YWCA of Queens

Our long-standing ESL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program is designed to educate the Queens community, particularly the immigrant population, in the use of the English language. For more than thirty years, we have assisted families in becoming acclimated to life in America by providing free English classes. The program is a place where participants can improve their English proficiency as well as their cultural competence, which are often essential for creating a successful life in the United States. The program also caters to the needs of new immigrants by helping them integrate into the new society through ESL literacy tutoring, civics lessons (citizenship assistance), and business English (preparation for employment) classes.

Taught by highly qualified and dedicated teachers, ESL classes are designed to inform students of the rules of the English language, gain understanding of American life and culture, and provide a place to practice and improve communication skills as a community of English language learners. When students enter the ESL program, our staff provides a free assessment of their English language level to place them in the appropriate classes, ranging from level 0 to level 3. These classes are designed to meet the individual needs of the students. With classes in session in the morning and evening, students have the freedom to choose the class that best fits their schedule. An average ESL class at the YWCA has a fifteen to one teacher ratio, providing the ideal atmosphere for group learning. More than 400 immigrant adults learn English and Civics at the YW each year.

Current offerings of ESL classes

• ESL classes Level 0~3
• ESL literacy tutoring sessions
• WANY (We are New York) conversational classes
• Civics

Testimonial:

“I would like to thank the entire YWCA team for everything you’ve done for me this year.  For as long as I was with you, I found you extremely friendly, cooperative, helpful, and systematized.  I stumbled upon this place accidentally last spring.  Prior to that, I did not know that such a wonderful community existed in Flushing.  I am positive that if I had found this amazing establishment earlier, I would have had some college degree today.  My ESL teacher taught us everything we needed to know, from the rules of English grammar to our children’s PTA meetings.  Two years ago, I could have never imagined that I would be up here, delivering a speech that wasn’t my mother tongue but in the language that I was terrified to speak a word in.  Now, I am here delivering my speech as live proof of our teacher’s dynamically successful effort, for the courage she instilled in our hearts as well as in our mouths, and taught us to speak up.”

-Rukhsana Suhail

Quick Links

• Mayor’s Office of Adult Education
• Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
• Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence
• Information on NYC services in English, Spanish, Chinese & Russian
• Free English Classes at Queens libraries
• We Are New York: Learn English on TV and computer