About the Intensive English Language Program

The purpose of Spokane Falls Community College's ESL Program is to raise the student's English proficiency quickly, so that the student can enroll in regular credit-earning college courses. The ESL program is designed to improve the full range of English language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.

SFCC’s ESL Program supports both colleges within the Community Colleges of Spokane: Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) and Spokane Community College (SCC). By learning English in the IELP program, the student receives an unconditional acceptance to both Spokane Falls Community College and Spokane Community College without having to submit a TOEFL score.

Spokane, Washington is a great place to live and study English. International students learn English in a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment.

View Our Brochure in Eight Languages

Service-Learning

International students in the SFCC language school may also participate for up to 1 hour per week in Service-Learning in the Spokane community. Service-Learning is a rewarding way of learning in which students can continue their English study by volunteering in the Spokane community.

English as a Second Language (ESL) students are placed in various locations (schools, hospitals, businesses, government offices, volunteer agencies, etc) and can interact with Americans concerning real, important issues on a regular basis. Service-Learning is not a required part of the ESL program, but all students in the IELP have the opportunity to participate in Service-Learning, and all placement is under the strict supervision and control of Spokane Falls Community College.

Visit the Service-Learning Center web page for more information.

IELP Admissions Process

The student's language program begins upon arrival to campus. At that time, the student is administered a language placement examination that measures their English language ability in two primary areas: listening comprehension and reading comprehension. Currently, the SFCC ESL Program is using the Secondary Level English Proficiency Test (SLEP) as placement examination. Visit the TOEFL Web site for SLEP description and details.

At Spokane Falls Community College, the results of the placement test, together with interviews with the ESL administrative team, are used to determine the student's entry level in the ESL program. No entering international student is guaranteed a placement level in the language program based on their apparent English proficiency, letters of recommendation or diplomas from other language programs. The placement test is the primary determinant of entry level for the language school.

English Language Progress Levels

SFCC's Intensive English Language Program (IELP) has 4 Levels: 50, 60, 70, and 80 level. International students progress to the next higher level at the completion of each level. Normally, students complete each level in one quarter, although in some cases students may advance more than one level in one quarter. English language students exit the program by completing the requirements of the 80 level. In most cases, students are encouraged to enroll in 90's level Bridge Courses to further enhance their English language proficiency. Students completing these 90 level Bridge Classes receive regular college credit.

After completing their English study, and prior to commencement of regular college classes, students receive a second examination. Students planning to enroll at Spokane Community College take the ASSET test. Students planning to enroll at Spokane Falls Community College take the COMPASS test. Both tests are designed to measure a student's writing, reading, and numerical skills, and are administered to ALL incoming students both resident and international. The results of these tests are used to determine at what level students may enroll in specific academic courses in the college. For example, a high score on the numerical portion of the ASSET test may allow the student to enroll in higher-level mathematics courses.