ESOL Programs

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 toward individuals who plan to pursue a college education. 

WHEN

Dates: July 2025 - exact dates announced in the spring. 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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 TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo test.