Phone: 845-257-3595
Location: van den Berg Learning Center, Annex 250
Web Address: www.newpaltz.edu/esl
The Haggerty English Language Program (HELP) provides English language instruction to non-native speakers through innovative teaching methods and promotes international cultural exchange. The program serves international students enrolled in SUNY New Paltz and any other people with limited English proficiency who want to refine their academic skills in English or who want to learn more English for personal or professional reasons.
HELP provides English language instruction at four levels during the fall and spring semesters: Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced and Academic Purposes, for both full-time and part-time students. In addition to instruction in all skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar), the program also includes special courses and extra workshops (in topics such as TOEFL preparation or American culture), cultural activities and trips to local tourist attractions, and a "Conversation Partners" program in which HELP students are matched with native-speaking American students for weekly one-on-one meetings of free conversation. With the permission of the Director, students in the two advanced levels may take university academic courses while enrolled in HELP.
Shorter summer sessions are available; more information about summer programs is located on the HELP website page.
Non-native English speakers who are admitted conditionally to SUNY New Paltz without having shown required English proficiency (with TOEFL or IELTS scores meeting admissions standards) will be tested to assess their English proficiency upon arrival. Students who do not meet minimum standards on this test may need to enroll in HELP full or part-time for one or more semesters in order to achieve required test scores or to be approved for further university study.
Enrollment in the program is open to any non-native speaker who has completed secondary education. Acceptance or enrollment in HELP does not guarantee admission to SUNY New Paltz academic programs. HELP staff provides assistance and mentoring to help students pursue further academic goals in the United States.
