History

Every year international scholars come to Notre Dame to study, conduct research and teach. As the numbers increased in the 1990’s, it became apparent that their spouses had a need for an English as a Second Language program.

As a result, Martha Borkowski, an experienced ESL teacher in the community, established an independent ESL program at the Intermediate/Advanced level for international spouses in 1992. As demand increased, the Center for Social Concerns, funded the addition of a Beginning Class.

In 1995 both the Beginning and the Intermediate/Advanced ESL classes moved to the new University Village Community Center and came under the auspices of the ISSA Department. As the program flourished, a third level was added in 2005. Two of the classes then moved to the Sacred Heart Parish Center, which enabled cooperation on student projects, including student publications.