English as a Second Language (ESL)

Schoolcraft program code: Aligned with the student’s major program of study

The courses in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program prepare students for study in American college settings and also teach the international student about American culture and the English language for daily living and communication with native speakers. The instruction includes:

• English and vocabulary development
• Academic writing activities: forms, letters, compositions, summaries, essay exams, and research papers
• Speaking activities: discussions, oral reports, and formal speeches
• Listening skills: lectures, video and audio tapes
• Reading and grammar for college level academic purposes
• Test preparation and note taking skills
• Computer-assisted instruction

Instruction is highly individualized to meet individual learner goals. Classes incorporate learning in the language labs, using computer-assisted instruction and other interactive instructional materials. Instructors work with students individually and in small groups to maximize the rate of student progress. In advanced levels of the program, students will complement the ESL courses with appropriate academic college coursework. The English as a Second Language program consists of four levels, focusing on specific content areas, followed by a capstone class designed to prepare students for success in college classes. 

Students are initially placed into the appropriate level, based on their ESL Accuplacer Exam scores. Therefore, not all classes may be required. In addition to the required coursework within the program, students may choose to take an elective course to enhance and extend their learning of the English language. Students interested in selecting an elective course will be expected to meet all pre-requisites.

NOTE: Courses must be at a 100-level or higher to be used toward completion of any academic credential or program. Students are required to have a final course grade of 70% (2.0) in order to successfully complete each course and advance to the next level.

Not all courses are offered each semester. Students should work with an academic advisor to develop a schedule that will work for them. Students planning to transfer should check the transfer institution’s requirements/guides or discuss their options with an academic advisor. Number of credits may vary depending on the course selection.