Build a Pathway for Success!
Our English Language Institute (ELI) offers free English language classes for multilingual adults who want to improve their English skills for college, work, and everyday life.
Classes are open to the community, and you do not need to be an OCC student to participate.
Our courses help students build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing English while creating a pathway to college coursework. Additional support for English language learners is also available by appointment.
Learning English takes time. Many students repeat the same class level several times before advancing. This is a normal part of the language-learning process.
Attendance and Class Size
Classes meet every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours each day for 7-weeks (5-weeks in the summer).
Because classes meet four days per week, students should enroll only if they can attend regularly.
Students must attend 70% of scheduled classes to receive a participation certificate.
Class sizes are small, with approximately 16 students per class, allowing instructors to provide individualized support. Space fills quickly.
About our Classes
All ELI classes meet Monday through Thursday. Class sessions align with the OCC academic calendar.
Beginner English Classes (Target Level: CEFR A2)
- 9:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
- 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- 4:45 p.m.–6:45 p.m.
Intermediate English Classes (Target Levels: CEFR B1–B2)
- 9:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
- 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Contextualized English Classes (Target Levels: CEFR B2-C2)
Our contextualized classes are specialized English classes geared towards careers in healthcare, business, and technology. These classes are offered when there are sufficient resources and students to run the course These classes may be offered based on student interest, community need, and program availability.
Ready to Get Started?
To register for classes, you must create an OCC User Account. If you already have an OCC username and student ID number, you can skip this step. If you do not have an OCC student account, please set one up by clicking the button below.
Before registering for classes, all new students must complete a free English Language Assessment to determine the most appropriate class placement.
Understanding Your Score: ELI uses the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which measures English proficiency on a scale from A1 (beginner) to C2 (advanced).
Assessment Details
- Free of charge
- Administered in person
- Approximately 90 minutes
- Tests reading, writing, listening & speaking
- Can be retaken every 90 days
- Offered year-round by appointment
Schedule Your Assessment
Assessments are administered in Testing Services, located in Coulter Library, Room C103.
Practice Test
Before your assessment, you can take a free 15-minute practice test to become familiar with the assessment format.
Practice Test
After completing your assessment, you will receive an email with:
- Your assessment results and placement level
- Information about upcoming sessions
- Registration instructions and a registration link