English as a Second Language (ESL)

“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.”
Rita Mae Brown (1944 – ___) US writer, playwright

ESL class was instituted by the office of ISSA of the University of Notre Dame to enrich the lives and improve the English levels of spouses of their international students, scholars, and researchers. The ESL classes are a unique offering of Notre Dame among the universities in the United States. ISSA appointed excellent and experienced instructors for teaching Conversational English, American culture, English grammar, and English literature. During the registration process, you can help choose the direction you are interested in to develop your knowledge about America and English. In the class, everyone has the chance to speak English and to ask questions. At break time, you have the opportunity to make friends from other countries.
-From the Instructors

Students can find helpful information about the activities of the ESL classes in this website. The door of the class is always open for students. It doesn’t matter what language the student speaks, we will listen!

Classes are facilitated by experienced ESL teachers, fall and spring semesters, at the University Village Community Center on campus. Discussion, reading, writing, and vocabulary building are the focus of the instruction. Class size is limited with priority given to the spouses of degree-seeking international students. Registration and language assessments take place at the beginning of each semester. There is free childcare during class times.

A “certificate of attendance” will be presented to those who meet the instructor’s criteria, however, please note that these classes are not offered for academic credit or certification

To learn more about these classes, click here.

NOTE: Spouses of international visiting scholars and post-docs only:
You can choose to enroll in any of the courses offered through the university with your “three-credit benefit”, including English for Non-Native Speakers (ONLY if space is available during the summer semester). For assistance, visit the Graduate School in the Main Building. Spouses of international visiting scholars and post-docs admitted to the ISSA-sponsored classes when space permits.

Self Study
The following list of books, prepared by ESL instructor Ann Germano, is a great way to learn more English within the context of novels and stories that offer you insights into American culture: Book List * Attachment

In progress: ISSA is developing a number of self-study ESL modules to introduce you to works of art in the Snite’s permanent collection, as well as other cultural objects and sites.

ESL CD and Cassette Lending Library
ISSA-Programs has a collection of ESL CDs and Cassettes which may help you with building English grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary skills. Please stop by Room 205 LaFortune Center to view titles.

“A special kind of beauty exists which is born in language, of language, and for language.”
Gaston Bachelard (1884 – 1962) French philosopher