English classes run September through May. Fall registration opens soon—stay tuned for more details! Email Heather with any questions at esl@restonbible.org.
ESL Summer Conversation Program – Volunteers Needed!
Looking for a short-term way to serve the international community this summer? Step into a meaningful opportunity and sign up as an ESL Conversation Partner to share the love of Jesus through friendship and conversation.
No teaching experience is required. What matters is a heart for Christ and a willingness to meet six times over the summer with an international neighbor at a time that works for both of you.
The LORD has brought the nations to us. As you help an ESL learner practice their English, you also have the privilege of sharing the eternal hope we have in Jesus Christ with our international learners.
Volunteer Orientation: Tuesday, June 9, 7:30 p.m. (Zoom)
Partner Kickoff: Monday, June 15, 7:00 p.m., RBC Room 250
Please email any questions to Heather – esl@restonbible.org.
Sign up hereENGLISH 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 230 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!
Summer Conversation Partners
Each summer, we offer our Intermediate and Advanced English learners the chance to practice their conversation skills in a casual, one-on-one setting. We’re always looking for volunteers to meet with a learner at least 7 times over the summer to help them build confidence, improve fluency, and enjoy meaningful conversations. If you’re looking for a relaxed way to serve with International Connection this is the perfect opportunity!
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.