ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages
- improve English for academic purposes
- improve English for vocational purposes
- improve English for personal interest
Want to practice English for free?
Click here for some good ESL links.
What is the ESOL program?
ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages, but we are also called ESL (English as a Second Language). The ESOL department provides instruction in English to students who wish to learn English for college study, career enhancement or personal enrichment. There are four levels of classes, plus a novice class and an additional composition class for students who want to get a college degree.
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Which ESOL courses should I take?
Take the Skyline Placement Test to find out your skill level. Take the ESOL course that is recommended for you. Here is the recommended pathway of ESOL courses. Check with a counselor to learn about other courses you can take to assist your development of English.
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Can I take a class higher or lower than my placement test recommendation?
ESOL 400 has a prerequisite of placement or satisfactory completion of ESOL 840 with a C or better. Students who do not meet this requirement may not take ESOL 400. The ESOL courses are all in a sequence; please take them in their proper sequence. You may take a class lower than your placement test recommendation if you truly do not feel you are ready for the recommended level.
See the ESOL Course Sequence here(pdf)
We do not recommend taking a class that is higher than your placement test recommendation. Our goal is to help you become competent in English, and learning a language takes time. Studies have shown that students who take classes that are higher than their own skill level often do not succeed in further coursework.
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How do I enroll and register?
Click here for a video explaining how to enroll (in English, Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish).
- Go to room 1218 to the English Language Institute (ELI). Our friendly staff will help you fill out an application online or in person at the Admissions & Records office, Building 2.
- Take ESOL (and Math, if necessary) placement tests.
- Complete an orientation (online or in-person) and make an appointment with the ELI counselor to get advice on classes and to make an educational plan.
- Apply for financial aid and other programs that can help you pay for college.
- Register for classes and pay fees.
My placement test shows I'm eligible for ESOL 400, but I can't register. Why?
There are three ESOL tests: Reading, Language Use, and Listening/Speaking. You must score at the ESOL 400 level in BOTH reading and language use before you can enroll in ESOL 400. Scoring into ESOL 400 in only one test does not allow you to enroll in ESOL 400.
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If your placement score reads: Reading: ESOL 400 Language Use: ESOL 400 Listening/Speaking: ESOL 854 |
You may enroll in ESOL 400 |
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If your placement score reads: Reading: ESOL 400 Language Use: ESOL 840 or 864+874 Listening/Speaking: ESOL 854 |
You may not enroll in ESOL 400. You must complete ESOL 840 or ESOL 864+874 first. |
How can I get money to pay for school and books?
Skyline wants to help you study! Contact our Financial Aid office to learn about programs that can help you pay for college tuition, books, child care and other costs. Ask about the following programs to see if you qualify:
- Financial Aid - This is government money for college, and it is paid for by taxpayers.
- EOPS - Equal Opportunity Program and Services offers assistance with paying for books.
- CalWorks - This program helps students who have received AFDC or TANF.
- Scholarships - These are private funds that you can apply for, and you don't need to pay them back.
My schedule is busy, but I really need to study more English. What if I don't have time to take a course?
ESOL 655 - English as a Second Language Supplement is a flexible-time, variable-unit course that allows you to get an individualized learning program and study according to your own speed and schedule. You can earn a 1/2-unit for every 24 hours of study time that you complete. In ESOL 655, you can study English using:
- computer software for grammar and writing;
- DVDs for listening and vocabulary;
- free magazines;
- conversation groups and language-sharing activities;
- workshops
- textbooks and other ESL materials
Students who are taking ESOL classes should also sign up for ESOL 655 to support their work in their classes.
Here's how to enroll in ESOL 655 to study English on your own:
- Sign up for ESOL 655 using WebSMART or by visiting the English Language Institute in room 1218. Visit the Learning Center in room 5-100 and ask for an orientation to ESOL 655.
- Ask to meet with a teacher or tutor to receive your individualized study plan.
- Make your own schedule, and meet with your teacher or tutor at least once throughout the semester to check your progress.
