ESL Programs – 120 Hours
Improve your English skills and prepare for career training at MBS Career Institute in Brooklyn.
MBS Career Institute, also known as Merkaz Bnos, offers a six-level English as a Second Language (ESL) program at our campus at 2115 Benson Avenue in Brooklyn, New York.
The ESL program provides English-language instruction for students who require additional English preparation for their chosen career program. As part of the admissions and entry process, a student’s English proficiency may be evaluated to determine whether ESL instruction is required and, if so, the appropriate level at which to begin.
The program develops speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, and communication skills, progressing from beginning through advanced and transitional English.
Classes are taught in English. Chinese- and Russian-speaking faculty and administrative staff are available to assist students with questions about admissions, placement, scheduling, and program information.
Course offerings, levels, and schedules may vary by term. Contact the Admissions Office for current availability.
ESL Program Overview
The MBS Career Institute ESL program includes six levels of English-language instruction.
Each level includes 120 hours of instruction, for a total of 720 hours across all six levels.
Students are placed according to their current English proficiency. A student who demonstrates proficiency beyond the beginning level may be placed into a higher ESL level.
Students entering a career program may also have their English proficiency evaluated as part of the entry process. If additional English preparation is required, placement results help determine the appropriate ESL level.
Program Structure
- Six levels: ESL 1 through ESL 6
- 120 hours of instruction per level
- 720 hours across all six levels
- Placement based on English proficiency
- High school diploma or GED required for admission
- Day, evening, and weekend schedules may be available
- Classes held at the MBS Career Institute campus in Brooklyn
Students are not automatically required to complete all six levels. Their starting point is based on placement, and the amount of ESL instruction required may depend on their English proficiency and chosen career program.
ESL Levels 1 Through 3
The first three levels build foundational and intermediate English-language skills.
ESL 1: Beginning English I
ESL 1 introduces basic English grammar and communication.
Coursework includes the simple present and simple past tenses while developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students also work on greetings, articles, the alphabet, simple questions, and basic English communication.
Course Hours: 120
ESL 2: Beginning English II
ESL 2 continues the development of foundational English skills.
Students study the present continuous and future tenses while working with dialogues, pronunciation, intonation, rhythm, and stress. The course provides additional practice in listening and spoken English.
Course Hours: 120
ESL 3: Intermediate English I
ESL 3 introduces intermediate grammar and communication skills.
Students study the past continuous tense and imperative forms while developing their ability to give directions, request information, express feelings, and communicate in a wider range of situations.
Course Hours: 120
ESL Levels 4 Through 6
The next three levels continue into intermediate, advanced, and transitional English.
ESL 4: Intermediate English II
ESL 4 introduces more complex English grammar and conversation.
Students study the present perfect, past perfect, and future continuous tenses. Coursework also includes discussions related to topics such as U.S. government, medicine, healthcare, and elections.
Course Hours: 120
ESL 5: Advanced English I
ESL 5 focuses on advanced grammar, written communication, and composition.
Students study the passive voice, transition words, and prepositional phrases while developing composition skills and learning how to use a dictionary effectively. Coursework also includes discussions related to careers and employment requirements.
Course Hours: 120
ESL 6: Advanced and Transitional English
ESL 6 provides advanced and transitional English instruction related to continued education and employment.
Students continue developing advanced grammar and paragraph-writing skills while discussing employment and preparing for business coursework and professional communication.
Course Hours: 120
Course offerings and schedules vary by term. Contact the Admissions Office to confirm current availability.
ESL Admission and Placement
English placement can be part of the admissions process for students entering MBS Career Institute.
Students applying for a career training program complete the applicable entry requirements for that program. When English proficiency needs to be evaluated, placement testing helps determine whether additional ESL instruction is required.
If ESL is required, the student’s English proficiency is used to determine the appropriate starting level.
Students interested specifically in ESL instruction may also complete an ESL placement examination to determine the appropriate level.
This means students do not automatically begin with ESL 1 or complete all six levels. Placement is based on their current English proficiency and applicable program requirements.
Applicants should contact the Admissions Office for current testing, placement, and admission requirements.
ESL Placement Examination
The ESL placement examination evaluates a student’s current English proficiency and helps determine the appropriate ESL level.
The assessment addresses areas of English-language proficiency that may include:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Placement results allow students to begin at a level appropriate to their existing English skills.
Students applying to a career program may also be evaluated to determine whether ESL instruction is required as part of their educational path.
Applicants should contact the Admissions Office for current information about the assessments required for their selected program.
How ESL Fits Into Career Training
For students interested in an MBS Career Institute career program, ESL may become part of their educational path based on their English proficiency.
Step 1: Select a Career Program
Students can review available career programs and speak with Admissions about the program they are interested in pursuing.
Step 2: Complete the Required Admissions Process
Applicants complete the admissions and entry requirements associated with their selected program.
Step 3: Determine English Proficiency
When applicable, the student’s English proficiency is evaluated as part of the entry process.
Step 4: Determine Whether ESL Is Required
If the evaluation indicates that additional English preparation is required, the student’s appropriate ESL starting level is determined.
A student with stronger English skills may begin at a higher ESL level rather than starting with ESL 1.
Step 5: Complete Required ESL Coursework
Students complete the ESL coursework required based on their placement and career program requirements and continue toward their career training.
Financial Aid and ESL Classes
Financial aid may be available for required ESL coursework for eligible students when the ESL instruction is connected with enrollment in an eligible career program.
Depending on individual eligibility and program requirements, financial aid may include the Federal Pell Grant and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
Eligibility varies by student and program. The MBS Career Institute Financial Aid Office can provide information about current requirements, available assistance, and the application process.
Language Assistance for ESL Students
ESL classes are conducted in English, allowing students to develop their English-language skills throughout the program.
Chinese- and Russian-speaking faculty and administrative staff are available to assist students with questions about admissions, placement, scheduling, and program information.
Program information is also available for prospective Chinese- and Russian-speaking students.
Continue Into Career Training at MBS
MBS Career Institute offers career training in healthcare, medical administration, accounting, and other professional fields.
Depending on their interests and program requirements, students may pursue programs such as:
Medical Assistant
The Medical Assistant program provides clinical and administrative healthcare training. Coursework includes patient care, vital signs, phlebotomy, EKG procedures, medical terminology, electronic health records, and medical office procedures.
Medical Office Specialist
The Medical Office Specialist program focuses on healthcare administration. Training includes medical terminology, electronic health records, scheduling, insurance procedures, medical billing, introductory coding, office technology, and professional communication.
Accounting and Computerized Accounting
MBS Career Institute also offers accounting-related career training, including instruction in computerized accounting and business applications.
Students should contact the Admissions Office for current program availability, admission requirements, and English proficiency requirements for their selected program.
Frequently Asked Questions About ESL Classes in Brooklyn
Do I have to complete ESL before applying for a career program?
Not necessarily. Students can apply for their intended career program and complete the applicable admissions and entry requirements. If an evaluation indicates that additional English preparation is required, the appropriate ESL level can then be determined.
How is my ESL level determined?
Placement testing is used to evaluate English proficiency and determine the appropriate ESL starting level.
Does every student start with ESL 1?
No. Students are placed according to their current English proficiency. A student who demonstrates stronger English skills may begin at a higher ESL level.
Does every student complete all six ESL levels?
Not necessarily. The student’s starting level is based on placement. The ESL coursework required may also depend on the English proficiency requirements associated with the student’s career program.
How many ESL levels does MBS Career Institute offer?
The ESL program includes six levels, from ESL 1 through ESL 6. Each level includes 120 hours of instruction.
Can financial aid cover ESL classes?
Financial aid may be available for required ESL coursework for eligible students when the coursework is connected with enrollment in an eligible career program. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office to determine their individual eligibility.
When are ESL classes offered?
Day, evening, and weekend classes may be available. Available levels and schedules may vary by term. Contact the Admissions Office for the current schedule.
Are ESL classes taught in Chinese or Russian?
ESL classes are conducted in English. Chinese- and Russian-speaking faculty and administrative staff are available to assist with questions about admissions, placement, scheduling, and program information.
What can I study after completing the required ESL coursework?
MBS Career Institute offers career training programs in healthcare, medical office administration, accounting, and other professional areas. The appropriate next step depends on the student’s selected program and applicable entry requirements.
Start Your Career Training at MBS Career Institute
Students interested in career training can begin by exploring the programs available at MBS Career Institute and completing the applicable admissions requirements.
When English proficiency is evaluated as part of the process, the results can determine whether ESL instruction is required and the appropriate level at which the student should begin.
Contact the Admissions Office to learn more about career programs, ESL placement, current schedules, admission requirements, financial aid eligibility, and upcoming enrollment dates.
