English Language Program
(ESL)
2024 Summer Term classes will begin on May 21 and end on August 15.
Registration for Summer Term classes will be on Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at Park Street Church, 1 Park Street, Boston, MA 02108.
Most of our classes require in-person registration so that we can best determine through an exam (grammar, idioms, and writing sample) which level you will be in. We teach beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Some classes, such as English Vocabulary and our Professional Communications Workshop, can be registered for online. *See class listings below for online registration instructions.
Please contact Karen Patschke, our ESL Coordinator, with any questions. [email protected]
Did you Know?
Recently the foreign-born population of the city of Boston was determined to be 177,461.* Annually nearly 50,000 temporary-visa students, scholars and family members arrive in metro Boston for degree or language study, research or work. Yearly hundreds of refugees are resettled across metro Boston. Park Street Church, located in the heart of the city, is pleased to offer an English Language Program through its FOCUS program.
* As reported by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, in an annual report “Boston by the Numbers 2015.”
English Language Classes
We offer four sections of English classes: Academic English Writing, Professional Communications Workshop, Conversational English, and TOEFL iBT (internet-based TOEFL). All classes are taught by caring volunteer teachers from Park Street and surrounding area churches, and held inside the church campus at One Park Street, just across the street from Park Street subway station. Most classes have fewer than 10 students and maximum class size is 15.
Registration is required before the beginning of each session for each English Language Class. If you are a new student, please bring a state-issued photo identification card to registration. You will be given a placement test to determine which level is best for you.
2024 Winter/Spring Term Classes
January 23-April 11
CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH IN-PERSON. For anyone seeking to learn grammar, expand vocabulary and develop confidence with everyday conversations. Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Students are placed according to written and oral language proficiency. Cost $160 (including textbook). Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 AM.
PRONUNCIATION IN-PERSON. For students with intermediate or advanced language proficiency. Cost $60. Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 AM.
ENGLISH VOCABULARY VIRTUAL. Learn new vocabulary in context with a variety of life topics. Class includes speaking, reading, and practice exercises. For students with intermediate or advanced language proficiency. Cost $60. Wednesdays, 1:00-2:00 PM. Contact Karen Patschke, Park Street’s ESL Coordinator, for a registration form.
PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOP VIRTUAL. Weekly workshop offered during fall and winter/spring semesters, focused on improving communications in the workplace. Internationals who are practitioners and scholars of all learned fields are welcome. For students with intermediate or advanced language proficiency. Cost $100. Fridays, 7:00-9:00 PM. Completed registration form, resume/CV and writing samples due at first class. Submit materials, including your registration form (below), to Whay Lee, Instructor.
QUILTING IN-PERSON. Free! All are welcome! Tuesdays, 12:00-2:00 PM. No need to register.
HOPE FOR TODAY! IN-PERSON. Learn about the God of the Bible…who He is…and what that means for us today. Free! All are welcome! Wednesdays, 9:00-10:00 AM. Contact Karen Patschke, Park Street’s ESL Coordinator.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY VIRTUAL. Free! For students with intermediate language proficiency, but all are welcome to try the class. Currently studying the book of Luke. Fridays, 10:00-11:00 AM. Contact Jennifer Lilley.
ADVANCED LEVEL BIBLE CLASS BY PHONE. Free! Contact Kim Watson, Instructor.
TEAHOUSE CHAT IN-PERSON. Offered during fall and winter/spring semesters. Practice English in the company of friends through storytelling, topical discussions, reflection questions, and more. Free! All are welcome! Thursdays, 12:00-1:30 PM.
LANGUAGE PARTNERS IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL. Customized, one‐on‐one learning with an English teacher. This is a great opportunity to practice English and make a new friend! Cost $60. Weekly – days and times are decided by you and your language partner. Contact Karen Patschke, Park Street’s ESL Coordinator.
PARK STREET CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE
8:30 & 11:00 AM traditional
4:00 PM contemporary
The 11:00 and 4:00 services are also live streamed.
Visit www.parkstreet.org for more details.
PARK STREET INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP (PSIF) IN-PERSON. Join us for small group Bible discussions in English. All international students, scholars and their families are invited. Come learn about Christianity and the Bible in a friendly and open environment, where any question is welcome. No need to register, and lunch is provided. Sundays, 12:30‐3:00 PM. Questions? Contact Raymond Kam, Minister to Internationals.
Courses And Activities Not Being Offered This Term
AMERICAN CULTURE AND CONVERSATION IN-PERSON. Through conversation, reading, and vocabulary, this class looks at how traditional values influence various aspects of American life.
ACADEMIC ENGLISH WRITING is a weekly class for international scholars and researchers who wish to improve their writing skills. English language elements that are unique to academic writing will be covered. Lessons are accompanied by pronunciation exercises and analysis of student writing samples. Class size limited. Questions? Contact Karen Patschke, Park Street’s ESL Coordinator.
TOEFL TEST PREPARATION For students with intermediate or advanced language proficiency. Contact Karen Patschke, Park Street’s ESL Coordinator.
Ni hao! I came to Boston as a visiting scholar at BWH. I attended the Professional Communications Workshop and learned a lot about presentations. I appreciate teacher Whay because of the well-prepared lessons, homework assignments, discussion and presentations. It was a really friendly learning experience. I strongly recommend you take this English class.
While a research fellow at MGH, I enrolled in 2 classes: conversational English and PCW. One class provided many settings to practice English: discussing homework, touring museums, cooking, singing and more. In the communications class I learned how to present my research with confidence and in engaging ways. I had fun learning American culture with classmates from different countries.
Konnichiwa! I joined the Professional Communication Workshop to practice speaking in front of people. Our instructor taught passionately and gave us many practical tips. Park Street Church offers a place where you can get out of your comfort zone and make mistakes in an affirming environment with lots of friends and caring, devoted teachers.
