We have four levels of instruction. The courses emphasize practical usage of English and academic preparation.

There is also a "Conversation Partners" program, providing each student the chance to meet weekly with an American student for informal conversation, and extra classes each term on various subjects such as TOEFL preparation and American culture. Program leaders meet with students individually each term to discuss their progress and future goals.

The University has several computer labs which can be used for extra language learning, or just to check e-mails or chat with friends. Language program students have full rights to all facilities and activities of university students.

At each of our four levels (from elementary to academic preparation classes), four classes are offered:

• Reading and Writing
• Listening and Speaking
• Grammar
• Special Topics (culture or special language topics, such as TOEFL prep, pronunciation, etc.)

All of our teachers have advanced degrees in Teaching English as a Second Language. We emphasize learning and using real English skills that students need in everyday life and for academic success.
In addition to our program of classes, the Haggerty English Language Program offers the following services:

• Cultural Activities and Field trips
  Cultural activities and field trips are designed to enrich the student's American experience. Some recent field trips: to New York city, to visit a working farm and pick apples, and hiking in the nearby mountains.
• Conversation Partners
  We pair each interested ESL student with a specially trained American conversation partner, providing you with extra language practice and a great chance to mix with other university students.
• Mentoring and Advising
  Each semester, all students have a one-on-one meeting with a faculty member to get advice and plan their future studies. Students who wish to study at other universities (in the SUNY system or elsewhere) can get support to help them with their school selection.
• Concurrent enrollment in SUNY New Paltz classes
  Students in our advanced levels may enroll in academic classes at SUNY New Paltz while also enrolled for English studies. This benefit is available even to students who have not formally applied to or been admitted to SUNY New Paltz.
• Conditional admission
  Applicants for most university programs (undergraduate and graduate) may apply to the University and, if otherwise qualified, be admitted without showing proof of English proficiency. All such applicants are tested upon arrival (or may show passing scores) and placed into University or ESL courses as needed. These students will be:
  • issued an I-20 from SUNY New Paltz for the appropriate degree program, but that I-20 will indicate that the student is not yet proficient in English and that she or he will be tested for English proficiency upon arrival.
  • eligible to enroll in one or two academic courses if they are placed in one of the upper two levels of the HELP Program and have the approval of HELP faculty. 
  • eligible to undertake a full-time program of degree study upon completion of the Haggerty English Language Program or upon achieving the needed proficiency based on TOEFL or IELTS test scores.