English as a Second Language (ESL) Education

English as a Second Language

Learning English is one of the most challenging and essential tasks for newly-arrived refugees. It is the first step to becoming self-sufficient, and the best way to become integrated in one’s community. Getting a job, communicating with neighbors, or accessing important services such as the police or fire department is difficult without English language skills.

Our ESL Classes

Are you a recent immigrant or do you know someone who is a recent refugee or asylee and would like to learn English?

We offer English language classes (ESL) for adult learners in Vancouver. Classes are tuition-free and open to refugees, asylees and people who qualify as:

  • TANF or RCA recipient
  • Survivor of trafficking
  • Amerasian
  • Cuban-Haitian entrant
  • Afghan Humanitarian Parolee
  • Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee
  • Iraqi Special Immigrant and eligible family
  • Afghan Special Immigrant and eligible family

These small group, face-to-face classroom sessions include opportunities for conversation. Classes happen daily at our offices on Main Street near downtown Vancouver. Materials are provided.

Our current schedule includes two multilevel ESL classes: 

1. ESL — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday — 9 a.m. to 12 noon

2. ESL — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday — 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Regular attendance at each of the four sessions is expected.

Learning English will change your future for the better. Don’t wait, join us today!

Contact us at [email protected] or call 360-787-4739.

Tutoring Services

LCSNW Vancouver offers English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring services to meet the needs of refugees who are unable to attend ESL classes. A tutor works one-on-one with a student, providing an individualized curriculum that suits their specific needs. Many students with ESL tutors are working adults or stay-at-home and would not otherwise have access to learning English.

How to help

We are looking for volunteer tutors to provide online or in-person ESL classes to refugees for 3 hours per week. We ask both the tutor and the client to commit to this schedule for at least 6 months, or ideally a year. Our clients are all motivated and studious adults.

Materials, training and support are provided. Teaching experience of any kind is preferred. As an ESL volunteer, you will truly make a difference in the lives of the students you teach! For more information on tutoring call us at 360-787-4727 or email [email protected]

We ask volunteers and students to open a gmail account in order to use the Google Meet remote meeting platform. Volunteers also need to fill out an application form, sign some documents (Tutor-Student Agreement, ESA Non-disclosure of Confidential Information Agreement) and consent to a background check.

Need more information?

Contact an office offering this program