Here's How to Access Free ESOL Classes at Columbia Through Community Impact

May 12, 2023

Throughout the year, Community Impact hosts free 12-week classes in English for speakers of other languages.

Of the hundreds of community programs and resources listed on the Neighbors website, from the A'Lelia Bundles Community Scholars to the Double Discovery Center, the most commonly searched program is for "English courses." And, indeed, that is a resource available at Columbia.

Community Impact, the University's largest student service organization, which got its start in 1981, offers free English classes for adult immigrants who live in the New York City area.

Each year, Community Impact offers three free 12-week cycles of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses across six levels from beginning to advanced literacy. There are also conversation courses offered for higher levels of the program.

A couple of important things to know:

We recently spoke with Natalia Holder-De Bique, the lead program coordinator for ESOL at Community Impact, about the program.

"What lights me up about the program is helping others assimilate into our culture," Holder-De Bique said. "Leaving one's home country is hard enough as it is. Adding the difficulty of not understanding the language or culture of a new place for adults can hinder growth and happiness. Knowing that I’m a part of the solution that helps make their transition easier in such a way lights me up."

Classes take place at the following locations:

The class size is usually 15-25 people. Volunteers teach the classes.

You must be able to attend classes four days a week, Monday through Thursday, for 12 weeks. They take place during the following times:

Walk-in, call, or sign up on the website. You can also email [email protected].