English as Second Language (ESL)

English as Second Language (ESL)
Learn English for life: school, work, and everyday.  Common Careers
-Teacher, Professor
-Entrepreneur, Marketer, Accountant
-Police officer, Lawyer, Border Patrol Agent, Paralegal
-Journalist, Translator, Interpreter
-Nurse, Doctor, Medical Office Professional
-Engineer, Scientist
-Architect, Designer, Artist

Average Salary
Varies

Program Awards

ESL Placement

You have a right to take credit English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. If you want to take English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, you need to complete an Math, English and ESL Placement Tool. If you have problems or questions about the ESL Guided Self Placement, use the ENTER PLACEMENT AND PREREQUISITES LOBBY or SWCassessment@swccd.edu to get help

Program Awards

Have a questions? we're here to help - contact Academic Counseling 

Language Acquisition Center

The Language Acquisition Center is a special computer lab just for ESL and language students to do schoolwork. Headphones and language learning software are provided! Contact Ruel Flores at Ruel Flores for hours and information.

ESL Communication Certificate of Achievement

DESCRIPTION
The ESL Communication Certificate is designed for students with the goal of achieving a mastery of English language skills at the college level, sufficient to thrive in any professional, undergraduate, or graduate level setting where English is the dominant language.

PREREQUISITES

LOCATION
Chula Vista Campus, Higher Education Center at San Ysidro, and Online

TIMELINE
Full-time students typically take 2 semesters to complete this certificate, after completion of prerequisites.

CATALOG PAGE

 

Spanish-to-English Associate Teacher Certificate

DESCRIPTION
The Spanish-to-English teacher certificate meets the academic requirements for the associate teacher permit through the State Department of Education and Child Development Division.

PREREQUISITES

LOCATION
Chula Vista Campus, Higher Education Center at San Ysidro, and Online

TIMELINE
Full-time students typically take 2 semesters to complete this certificate, after completion of prerequisites.

CATALOG PAGE

 

Entry Level ESL Certificate (Noncredit)

DESCRIPTION
Completion of the three sequenced ESL noncredit courses will give students the skills necessary to be ready for more advanced ESL training, entry into career technical certificate programs, or immediate entry-level English skills for employment.

PREREQUISITES

LOCATION
Chula Vista Campus, Higher Education Center at San Ysidro, and Online

TIMELINE
Full-time students typically take 2 semesters to complete this certificate, after completion of prerequisites.

CATALOG PAGE

 

ESL College Readiness Certificate (Noncredit)

DESCRIPTION
Completion of these ESL noncredit courses will give students the necessary college literacy development and college readiness skills for success in college.

PREREQUISITES

LOCATION
Chula Vista Campus, Higher Education Center at San Ysidro, and Online

TIMELINE
Full-time students typically take 2 semesters to complete this certificate, after completion of prerequisites.

CATALOG PAGE

 

Certified Nursing Assistant Language and Academic Support Certificate (Noncredit)

DESCRIPTION
Prepares students to be effective employees in a certified nursing assistant work environment.

PREREQUISITES

LOCATION
Chula Vista Campus, Higher Education Center at San Ysidro, and Online

TIMELINE
Full-time students typically take 2 semesters to complete this certificate, after completion of prerequisites.

CATALOG PAGE

 

Medical Office Professional Language and Academic Support Certificate (Noncredit)

DESCRIPTION
Prepares students for effective communication in medical office professional academic and workplace settings

PREREQUISITES

LOCATION
Chula Vista Campus, Higher Education Center at San Ysidro, and Online

TIMELINE
Full-time students typically take 2 semesters to complete this certificate, after completion of prerequisites.

CATALOG PAGE

 

Patient Care Coordinator Language and Academic Support Certificate (Noncredit)

DESCRIPTION
Prepares students to be effective employees in a patient care coordinator work environment.

PREREQUISITES

LOCATION
Chula Vista Campus, Higher Education Center at San Ysidro, and Online

TIMELINE
Full-time students typically take 2 semesters to complete this certificate, after completion of prerequisites.

CATALOG PAGE

 

What is Academic ESL?

Academic ESL classes will prepare you to succeed in college and also in professional work environments. For example, you will learn to read academic texts (books, articles, websites), write academic texts (summaries, paragraphs, essays), listen to lectures and take notes, analyze and write from sources, and much more. 

Is Academic ESL for me?

If you want to have a career, take college classes, get a better job, or help your kids succeed in school, these are classes for you.
Do I need to take an assessment to know my level?

You can! If you want to start at level 1 (ESL 29), you don't need to take an assessment. If you feel you can start at a more advanced level, you need to complete the ESL Guided Self Placement process.

I speak English well. Should I take ESL classes or English classes?

English as a second language instructors are prepared to help nonnative English speakers, so they know how to help you go from a low level of reading and writing to an advanced level. They can also help you develop your grammar quickly. If you want to improve your grammar, listening and speaking skills and English is your second language, the ESL program is right for you.

To find your level in the academic ESL program contact the Southwestern College Assessment Center: (619) 482-6385, swcassessment@swccd.edu

Noncredit ESL

What is noncredit ESL?
Noncredit courses are free for everyone! They are held at different locations throughout in the community. You are not required to purchase books for these classes.

Is noncredit ESL for me?
Noncredit ESL classes are a great way to improve your English for free. Some noncredit classes will prepare you for college ESL classes, and others prepare you for work, family, and other specific needs.

Do I need to take a test to check what level to start?
You don't need to take a test or the ESL Guided Self Placement to take the noncredit ESL classes! Just enroll and your instructor will assess you on the first day.

What courses can I take right now?
Noncredit ESL courses are offered at different times and places. View the class schedule on this page.

Noncredit ESL Courses

      -NC 108: Basic ESL I
      -NC 109: Basic ESL II
      -NC 110: Basic ESL III
      -NC 220: Transitioning to College ESL
      -NC 221: Computers and Technology for ESL
      -NC 222: Conversation Skills and American Culture Through Songs,   Movies, and Other Media
      -NC 223: ESL for Family Literacy

Registration is now open!

Are you ready to get started learning English? Click below to register.

Credit Courses

New & Returning Students Apply & Register for Credit Courses

What does "credit" mean?

Noncredit Courses

New & Returning Students Apply & Register for Noncredit Courses

What does "noncredit" mean?

Virtual Chat

We are here to support each of our student’s needs. Chat live on Cranium Café by finding an online staff member below. To learn more, visit the Virtual Welcome Center. Our student service specialists have their hours of availability listed on their profile cards. If a team member's hours are not reflective of their availability, they are likely supporting another student. We give each of our students the individual attention and time they deserve. Thank you for your patience.

Video chat with English as Second Language & Services (ESL)