English Language Program (ESL)
2024 Fall Term classes began on September 24 and will go through December 12.
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.
Please contact Karen Patschke, our ESL Coordinator, with any questions.
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 six levels of English instruction each Fall, Spring, and Summer. We also offer a ‘Language Partners’ program that pairs native speakers with learners for more individualized attention. 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. Some classes are held on Zoom. 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 Fall Term Classes
September 24-December 12
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 IN-PERSON.
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. Thursdays, 12:00-1:00 PM. Contact Karen Patschke, Park Street’s ESL Coordinator.
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.
WHO IS JESUS? VIRTUAL.
Bible study for students who are new to God’s Word. The study will focus on various parts of the Bible, with discussions on the meaning and application of those readings. Free! All are welcome! Wednesdays, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Contact Karen Patschke, Park Street’s ESL Coordinator.
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.
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 service is also live streamed.
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 Polo Kim, Minister to Internationals.
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.