The ELL Program at First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church Champaign (FPCC) is committed to helping people who come to our community from other countries as immigrants or visitors. Our English Language Learners (ELL, formerly ESL) Program provides the opportunity for Adult English Language Learners to improve their English fluency and conversational language skills in a setting that encourages community and friendship.  

Our dedicated volunteer tutors use various resources, such as Google translate and picture dictionaries, to communicate with non-English speakers.  In addition, tutors and students have access to many additional resources to enrich more advanced learners.
The ELL Program at First Presbyterian Church collaborates with the other organizations that are also concerned with the language needs of immigrants and international visitors.
 

About our free ELL classes:

 
  • Classes are for adults (18 years or older).
  • Our ELL Program provides a safe and enjoyable place to learn English and make new friends. Our classes focus on improving English language skills and acquainting students with American culture. We provide many opportunities for social conversation and pronunciation practice.
  • We offer ‘in-person’ classes in the Education Building at First Presbyterian Church, Champaign, IL (FPCC). 
  • Classes generally meet for 1-1.5 hours.  In-person classes also include a 30-minute “conversation and coffee time” where learners from all levels can get together to socialize.
  • Our teachers are dedicated volunteers who receive training in the use of use effective language teaching strategies.
  • Our program does not offer educational credit for any of our classes. While we do a bit of writing and reading, our classes focus on speaking and listening for conversation. 
  • Our classes are free, but donations are welcome if you are able to give. The “recommended registration donation” is $20, but any amount is appreciated. 
 

FALL 2023:

Our Fall Session is full. We are no longer accepting new students for Fall.

Please register at https://forms.gle/yaSCSBopxfFWVPgo9 to be put on the waiting list for classes. Our waiting list gives priority to those who are planning to live in the US long term. However, when we have room, we will take newcomers who will be here for at least a semester. 

 

Interested in Becoming a Volunteer Tutor?

If you are interested in volunteering in our ELL Program, please send an email to esl@firstpres.church for more information.