Ventura College English as a Second Language Program (ESL) has classes starting October 8 in Santa Paula and Ventura. The ESL program offers beginning to advanced classes; both credit and non-credit, for every student who wants to learn English. Students practice the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills needed for work, for regular college courses and for life in the community. Ventura College has provided ESL training for students whose primary language includes Spanish, Farsi, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese, among other languages. Anyone for whom English is not the primarily language will benefit from these courses. In addition, students enjoy meeting people from around the world and often make lifelong friends.

The college offers late-start ESL classes both in the morning and evening sessions. Classes will conclude the week of December 10. All ESL and Basic English as a Second Language (BESL) students go through a placement process to ensure that they are in the correct level course.

· Assisted Self -Assessment and Placement Activities will be held on October 4 and October 9:

o On the main campus in Ventura, in MAC 205, at 10:30 am and 6 pm

o At the East Campus in Santa Paula, in Room 20, at both 8 am and 6 pm.

o In Fillmore, at Fillmore High School in Room 56, at 6 pm.

· Assisted Self -Assessment and Placement Activities will be held in Ojai, at the Ojai Valley Inn, Central Services Building B, Training Room, on October 8, at 6:30 pm.

"The environment for learning English through the Ventura College ESL program is optimal" notes Karen Harrison, Department Chair. "We have a professional, experienced and caring teachers and staff. Our bilingual counselor and assistants help place students in the correct level courses. We have former students available to help new students adjust to the learning environment. Ventura College offers free English language tutoring, free training and use of computers and the Learning Resources Centers at the main campus and in Santa Paula. Our non-credit classes are free to the students and financial aid is readily available for those who qualify for the low cost of the credit courses. Education is the key to opportunities and language skills are the key to success in education."

ESL classes are instrumental for students hoping to get a better job, advance their education, ensure that their own children succeed in school, communicate with English speakers, learn about American culture, or become an American citizen.

Once a student enrolls at Ventura College, they have myriad services available to them, including financial aid, bilingual counseling, tutoring, the learning centers, computer labs, library services, and the Student Health and Psychological Services facility.

Registration is easy at www. venturacollege.edu or call the Counseling Office at 654-6448. Students may also contact the Ventura College East Campus at 525-7136.