What is ESOL?

An ESOL (English for Speakers of other Languages) course is for you if English is not your first language and you want to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

ESOL courses focus on language skills but also include cultural orientation, employability and citizenship skills. ESOL training courses can use a range of activities and resources to make learning interesting and relevant.

More information on ESOL classes available at the 6 different Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland you will find by clicking into their respective websites (links below).

Belfast Metropolitan College - https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/part-time/esol/

South Eastern Regional College - https://www.serc.ac.uk/Course/ESOL

Southern Regional College - https://www.src.ac.uk/courses/part-time-courses/esol

North West Regional College - http://www.nwrc.ac.uk/esk/

Northern Regional College - http://www.nrc.ac.uk/part-time/esol/

South West College - http://www.swc.ac.uk/learn/esol

The focus of ESOL classes is to:

• Equip you to participate in daily life in Northern Ireland, help you to talk to your neighbours, organise transport, go shopping, visit a doctor, talk to teachers in schools, help your child with homework, develop your skills through training and achieve a qualification. 
• Give you employability/enterprise skills particularly CV writing and interview skills.
• Teach you about local culture, democracy, the rule of law, equality and diversity and sustainable living.

There are courses at different levels so it is important that you complete an official assessment and start at the right level for you.

Why should you learn English?

The ability to understand and speak English is critical to both interacting with the community and securing employment.

ESOL courses provide the language skills that are essential to enable better communication in all aspects of life in Northern Ireland. This will help you to deal with things like the health service, schools, social security benefits, housing, banking, employment and even public transport and driving. As well as all of these direct practical benefits to you, learning English will also help you and your family integrate better into your local community.

You will find details of English classes all over Northern Ireland using the search system above.