English Language Learners

Iowa Western Community College offers classes to help students develop stronger listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. By improving English Language skills, students improve their chances of success in future education and employment.

To enroll in our ELL program and to start developing your English skills, review our orientation schedule (Link to orientation page), select the orientation date that works best for you, and call us at 712-325-3266 to sign-up. We look forward to helping you to reach your goals

Location

Iowa Western Community College
Kinney Hall, Second Floor
2700 College Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Orientation Schedule

Orientation

July 12, 2024
August 9 and 23, 2024
September 6 and 20, 2024
October 11, 2024
November 1 and 22, 2024
January 10 and 24, 2025
February 7, 2025
March 7 and 21, 2025
April 4 and 18, 2025
May 2 and 9, 2025

Evening Orientation

July 10 and 11, 2024
July 24 and 25, 2024
August 7 and 8, 2024
August 21 and 22, 2024
September 4 and 5, 2024
October 9 and 10, 2024
October 30, 2024
November 6 and 7, 2024
November 20 and 21, 2024
January 8-9, 2025
February 5 and 6, 2025
February 19 and 20, 2025
March 5 and 6, 2025
March 19 and 20, 2025
April 2 and 3, 2025
April 16 and 17, 2025
April 30, 2025
May 1, 2025
May 7 and 8, 2025

Class Schedule

Classes take place Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. or Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00-8:30 p.m.

July 15 – August 29, 2024
September 9 – October 24, 2024
November 4 – December 12, 2024
January 13 – February 27, 2025
March 10 – April 24, 2025
May 5 – June 12, 2025

FAQ

How do I qualify for the ELL program?

Any speaker of a language other than English, who is at leave 18 years old and desires to improve their English may qualify for classes. This is determined by the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) Reading and Listening assessments taken during orientation.

Students will need to provide a valid photo ID and current email.

What equipment is needed in order to participate in English Language Classes?

You will need a notebook, pen or pencil, and a great attitude. It is helpful for the morning classes and required for evening classes to also log 2 hours of online study hours each week.

Where do I study online?

In order to access our online English program, Burlington English, you will need the following:

*Computer/tablet/smart phone

*Internet Access/Wifi/or Hotspot

**If you do not have access to a working computer, you have the opportunity to qualify to check out a laptop and other accessories through our GEER Grant program.**

How much does the ELL program cost?

Students are required to pay a $25 registration fee at orientation. There are no additional fees for ELL classes.

What is expected and required?

Students are required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of study time each week, including class time, to maintain active status. If students do NOT show sufficient time in class and/or supplemental activity on Burlington English for a month, their Burlington English account will be deactivated.

Can I register for classes online?

No. Students must attend a 3 hour, in-person ELL orientation and complete the CASAS Reading and Listening assessments. Orientation can be scheduled by calling 712-325-3266.