Global Learning
International Focus, Individual Impact
Global Learning advances the college as a global learning community by fostering intercultural learning experiences for faculty, staff and students. Global Learning is responsible for international student admission, international student services and advising, study abroad programming and advising, the English Language Acquisition course sequence, immigrant and English language learner services, and managing the college’s international partnerships and grant programs.
Learn English
You can learn English, and Kirkwood has 2 options to help! As an English Language Learner you can choose your focus.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Study English to help improve your job opportunities. Kirkwood's free English as a Second Language non-credit courses help you to be prepared for the workforce.
English Language Acquisition (ELA)
English Language Acquisition courses help you to become academically ready for college by helping you practice your speaking and writing skills. Classes are for academic credit and classes are taught entirely in English, which helps prepare you for continuing your education at Kirkwood. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
| English as a Second Language (ESL) | English Language Acquisition (ELA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Free/no tuition | Tuition (limited financial assistance available) | |
| Non-credit | Earn elective college credit | |
| Beginner/advanced classes available | Beginner/advanced classes available | |
| Classes cover all skills — enroll in one class at a time | Classes focus on one skill — enroll in multiple classes at a time | |
| 90-minute classes, 4 days per week | Classes available 5 days per week | |
| 7-week classes start in July, September, October, January, and March | 16-week classes start in August and January; summer classes start in May and July | |
| Learn academic and workforce-based language skills | Learn academic English for college | |
| Personalized instruction | Personalized instruction | |
| Small class sizes | Small class sizes | |
| Highly qualified instructors | Highly qualified instructors | |
| Pathway navigation assistance | Pathway navigation assistance |
“English is my second language which can obviously make some coursework more difficult to understand, but professors here really make an effort to communicate directly with me. One of my Marketing teachers in particular, Todd Saville, made sure that I understood what I needed to and gave me the space and time to translate and complete class projects.”
Rebecca Mbali,
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Contact Global Learning
Global Learning Cedar Rapids Main Campus
2008 Iowa Hall
319-398-5579
international@kirkwood.edu
Global Learning Cedar Rapids / ELA & English Language Learners
2008 Iowa Hall
319-398-5668
ela@kirkwood.edu
Global Learning Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa
in Coralville (Iowa City Area) Campus
Room 114
319-887-3628
international@kirkwood.edu