Program Overview

Introduction to the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Department at Santa Monica College offers a comprehensive program designed to help non-native English speakers improve their language skills and achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.

Program Overview

The ESL program provides students with the opportunity to develop their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. The program is divided into core courses and support courses, which cater to the diverse needs of students.

Core Courses

The core courses are designed to improve students' overall English language proficiency and prepare them for success in college-level courses. There are four levels in the ESL Credit Program:

• ESL 10G/10W
• ESL 11A
• ESL 19A
• ESL 19B

The course level that students should start at depends on various factors, such as their prior English language study and experience living in an English-speaking environment. Santa Monica College uses an ESL Guided Self-Placement process to help students determine which core course is right for them.

Support Courses

In addition to the core classes, the ESL Department offers many support courses to further help students develop their grammar, reading, vocabulary, speaking, and pronunciation skills. These courses provide students with extra support and practice to ensure they achieve their language learning goals.

Noncredit ESL Program

The Noncredit ESL Program is designed for students who do not need college credit and want to improve their English language skills for success at work, school, and in the community. The program offers various courses, including:

• Beginning Noncredit ESL Classes
• Intermediate Noncredit ESL Courses
• Advanced Noncredit ESL Classes
• ESL Citizenship Class
• ESL For College and Career Pathways

Beginning Noncredit ESL Classes

These classes are designed for beginning ESL students and focus on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Courses include:

• ESL 902: High Beginning Integrated Skills
• ESL 911: Listening and Speaking
• ESL 961: Reading and Writing
• ESL 971: Vocabulary

Intermediate Noncredit ESL Courses

These courses are designed for intermediate ESL students and focus on improving listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Courses include:

• ESL 903: Low Intermediate Integrated Skills
• ESL 904: High Intermediate Integrated Skills
• ESL 913: Listening and Speaking
• ESL 963: Reading and Writing
• ESL 973: Vocabulary

Advanced Noncredit ESL Classes

These classes are designed for advanced ESL students and focus on refining listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Courses include:

• ESL 905: Low Advanced Integrated Skills
• ESL 906: High Advanced Integrated Skills
• ESL 915: Listening and Speaking
• ESL 965: Reading and Writing
• ESL 975: Vocabulary

ESL Citizenship Class

This course prepares students for the USCIS Citizenship exam, interview, and N-400 application. The course covers US History and Civics and provides students with interviewing techniques and guidance on filling out the N-400 Application for Citizenship.

ESL For College and Career Pathways

These courses are designed to support students on specific career pathways. Students who complete both courses (ESL 994 and ESL 995) may earn a Certificate of Competency in ESL for College and Career Pathways. Courses include:

• ESL 994: Introduction
• ESL 995: Effective Communication

Conclusion

The English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Santa Monica College provides students with a comprehensive and supportive environment to improve their English language skills and achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals. With a range of courses and programs available, students can choose the path that best suits their needs and interests.