English as a Second Language (ESL)

Welcome, English language learners!

If your primary language is not English, we can help!

Students in our English as a Second Language Program learn English for many reasons: employment, assisting their children, and continuing their education in the degree programs at SMCC.

  1. If you have taken an English proficiency exam (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, CELSA, or CEFR) in the past two years, use this Placement Chart (page 3) to determine the best class for your current level of English proficiency.
  2. No placement test? No problem. Sign up to take the CELSA exam to determine your current level of English proficiency.
  3. Go to Find a Class to enroll!
Why study English at South Mountain Community College?

Why study English at South Mountain Community College?

The English as a Second Language Program at SMCC offers classes designed with:

  • Earn your ESL Certificate!
  • Financial Aid Eligible
  • Direct pathway from ESL to college-level English and Reading
  • English language skills for professional and academic purposes
  • The classes offered in the program are prefixed ESL (English as a Second Language). Classes are 14 weeks long and level 1 to 4.
     

Experiential Learning Opportunities

  • Special Events designed to provide students opportunities to share their ideas with the community
  • International Education Community

Low Cost

  • MCCCD tuition and fees are affordable, and there are many scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance available to both in-state and out-of-state students.
  • Our courses use low-cost textbooks or no cost material provided by your instructors.
The ESL Program

The ESL Program

The English as a Second Language Program at SMCC consists of four levels.
Level 1: Beginning

ESL 101: Reading & Writing (6 credits)

In addition to these:

  • ESL 110: Listening & Speaking (3 credits)
  • ESL 140: Grammar (3 credits)

Learn how to

  • use new vocabulary
  • use basic grammar
  • read simple texts
  • write short paragraphs
Level 2: Low Intermediate

ESL 102: Reading & Writing (6 credits)

In addition to these:

  • ESL 110: Listening & Speaking (3 credits)
  • ESL 140: Grammar (3 credits)

Learn how to

  • talk with friends and instructors
  • create a class project
  • give a short presentation
  • read and write paragraphs
Level 3: High Intermediate

ESL 201: Reading & Writing (6 credits)

In addition to these:

  • ESL 210: Listening & Speaking (3 credits)
  • ESL 240: Grammar (3 credits)

Learn how to

  • talk about academic and professional topics
  • do basic research
  • read and write multi-paragraph papers
  • create and present a project
Level 4: Advanced

ESL 202: Reading & Writing (6 credits)

In addition to these:

  • ESL 210: Listening & Speaking (3 credits)
  • ESL 240: Grammar (3 credits)

Learn how to

  • discuss academic and professional topics
  • discuss social and cultural issues in the USA and other countries
  • read and write academic papers
  • use technology and study skills to be ready for other classes and the workplace

Click here for more ESL Program Information!

Students take the diagnostic CELSA exam to determine their correct level of English.

ESL classes are 14 weeks long and prepare students to advance to the next level.

Students will gain knowledge and experience and be ready to adapt to changes in today's world!

Applied English Language Skills (CCL)  Find an ESL Class!  Congratulations to SMCC's first ESL graduate!

Contact Info: