Concord, California

iec dvc esl programs

Our Programs

Study English in the San Francisco Bay Area with IEC@DVC

IEC@DVC’s intensive English programs for adults and teens provide the student services, quality instruction, and activities needed for an enriching and unforgettable experience of studying English in California.

Intensive English

IEC@DVC offers beginner to advanced level English classes with start dates throughout the year.

Upon arrival at IEC@DVC, students receive a placement test to ensure that they begin classes at the correct level. Courses are 8 weeks long and include 22 hours of instruction per week. Since 95% of IEC@DVC students attend college after graduating from IEC@DVC, the curriculum focuses on academic English and the skills needed to succeed in the American university environment.

IEC@DVC also offers the Advanced B class for higher-level students who plan to attend community college. This advanced-level course focuses on academic English through lessons on concepts such as note-taking, critical analysis, and listening comprehension.

Learn more about IEC@DVC’s Intensive English classes.

2020 PROGRAM DATES

  • Session 5: August 24 – October 14
  • Session 6: October 26 – December 16

2021 PROGRAM DATES 

  • Session 1: January 6 - February 18
  • Session 2: February 22 - April 8
  • Session 3: April 27 - June 17
  • Session 4: June 29 - August 13
  • Session 5: August 23 - October 13
  • Session 6: October 18 – December 8  

Academic Bridge

Students who are ready to begin taking classes at an American college may enroll in IEC@DVC’s Academic Bridge program. This program allows students to take two courses at Diablo Valley College and provides the guidance students need to transition to the college system with confidence and success. Throughout the semester, students receive the support of study aides (who work closely with the DVC professors), attend workshops, and have access to all IEC@DVC activities.  

2020 - 2021 bridge PROGRAM DATES

Academic Bridge is offered three times each year: Spring, Summer, and Fall.

  • Fall Bridge October 19 – December 10, 2020
  • Spring Bridge: March 1 – April 29, 2021
  • Summer Bridge June 28 – August 19, 2021
  • Fall Bridge October 25 – December 26, 2021

Learn more about IEC@DVC’s Academic Bridge program.

EducationUSA Academy

IEC@DVC offers the EducationUSA Academy program for teens who want to study English in the United States. The program includes four weeks of classes (22 hours of instruction per week), academic workshops, activities that allow students to explore San Francisco and the Bay Area, and homestay accommodation with a welcoming host family. Students must be 15-18 years old and at the intermediate or advanced level of English.

The EducationUSA program for teens is offered in the summer and winter. 

2020 Program Dates

  • Session 1 (2020): Jan 21 - Feb 14
  • Session 2 (2020): July 13 - August 7

2021 Program Dates

  • Session 1 (2021): TBA
  • Session 2 (2021): TBA

Learn more about IEC@DVC’s EducationUSA for Teens program.

IEC@DVC Mission

The mission of the intensive English language program at the International Education Center at Diablo Valley College is to facilitate the acquisition of English for non-native speakers, to prepare them both linguistically and culturally for academic studies and success at the college and/or university level.