Columbia College English as a Second Language Program(CCESLP)
This program offers comprehensive English classes in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar. The goal is for students to achieve fluency in English to pursue further opportunities in the United States without communication difficulties.
Based on CaMLA® and in-house placement test scores, students are placed into a level that fits their proficiency: beginner, intermediate, or advanced.
Thanks to our convenient campus location in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, ESL students take regular field trips to historically, politically, and culturally notable places to experience American culture firsthand. Classes are offered year-round, with each session lasting 10 weeks.
A TOEFL® preparation course is also available, covering iBT TOEFL® listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills for the actual test.
Mission Statement
The mission of English as a Second Language Program at Columbia College is to prepare the students to function effectively in academic classes where English is the language of instruction. In doing so, we aim to inspire students to actively engage with the subject matter, fostering a meaningful and enriching educational experience.
Level Description
Course Description
ESL101-1 Grammar for Beginners I
This course is designed to give learners basic phrases for exchanging information with other speakers of English. Thus, they begin by getting acquainted with each other. Students will learn basic forms of grammar including simple present and progressive tenses, parts of speech, prepositions, and question formation. Students will practice these structures through communicative and functional activities. Functional grammar through interactive speaking practice is the basis for this class. Prerequisite: None
ESL101-2 Speaking for Beginners I
This course targets students who can barely communicate in English. The primary goal is to assist students in developing the ability to communicate with other English speakers around their neighborhood and community. This will enhance student confidence and enable them to relax and enjoy new experiences in America. The real-life subject matter provides practical information about American life and customs. Prerequisite: None.
ESL101-3 Reading for Beginners I
The primary goal of the low beginning level is to encourage beginner learners to enjoy true short stories and increase their reading skills. The purpose of this first reading course is to enable students to understand the entire story rather than just reading word by word. This practice will build up their vocabulary and ability to comprehend main ideas. In the end students will discover the joy of reading. Prerequisite: None.
ESL101-4 Listening for Beginners I
This course is designed to help the listening skills of beginner students. They will listen to conversational phrases and vocabulary for common scenarios and situations. Pair work and pronunciation practice as well as group methods are facilitated. Through this course, students will gain confidence in understanding spoken English in situations they are likely to encounter in their daily life. Prerequisite: None.
Class Schedule
Program Length:60 weeks (10 weeks per each level)
Class Size:5 - 20 people
Class Hour:20 hours per week
| Period | Date | Time | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Period | Tuesday & Thursday | 9:00am - 11:30am | 2.5 hours |
| 2nd Period | Tuesday & Thursday | 11:30am - 2:00pm | 2.5 hours |
| 3rd Period | Tuesday & Thursday | 2:00pm - 4:00pm | 2 hours |
| 4th Period | Tuesday & Thursday | 4:00pm - 6:00pm | 2 hours |
| Friday | 9:00am - 11:00am | 2 hours |
Program Accreditation
The ESL program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation.
For more information about CEA's accreditation standards and complaint policy, please visit the links below:
Field Trips & Cultural Immersion
The ESL program provides opportunities for students to experience social and recreational activities in the local community. Due to our proximity to Washington, DC, Columbia College is fortunate to be able to take advantage of some fantastic resources for cultural immersion that are free or low cost. Approximately once each session, field trips are organized around the DC Metro area. These field trips range from viewing the Cherry Blossom Festival to taking museum tours and the like. Costs are typically minimal (most events are free of charge with the only expense being transportation).
DC Metro Area Tours
Cherry Blossom Festival, museum tours, and cultural landmarks
Cultural Awareness
Engage with American community and real-world experiences
Minimal Cost
Most events are free - only transportation costs
I. Non-Discrimination Policy
Columbia College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability. The College complies with the Civic Rights Act of 1964, related executive orders 11246 and 11375, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and all Civil Rights Laws of the state of Virginia.
II. Required Materials for International Students
- •A completed application forms
- •Non-refundable application fee
- •Academic diploma/school transcript (at least high school) or International High School Equivalency certificate
- •A copy of a photo ID (passport, driver's license, state-issued ID)
- •Student enrollment agreement form
- •I-20 request form
- •Financial document (bank statement)
- •I-901 SEVIS student exchange/visitor processing fee receipt
- •Language proficiency test score should meet to the minimum required score range if applying for an Associate Degree Program
III. Admission Procedures
- •A completed application for admission with the non-refundable application fee ($100.00).
- •Proof of graduation from a high school or equivalent certified by the State Department of Education. Under certain or special circumstances where is, the applicant's high school diploma is not available, prospective student will be required to complete the high school diploma waiver form for verification of graduation.
- •Students must complete an enrollment agreement, which defines all tuition and fees along with the method of payment, in order to secure a position in their desired classes. The enrollment agreement is usually completed during the interview. Out-of-town students can submit a completed agreement by mail.
- •For international students to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20), he or she must provide the financial document and/or an Affidavit of Support Form (I-134) to the admissions office. I-134 form verifies that all funds will be available for educational and living expenses while a student is studying in the United States. Once accepted, prospective students in foreign countries must apply to the American Consulate in their country for a special student non-quota F-1 visa.
IV. Orientation
Columbia College provides a comprehensive orientation that fully prepares students, thereby providing an orderly and smooth transition into the school. During the orientation, new students will meet the school staff. It also includes library orientation about the on-site and online library which is available for all Columbia College students. Its goal is to facilitate a smooth transition into the College. After the orientation, new students will be given assistance with the registration process, receive an overview of each program which may be helpful in the transition process. An introduction to learning resources and student services available and provided with information on how to access and receive assistance from the school. The orientation date will be given to students prior to the start of their initial session.
Application Fee
Domestic$100
International$200
CaMLA English Placement Test
After completing the admissions process, students take the CaMLA English placement test and CCESLP speaking/writing tests in order to determine their placement level. The ESL Director will notify the student of his/her level. Students may request a review about his/her placement if the student and his/her instructor feel that they have been misplaced. Their placement is reviewed considering the advice of the student's instructor and in consultation with the ESL Director. It is important to note that while students have input in this process, the decision ultimately rests with the instructor and ESL Director.
| CaMLA Placement Test Scores | ||
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | 0~26 |
| A2 | High Beginner | 27~40 |
| B1 | Low Intermediate | 41~50 |
| B2 | Intermediate | 51~61 |
| C1 | Low Advanced | 62~68 |
| C2 | Advanced | 69~80 |