ESOL Programs

ESOL program

English for Speakers of Other Languages

Our English for Speakers of Other Languages program has helped over 500 students from more than 65 countries embark on new and productive lives in their adopted country, the United States. More than an academic program, ESOL is a vital support system of peer tutors, summer courses, and dedicated faculty devoted to helping courageous first-generation students realize their dream of attending college.

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester welcomes students who are Speakers of Other Languages, whether they are interested in:

  • enrolling full-time or part-time in a two-year or four-year degree program;
  • transferring from another college or university;
  • looking for courses to help them make the transition from high school to college;
  • improving their English skills for professional advancement or further studies; or
  • taking a class to improve their writing, reading, speaking, or listening skills.
CONTACT

Emily Kerr
Email: Emily.Kerr@unh.edu

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester offers an intensive program for students of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), including recent high school graduates, transfer students, returning adult students, and other interested persons residing in and around Manchester. The program is geared towards individuals who plan to pursue a college education.

When

Dates: January 24 - May 6, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Where

UNH Manchester, 88 Commercial Street

Cost

$400; tuition waivers available. Priority given to Manchester, Nashua, and Concord area residents.

Contact

Emily Kerr
Multilingual Learner Support Coordinator
Emily.Kerr@unh.edu
(603) 641-4320

or 

Donna Laferriere
Center for Academic Enrichment Administrative Assistant
Donna.Laferriere@unh.edu
(603) 641-4113

Application Process

Applications are available through high school ESOL instructors and guidance counselors, community partners and from UNH Manchester. Interested students should submit the completed application, personal essay, and the letter of recommendation and contact the Center for Academic Enrichment to sign up for the computerized test by January 4. Applications must be emailed to Donna.Laferriere@unh.edu

Objectives

This program helps students improve writing, listening, reading and speaking skills through:

  • Class discussions
  • Presentations
  • Reading assignments
  • Writing tasks
  • Library research
  • Guest speakers from UNH and the Manchester community
Eligibility

Students should have at least an intermediate level of English competency and be 18 years of age or older. Students must:

  • complete an application
  • write an essay and submit a letter of recommendation; and
  • take a computerized test through the Center for Academic Enrichment at UNH Manchester
  • Students will be expected to complete homework assignments and attend all classes.

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester offers an intensive program for students of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), including recent high school graduates, transfer students, returning adult students, and other interested persons residing in and around Manchester. The program is geared towards individuals who plan to pursue a college education. See program flyer for more information.

WHEN

Dates: July 8-August 1, 2024. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

WHERE

UNH Manchester, 88 Commercial Street

COST

$400; tuition waivers available. Priority given to Manchester, Nashua, and Concord area residents.

CONTACT

Emily Kerr
Multilingual Learner Support Coordinator
Emily.Kerr@unh.edu
(603) 641-4320

or 

Donna Laferriere
Center for Academic Enrichment Administrative Assistant
Donna.Laferriere@unh.edu
(603) 641-4113

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are available through high school ESOL instructors and guidance counselors, community partners and from UNH Manchester. Interested students should submit the completed application, personal essay, and the letter of recommendation and contact the Center for Academic Enrichment to sign up for the computerized test by June 15. Applications must be completed using the link below or emailed to Donna.Laferriere@unh.edu

OBJECTIVES

This program helps students improve writing, listening, reading and speaking skills through:

  • Class discussions
  • Presentations
  • Reading assignments
  • Writing tasks
  • Library research
  • Guest speakers from UNH and the Manchester community

ELIGIBILITY

Students should have at least an intermediate level of English competency and be 18 years of age or older. Students must:

  • complete an application
  • write an essay and submit a letter of recommendation; and
  • take a computerized test through the Center for Academic Enrichment at UNH Manchester
  • Students will be expected to complete homework assignments and attend all classes.

The following courses may be taken on a Credit /Letter-grade, Credit /Pass/Fail, or Audit basis.

  • Credit courses count toward a degree.
  • Audit courses (no credit, lower fee) do not count toward a degree.
English (ENGL) 301A, Introduction to College Composition and Reading / ESOL
  • Introduces ESL/ESOL students to standards of academic English in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Strengthens vocabulary and grammar skills.
  • 4 credits toward associate's degree only (may not be taken for credit towards bachelor's degree).
  • Designed as preparatory course for English 400.
  • Instructor's permission required.
English (ENGL) 400, English as a Second Language
  • Improves competence in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing in English.
  • 4 credits (may be repeated up to a total of 16 credits).
  • Recommended as preparation for English 401 or 401A.
  • Instructor's permission required.
English (ENGL) 401A, First-Year Writing for ESOL Students

A special section of First-Year Writing for students whose first language is not English.

  • Training to write more skillfully and to read with more appreciation and discernment, with special attention to the concerns of Speakers of Other Languages. Supplemental work on listening and speaking as necessary. Frequent individual conferences with every student. Instructor permission required.
  • 4 credits.

If you're interested in learning more about the ESOL program or would like to talk about enrolling in classes as a non-degree student, please contact Emily Kerr at emily.kerr@unh.edu or 603-641-4320.

If you are a speaker of another language and seeking admission to a UNH Manchester degree program, contact the UNH Manchester Admissions Office at (603) 641-4150 for information, advice or an application. You should begin this process early, especially if you have academic transcripts from another country that need translation. If you are applying to a degree program, you will need to take the TOEFLIELTS or Duolingo test.

THE MICHAEL PUGH MEMORIAL GIFTS FUND
The Michael Pugh Memorial Gifts Fund was established in honor of Dr. Michael Pugh, whose involvement in and commitment to the college's ESOL programs impacted so many lives. The fund provides financial support for youth, high school students and adults in UNH Manchester’s ESOL summer programs. 
PLEASE CONSIDER SHARING IN MICHAEL’S LEGACY BY MAKING A GIFT