This program offers classes in English to non-native speakers in the local community. People from a variety of backgrounds choose to study in our Community Program: Au Pairs, immigrants, L-2 visa holders, H-4 visa holders, permanent residents, and US citizens. Each class has a short description but is unique from quarter to quarter. The classes are designed to provide instruction in a particular skill (grammar, speaking, vocabulary, test preparation, etc.) but students and teachers work together to shape the class to meet the needs, interests, and levels of the majority. These classes are cost-effective and meet three days week, with additional practice done online. The classes are one quarter in duration (i.e. about 12 weeks.)
The ELI Community classes being offered in Fall 2026 are:
Pronunciation & Accent Reduction (5 CR)
Students learn and practice specific difficult sounds, proper mouth position, stress, intonation, and rhythm, and how to assess and improve their own pronunciation.
Course Outcomes
- Explain and say American English sounds and clusters.
- Explain and say minimal pairs.
- Explain and say sentence stress and intonation.
- Explain key differences between your first language and American English, and reduce these differences
- Evaluate and modify your accent.
This class meets Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:30am to 11:20am.
TOEFL Preparation (5 CR)
Students improve their test-taking skills, practice taking the TOEFL, IELTS, and DET (Duolingo English Test), and improve their listening comprehension, structure, and reading skills by focusing on specific test-type exercises.
Course Outcomes:
- Use test-taking skills to manage time.
- Listen for key words, idioms, time words, main ideas, and negatives.
- Infer meaning in conversations and lectures.
- Use correct grammar.
- Read and skim, scan, infer, guess vocabulary from context, and identify attitudes and key ideas.
This class meets Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:30am to 12:20pm
Admission and Registration
Follow the next steps to apply and register for community classes:
- Apply to Bellevue College under “Non-Degree Program.”
- Submit an ELI Interest Form.
We recommend you apply early to secure seats in the classes you are interested.
Tuition and fees/Payment Methods
The cost of each class is $680. Students can pay online or in-person at the Student Financial Services office by cash, check, money order, VISA or Master credit card, or traveler’s check.
For more information, please email ela@bellevuecollege.edu
Last Updated August 19, 2026