Online Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) is a program that focuses on learning English with a special emphasis on job related skills and vocabulary. The program is designed to help students with their day-to-day English language skills to improve their job prospects in the U.S. Students can easily access the program from anywhere, anytime, making it an innovative way to enhance language skills.
Program Overview
60-week English program geared towards immigrants and refugees
- •Financial Aid available (Pell Grant and/or Loan)
- •Columbia College Presidential Scholarship available
- •Placement test and Exit-test from Michigan Language Assessment (CaMLA test)
- •Rental tablets provided to students as a learning tool
- •High job placement rate upon the completion of the program
- •Job placement support throughout the program
Beginner
101/102
Intermediate
201/202
Advanced
301/302
High Advanced
401/402
Level Description
Canvas
Canvas is an online, self-study platform.
The benefits of Canvas include:
- •Flexibility: Self-study online English programs allow learners to study at their own pace and convenience.
- •Accessibility: With just an internet connection, learners can access a wealth of resources from anywhere in the world.
- •Continuous learning: Online platforms enable learners to continuously practice and improve their English skills.
- •Variety of resources: Online platforms provide a wide range of materials, including videos, exercises, quizzes, and discussions.
Homeroom Class
The HR (homeroom) classes are two-hour Zoom classes, twice a week, with a live instructor. The classes are available five days a week (Monday to Friday) throughout the entire day from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm (EST). There are 8 levels from beginner to advanced. Students have 10 weeks to complete and then move up or repeat a level. Students can repeat a level two times, and the program is 60 weeks in total. Homeroom Teachers will connect with students weekly via Zoom to:
- •Teach practical English skills
- •Encourage active participation
- •Maintain student motivation
- •Offer valuable feedback
Our Instructors
Instructors in the Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) - Online program are skilled professionals with specialized education and hands-on experience in the field.
Contact VESL Online Department at jenniferk@ccdc.edu
Christina Sapp
Instructor
- Certificate : TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) - Degrees : M.S. in Early Childhood Education; M.S. in Higher Education with a major in Integrative Studies. - An educator for over twenty years, with teaching experience spanning elementary school through college; currently works with students at both the secondary and college levels.
Daniel Hummel
Instructor
- Certificate : TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) - Degrees : B.A. in International Relations; M.P.A. in Public Management; Ph.D. in Public Administration. - An educator for more than nineteen years, she taught ESL for three years in Indonesia after earning her TEFL certificate from San Diego State University and has since continued teaching ESL part‑time at various community colleges and private companies, both in person and online. She has been teaching at Columbia College since August 2024.
Dr. Manohari (Mano) Rasagam
Instructor
- Certificate : TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) - Ph.D. and M.A. in English Literature; B.A. in Arts; Diploma in Language. - Dr. Manohari Rasagam is a dedicated TESOL instructor at Columbia College with over 25 years of experience teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) and English literature. Before joining Columbia College, she served as an ESL instructor at Mentora College/Bay Atlantic University in Washington, D.C. Her teaching approach integrates communicative English teaching, task‑based learning, content‑based instruction, and communicative language teaching methodologies to create an engaging and effective learning experience for students.
Tracey Stinger
Instructor
- Certificate: TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) - B.A. in Mass Communications; A.S. in Social Sciences. - A professional with over fifteen years of teaching experience in English, Language Arts, and TESOL, with a strong record of designing meaningful, effective coursework that engages students and accelerates learning. Known for exceptional communication skills and extensive experience working with diverse populations and learners of all ages.
Program TypeCertificate
Online Learning100% Online
Next Start DateJun 1, 2026
Duration60 weeks
CostFT: $11,040PT: $5,940
Next Financial Aid DeadlineMay 22, 2026