EAL - English as an Additional Language

The goal of the EAL Department is to prepare students whose dominant language is not English to participate with confidence and success in college programs and curricula at SUNY Erie.

Advisement is coordinated through the English as an Additional Language Department. Here, the staff work with students in planning programs and helping with placement into appropriate classes. Courses provided to EAL students target the improvement of English, math and academic skills.

Degree-credit introductory courses are also available to all EAL students. These courses help students develop their vocabulary and concept building, while also allowing them to earn credit for many degree programs in the college.

Course Recommendations

The English Skills Center and Language Lab

The English Skills Center houses resource materials and computers for student use, and the Language Lab offers audiovisual equipment to improve language skills.

Students seeking entrance information or other help are encouraged to visit the English as an Additional Language Department located in room 400 at City Campus or call 851-1079.

Tutoring

The English Skills Center provides tutoring services to all students for all courses. Our trained tutors are happy to assist students in all stages of the writing process, from brainstorming and task analysis to final documentation in APA and MLA formats and everything in between. We work with students to improve their self-editing skills, suggesting strategies and resources so they can become confident, independent writers.

Pathways to Success (College Preparatory Program)

Pathway to Success offers four distinct college preparatory program pathways leading to college success.  All programs are non-credit and tuition-free.

The High School Equivalency Preparatory (HSE) Program (formally known as the GED program) assists eligible individuals in obtaining their New York State HSE diploma and prepare for the national TASC exam.

The Pathways English as an Additional Language (EAL) Program helps to prepare incoming English Language Learners (ELL’s) for collegiate admission by offering courses to improve their English skills and college readiness. 

The Pre-Collegiate and R.I.S.E. (Readying Incoming Students for Excellence) Programs prepare students to successfully complete the ACCUPLACER computer-based placement testing prior to their enrollment in SUNY Erie college classes.

For information, call: 716-851-1105 or 270-4652.

Global Education and International Student Services

SUNY Erie’s International Student Services helps international students who have an F1 Visa with the application process, U.S. immigration regulations, cultural adjustment, and academic and personal support.

For help with international procedures contact: 716-851-1359, international@ecc.edu.