Created in 1982, Century's English as a Second Language (ESOL) program is designed to meet the needs of non-native English speaking students.
Our program offers four levels of courses from the beginning level to the college level. Two advanced level ESOL courses offer college credit.
The first step is to take the Accuplacer ESL test. Following this, you will meet with a teacher to decide which level and courses you will need to take.
As you progress from level to level, you take fewer ESOL courses and more courses in other subjects.
Expert instruction
- Classes are relatively small.
- Century's ESOL teachers have a Master's degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages, and average 18 years of experience each.
- Century is the home of a brand new, state-of-the-art digital language lab.
- Level 3 students take classes as a learning community, which means that all three classes share a topic throughout the semester, such as Minnesota or the American Dream.
- Century's ESOL students benefit from close individual goal tracking each semester.
- Community volunteers help out in some ESOL classes, participating in conversations and other types of group work with the students.
Articulation agreements
Transfer curriculum
The following are a few of the colleges our ESOL students have transferred to and graduated from after earning their AA degrees at Century:
- Ithaca College, New York
- Metropolitan State University
- University of MN—College of Liberal Arts, Engineering School, Carlson School of Management
- University of St. Thomas—undergraduate and graduate schools
- University of Wisconsin, River Falls
Flexible learning options
- Online - some ESOL classes are partially online, and you will have access to a Virtual Grammar Lab.
- Evening classes (Levels 3 and 4) - meet twice a week for 2 or 2½ hours each time, and follow the same curriculum as the day classes.
- St. Paul location - Classes at levels 3, 4, and the college level are also available at Metropolitan State University, and are taught by Century faculty.
- Individualized Study classes - students meet with an instructor at a convenient time.
Financial aid and scholarships
Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualifying students.
Occupational advancement
Century ESOL classes are not just for college students. Non-native speakers in the workplace also benefit from studying English. Improving skills in speaking, listening, writing, or reading can lead to career advancement.
Clubs and groups
- Spanish Club
- Asian Student Association
- Intercultural Club
- Muslim Student Association
- Chit Chat Groups