English classes run from September through May and there are still a few open spots available. You can register below to secure your spot. Please email any questions to Heather Homan at esl@restonbible.org.
Register onlineENGLISH CLASSES
English classes are offered on Tuesday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. We offer six different class levels, from basic to advanced and everything in between. Free childcare is available for children ages 3–10 on Tuesday evenings and for children ages 2–5 on Wednesday mornings.
Registration for fall and spring classes is held twice a year, in August and in January. Classes run from mid-September through mid-May. During registration, learners complete a placement test to determine their class level. A registration fee of $40 is due, plus a small fee for books.
Free social events are organized throughout the year, such as our Welcome Event, Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas Carols and Hot Cocoa, Easter/Spring Celebration, Graduation Certificate Ceremony, and an end-of-year International Potluck.
OUR VISION
Through International Connection, we are committed to creating a safe and exciting place where adult international learners feel welcomed and cared for. We seek to provide quality English teaching and opportunities to experience true Christian community both inside and outside of the classroom. Friendships are nurtured, needs are met, and students are challenged to progress in their journey towards a relationship with Christ.
OUR HISTORY
International Connection began in 1990 as a tutoring program with two teachers and just a few students. As more internationals moved into the Reston/Herndon community, the tutoring program expanded into small classes. In September 1998, the program was given the name International Connection and the classes moved to the main campus of Reston Bible Church. Since then, the program has expanded to include 12 classes of adult English instruction.
OUR ADULT LEARNERS
More than 215 adult internationals from 37 different countries around the world enroll in our English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Many adult learners come from countries that are hostile and closed to the Gospel. While living in the U.S., they are eager not only to learn English, but also American culture and explore Christianity.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Lead or Assistant ESL Teacher
If you have a heart for Jesus and an interest in serving the local international community, please consider teaching English as a second language with International Connection. No teaching experience is necessary, and we provide all the necessary training, mentoring, and even the entire teaching curriculum for you!
Event/Hospitality Support
We host a variety of fun and exciting events for our adult learners throughout the year outside of the classroom. If you have a creative eye or would love to put your hospitality skills to good use, we would love for you to join our team!
Conversation Partners
Each month, we host a “First Thursday” conversation event so adult learners can practice their English skills. We teach them fun games and provide interactive conversation opportunities. We are looking for volunteers to join us on the first Thursday of each month to help our learners practice their conversation skills and have fun while doing it!
Childcare Volunteers
We are always looking for volunteers to help with our childcare program so their parents can learn English. If you love working with children and serving the next generation – this is a wonderful way to get involved and meet children from all around the world.
Please email esl@restonbible.org for more information on how to become a volunteer and fill out the application below.
Click here to volunteerVIDEO RESOURCES
For some basic level literacy lessons on video, you can check out our International Connection YouTube playlist.