI advisor to register. Classes will start to fill in August, so register in July for the best selection of classes. You will need to pay your tuition or enroll in the payment plan by August 3. Before you can register, you must provide proof of health insurance for the semester.

ELI Soccer Club

Let’s play some soccer! soccer. Join ELI friends at the Soccer Dome in Jessup (about 10 minutes from HCC) on these dates:

Thursday, July 14 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Thursday, July 28 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Friends and family members of ELI students are welcome to play too!

The cost is $7 per player (for the field rental). Sign up and pay in advance in the ELI Office.

ELI Calendar | Upcoming Activities for Summer II 2011

Sno Cone Party

When: Thursday, July 15 from 11:45am – 12:30pm (between classes)
Where: The Quad in front of Duncan Hall

What: Enjoy a refreshing sno cone with your teachers and classmates!

Price: Free with a ticket! You will receive your ticket from your teacher.

DC United vs. New England Revolution Soccer Game
When: Wednesday, July 20 from 6:00pm – 10:15pm

Where: RFK Stadium near Washington DC
What: Watch the DC United play New England Revolution
Price: Tickets are $20. Buy your ticket now in the ELI Office.

Gh ost Tour in Historic Ellicott City

When: Wednesday, July 20 from 6:00pm – 10:15pm

Check the calendar on the ELI website for activity updates.

Testimonials for Conversation 4

2011-06-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

English Language Learning Center students have weighed in on the reasons they enjoyed taking Conversation 4A at Howard Community College. See their testimonials below.

Have you taken a Conversation course at HCC? What was your experience? Share in comments below.

ELI News and Updates - June 2011

2011-06-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

Dear ELI students,

Summer 1 2011 Grade Reports

Grade reports for Summer 1 day classes will be mailed to your home address on June 23, 2011. If you prefer to pick up your grade report in the ELI Office, please notify an ELI Advisor.

Summer 2 classes start on Tuesday, July 5. Enjoy the break!

Parking Garage is Open

The new parking garage next to Hickory Ridge is now open for student parking! There is plenty of space, so check it out!

ELI Soccer Club
We are forming a club for students who like to play soccer. We will play two games this summer at the Soccer Dome in Jessup (about 10 minutes from HCC):
Thursday, July 14 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Thursday, July 28 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Friends and family members of ELI students are welcome to play too!
The cost per game is $7 (for the field rental). Sign up and pay in advance in the ELI Office.

Higher One Cards
HCC has a new system for giving refunds. You can choose to receive your refund on a “Higher One card.” All students will receive this card in the mail this week. Look for a bright green envelope, and keep the card you receive! For more information, visit www.howardcc.edu/refunds.

ELI Calendar | Upcoming Activities for Summer 2011

Day Trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
When: Wednesday, June 22 from 8:30am – 5:00pm
Learn about U.S. history while enjoying the day outdoors in a beautiful town.
Tickets are $10. Buy your ticket now in the ELI Office.

Day Trip to Annapolis, Maryland
When: Wednesday, June 29 from 9:00am – 4:00pm
Go on a boat ride in the harbor, visit the Naval Academy, and explore the downtown area.
Tickets are $20. Buy your ticket now in the ELI Office.

DC United vs. New England Revolution Soccer Game
When: Wednesday, July 20 from 6:00pm – 10:15pm
Watch the DC United play New England Revolution at RFK Stadium near Washington DC!
Tickets are $20. Buy your ticket now in the ELI Office.

Check the calendar on the ELI website for activity updates.

Testimonials for English for Job Seekers

2011-05-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

English Language Learning Center students have weighed in on the reasons they enjoyed taking English for Job Seekers at Howard Community College. See their testimonials below.

Fall 2010 student who obtained a job after taking this course:

Spring 2011 students:

Click here to see the Top Ten Skills an ESL student will learn in ELLC's English for Job Seekers class.

Have you taken the English for Job Seekers course at HCC? What was your experience? Share in comments below.

New York! New York!

2011-02-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

Top Ten Sights an ELI student may see in New York City on the English Language Learning Center's trip on March 5, 2011:

1) The Empire State Building
2) The Rockfeller Center
3) Times Square (during the day and at night)
4) Central Park
5) Fifth Avenue
6) 42nd Street
7) Radio City Music Hall
8) The New York Times building
9) Chrysler Building
10) Broadway

Have you ever been to New York City? What do you like to do there?

Comment below.

Available classes for Spring 2011

2011-02-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

Spring semester has started, but we still have some late start English classes that you could register:

Online and Hybrid Courses:

6 Steps to Clearer Pronunciation

Class starts on Feb. 21.
Class is taught by Dr. Tamara Jones – lots of audio, video, and recorded interactions.
Completely online – no need to travel anywhere!
For High Intermediate-Advanced students.

English at Home

This is a hybrid course with one hour a week conversation time in class and online lessons to complete at home.
Tuesday section starts Feb. 8, 11:55am-12:55pm (Level 3 – intermediate)
Friday section starts on Feb. 11, 12:15-1:15pm (Levels 3&4 – intermediate & advanced)

Other Available Classes:

Let's Just Talk

Starts on Saturday, Feb. 5
For High Intermediate students.

English for Job Seekers 2

Starts on Wednesday, Feb. 9
For High Intermediate & Advanced students.

Advanced Pronunciation Training

Starts on Wednesday, Feb. 9
For Advanced students.

English for Business Communication

Starts on Tuesday, Feb. 15
For Advanced students.

Keyboarding for ESL Students

Starts on Tuesday, Feb. 15
For Beginning 2 & higher level students.

Top Ten in ELLC's English in the Bible class

2011-01-19T14:14:00.000-08:00

Top Ten Skills an ESL student will learn in English Language Learning Center's English in the Bible class:

1) Pronouncing the main characters, locations, and books of the Bible correctly
2) Comprehending and producing vocabulary unique to the Bible
3) Locating resources on the Internet that will help the student study the Bible
4) Discussing Bible stories orally using proper vocabulary and pronunciation
5) Summarizing stories and events after reading Bible passages
6) Reading the Bible in English more fluently
7) Memorizing popular verses from the Bible
8) Singing popular songs based on the Bible
9) Comprehending listening passages from the Bible
10) Leading a group in a discussion about a story in the Bible.

English in the Bible starts on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 3:20 p.m. The class is offered from 3:20 to 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday from February 2, 2011 to May 11, 2011.

To register for English in the Bible at ELLC, please come to Howard Community College, 10650 Hickory Ridge Road, Hickory Ridge Room 200, Columbia, MD 21044.

WIN a certificate for your next ESL class at ELLC

2010-11-15T11:55:00.000-08:00

Do you want to win a $40 certificate for any Winter/Spring 2011 class at English Language Learning Center (ELLC)?

Here are 5 Ways to Enter:

1) “Like” ELLC on Facebook (Go to http://on.fb.me/ELLConFacebook, and click on “Like” next to ELLC at Howard Community College).

2) Comment on any post, any pictures, and any link.

3) “Like” any post, any picture, and any link.

4) Tag yourself in the pictures from ELLC events.

5) RSVP to upcoming events.

You will get a raffle entry for each “like,” each comment, and each tag. The more entries you have, the more chances you have to win.

Winners will be announced on ELLC’s Facebook page - http://on.fb.me/ELLConFacebook.

The Fine Print:
• There will be one winner every month.
• You may only win once a semester.
• The $40 certificate is not transferrable.
• The $40 certificate is not applicable to any outstanding fees you have with ELLC (cannot be applied to tuition for past semesters).

Why become an English Institute student?

2010-11-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

Why should you become an English Institute student?

Intensive English program

Spend more than 18 hours a week in the classroom and lab

Early registration for classes

Work with an adviser to set academic and career goals

Get individual help from an advisor at any time

Scholarships

Earn a $250 or a $500 tuition scholarship each semester

Easy transition to HCC or another degree program

Take classes with the English (ENGL) Department at HCC

Take HCC credit classes ("bridge classes") to experience a college classroom

Trips and activities

Travel to New York City, Washington, DC, and Niagara Falls

Enjoy student picnics and parties with Americans

How do you apply to the ELI?

The English Institute welcomes U.S. residents and F1 international students.

Pick up an English Institute application packet in HR-200, or find the application on our website: http://www.howardcc.edu/ei.

Questions? Call the English Institute office at 443-518-1680.

Top Ten in ELLC's Keyboarding for ESL Students class

2010-09-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Skills an ESL student will learn in Keyboarding for ESL Students class:

1) Identifying the basic external parts of the computer
2) Establishing correct computer ergonomics to ensure health and well-being
3) Learning correct fingering and hand positioning
4) Showing competence in using the Keyboarding Pro program
5) Demonstrating knowledge and skill in keying letters and numbers
6) Exhibiting skill in keying without looking at the keys
7) Improving individual keying time
8) Discovering answers to miscellaneous computer questions
9) Receiving an introduction to Microsoft Word
10) Using games as a means to learn computers and to gain typing speed and accuracy

The class includes computer fees and materials fees.

Keyboarding for ESL Students will start on February 14, 2012 and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:35 a.m.-12:35 p.m. until May 3, 2012.

~~Keyboarding for ESL Students will start on September 6, 2011 and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:45 a.m.-12:35 p.m. until November 22, 2011.~~

Keyboarding for ESL Students has already started but you can still register! The class is for students at Beginning II level and higher and is every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. until November 18, 2011.

~~Keyboarding for ESL Students will start on February 15, 2011 and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. until May 5, 2011.~~

To register for Keyboarding for ESL Students at ELLC, please come to Howard Community College, 10650 Hickory Ridge Road, Hickory Ridge Room 200, Columbia, MD 21044. Mail in registration also accepted.

Have you taken Keyboarding for ESL students at ELC? What have you learned?

Top Ten in ELLC's Professional Writing class

2010-09-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Skills an ESL student will learn in English Language Learning Center's Professional Writing class:

1) Getting Your Message Across
2) Developing Effective Paragraphs
3) Mastering Punctuation
4) Understanding E-mail Etiquette
5) Constructing Professional Memos and E-mails
6) Writing Effective Cover Letters
7) Planning and Writing Chronological and Functional Resumes
8) Constructing Professional Memos and E-mails
9) Revising, Editing, and Proofreading Written Work
10) Conquering Grammar Usage: Prepositions, Articles, and Parallelism

~~Professional Writing starts on Monday, September 13, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. The class is offered from 6:30 to 9:40 p.m. every Monday from September 13, 2010 to December 6, 2010.~~

~~Professional Writing starts on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. The class is offered from 6:30 to 9:40 p.m. every Monday from Monday, February 7, 2011 to May 9, 2011.~~

~~Professional Writing will be offered in the Summer 2011 on Tuesday and Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. from July 5, 2011 to August 18, 2011.~~

Professional Writing is offered in the Fall 2011 on Mondays from 6:30 to 9:40 p.m. from September 12, 2011 to December 5, 2011.

Two sessions of Professional Writing will be offered in the Spring 2011:

Mondays from 6:30 to 9:40 p.m. from February 6, 2012 to May 7, 2012

Saturdays from 9:00 am to noon from February 11, 2012 to May 12, 2012

To register for Professional Writing at ELC, please come to Howard Community College, 10650 Hickory Ridge Road, Hickory Ridge Room 200, Columbia, MD 21044.

Have you taken Professional Writing at ELC? What have you learned?

Top Ten in ELLC's English for Job Seekers class

2010-09-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Skills an ESL student will learn in English Language Learning Center's English for Job Seekers class:

1) Making a Job Plan

Finding Jobs in Different Ways
Researching Companies

2) Applying Online
3) Networking
4) Writing a Resume & Cover Letters
5) Corresponding with Prospective and Current Employers
6) Interviewing
7) Accepting/Rejecting Job Offers
8) Dealing with Difficult Situations on the Job (Lay Off, Fire, Harassment, etc.)
9) Practicing for the Interview
10) Using HCC resources, including HCC Career Center

At the end of the semester, students will practice the interview process through mock interviews. Watch a video of students preparing for their mock interviews:

English for Job Seekers is offered at two different levels and starts on Wednesday, September 8, 2010. The class is offered from 6:30 to 9:40 p.m. every Wednesday from September 8, 2010 to December 8, 2010.

English for Job Seekers is offered at two different levels and starts on Wednesday, February 8, 2011. The class is offered from 6:30 to 9:40 p.m. every Wednesday from February 8, 2011 to May 11, 2011.

To register for English for Job Seekers at ELLC, please come to Howard Community College, 10650 Hickory Ridge Road, Hickory Ridge Room 200, Columbia, MD 21044.

Conversation Top Ten

2010-08-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Things you should do to improve your conversation skills:

1) Practice makes perfect! Practice speaking in English daily. Speak to people in English everywhere (bank, store, gas station, etc).
2) Begin to self-correct your speaking errors
3) Sing songs in English, sign along with your favorite songs on YouTube (See the examples of students singing at the Karaoke Party on ELLCatHowardCC's YouTube channel)
4) Record yourself speaking English using free recorders such as Audacity, listen to your recordings, and record again. Repeat this frequently.
5) Read aloud with the audiobook (to improve your pacing and listening comprehension).
6) Build your vocabulary through reading and websites (such as Quizlet and Quia).
7) Watch TV/movies in English without subtitles to challenge your listening skills.
8) Practice your English with a partner, in class and out of class.
9) Challenge yourself to only speak English one day a week for one month (it's only four days!).
10) Be ready to make mistakes! Don't hesitate - get out there and speak! Your mistakes are some of your best teachers!

Most importantly, to improve your conversation skills you must practice, practice, practice.

Find a class suitable to your conversation level at English Language Learning Center at Howard Community College - http://coned.howardcc.edu/Courses/esl/classes/fall.html.

Summer 1 recap

2010-07-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

English Language Center's Summer 1 semester is over.

What have you learned?

Do you feel that your English has improved in the last few weeks?

Are you planning on returning to study at ELC during Summer 2? If not, why not?

If you are going to study at HCC during the Summer 2 semester, which classes will you be taking?

ELC on Social Media

2010-06-29T12:33:00.001-07:00

Check out English Language Center in social media outlets:

Follow @ELLCatHowardCC on Twitter

See videos on ELLCatHowardCC YouTube Channel

Browse photos on ELLCatHowardCC Flickr photostream

Like ELLC on Facebook