English Language Resources for Undocumented & Immigrant Students

General Information

The Queens College Immigrant Student Support Initiative recognizes that affordable English language learning programs and resources benefit immigrant students, their families, and the local community. This webpage outlines some affordable English Language courses and resources. Please review the resources below to learn more about the English language resources and services available to the immigrant community.

The English Language Program at Queens College

Service Information

The Queens College Office of Professional & Continuing Studies offers an English Language Program frequently during the academic year.   ​​

The English Language Program is available to individuals whose first language is not English. Therefore, courses are accessible to students, staff, faculty, and the local community!

The English Language Program is designed to cater to individuals at various levels of English proficiency, from low-intermediate to advanced. With a duration of ten weeks and the convenience of being hosted on Zoom, it offers a flexible learning option for busy professionals and students. The cost of each course is $374.

How to Register for the English Language Program

Individuals interested in viewing available courses and participating may register by clicking the button below and typing English into the “Keyword” field.

If individuals have questions about the English Language Program, want to find out when new courses will be available, or want to be added to a waitlist for closed courses, please contact Ann Larios via email at Ann.Larios@qc.cuny.edu. For more information on the English Language Program, please visit their website.

The CUNY Adult Literacy & ESL Program

The CUNY Adult Literacy (HSE/ESL) Program is a cornerstone of CUNY’s Division of Adult and Continuing Education. The program offers adult literacy programs at fourteen CUNY Campuses across all five boroughs. Within the program, there are three areas of instruction.

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL): A curriculum designed for immigrants to improve their abilities to speak, understand, read, and write. Courses are available at all levels.
• Pre-High School Equivalency (Pre-HSE): A curriculum enabling students to improve their reading, writing, and mathematics skills, preparing them to participate in high school equivalency classes.
• High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) Preparation: A curriculum where students improve their reading, writing, and mathematic skills as examined on the High School Equivalency (HSE) exam.

If students want to learn more about available programs, they can click the button below and view the courses available by location.

New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) English Courses

The New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) provides New York City residents with English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. The classes are designed to help individuals build their speaking and reading skills. Individuals do not need a social security number (SSN) or any documentation to enroll in these courses.

To be eligible for the FREE courses, individuals:

• Must live in New York City
• Be 21 years or older
• Not have received a U.S. high school diploma or its equivalent

Individuals interested in enrolling in courses can start by clicking the button below and reviewing the registration information.

If individuals have questions or concerns, they should direct their questions to adultednyc@schools.nyc.gov and 646-481-8227.

New York Public Library English Courses

The New York Public Library offers FREE English courses and resources to help adult improve their communication skills. Four types of classes are available at more than twenty libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. The types of courses are outlined below.

We Speak NYC English Conversation Classes

First, the New York Public Library offers “We Speak NYC English Conversation Classes,” a free supplemental English language resource offered online and in person. These informal, conversational classes are for beginner, intermediate, and advanced English learners who want to sharpen their speaking and listening skills.

To participate in the “We Speak NYC English Conversation Classes,” please click the button below for a calendar of upcoming classes.

Series-Based English Classes

Second, the New York Public Library offers series-based classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level learners. These structured courses come in three forms, outlined below.

• ESOL Classes: Classes designed for non-native speakers to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Adult Basic Education Classes: Classes for students who already speak English but want to improve their reading and writing.
• English for Work Classes: Classes designated for intermediate and advanced speakers looking for work or are already employed and want a better job.

These classes are held year-round in 10-week cycles and offered online and in person. To be eligible for these FREE courses, individuals:

• Be 18 years or older
• Make a six-month commitment
• Live, work, or study in New York City

Please note that no documentation is required. Individuals may participate, regardless of their immigration status. 

Individuals interested in participating in these courses must click the button below to attend an information session. After completing the information session and placement test, individuals can finalize their registration with an in-person registration process.