Program description
Created in 1982, the English as a Second Language (ESOL) program at Century College is designed to meet the needs of non-native English speaking students. Academic English is more difficult than everyday English, and some students need more academic English preparation to successfully complete their academic courses.
If you're one of these students, ESOL courses at Century College can help you. Our program offers four levels of courses from the beginning level to the college level.
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. Two advanced level ESOL courses offer college credit.
We can take you from where you are today and help you successfully reach your goals for tomorrow.
Program points of pride
- Classes are relatively small, with 22 as the largest size.
- All ESOL teachers at Century have a Master's degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages, and average 18 years of experience each.
- Beginning Fall 2007, Century College will be the home of a brand new, state-of-the-art digital language lab. ESOL students will be able to listen to (and sometimes watch) their lessons as well as record themselves digitally.
- Level 3 students take classes as a learning community, which means that all three classes share a topic, for example, Minnesota or the American Dream, throughout the semester. Studying in a learning community is a great way to build friendships. It has also been shown that students in learning communities do better work and get higher grades than students who are in other courses. Level 3 students take classes as a learning community, which means that all three classes share a topic, for example, Minnesota or the American Dream, throughout the semester. Studying in a learning community is a great way to build friendships. It has also been shown that students in learning communities do better work and get higher grades than students who are in other courses.
- ESOL students at Century benefit from close individual goal tracking each semester.
- Some classes have community volunteers who help out in the classroom, participating in conversations and other types of group work with the students.
- Century also offers ESOL classes at Metropolitan State University, near downtown St. Paul, at level 3, level 4, and the college level.
Student points of pride
Students who started in Century's ESOL classes have graduated with degrees in:
- Cosmetology
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Assistant
- Human Services
- Medical Assistant
- Microcomputer Support Technology
- Nursing
- Orthotics and Prosthetics
- Pharmacy Technician
- Visual Communications Technology, and other fields
Students who started Century College in ESOL classes are now working, for example, at
- Century College
- Children's Hospital
- 3M
Awards
MNSCU Partnership Award—Collaboration with Metropolitan State and Century Awards for excellence
Articulation agreements
Transfer curriculum
After earning their AA degrees at Century, students who started in ESOL classes have transferred to and graduated from:
- 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
Almost any college or university is possible.
Occupational trends
Century ESOL classes are not just for college students. Non-native speakers in the workplace also benefit from studying English. Improving your skills in speaking, listening, writing, or reading can lead to advancement in your job.
Flexible learning options
Some ESOL classes are partially online. You will have access to a Virtual Grammar Lab. Students who work days can take classes at levels 3 and 4 in the evening. These classes, as is common with all of our classes, meet twice a week for 2 or 2½ hours each time. These evening classes follow the same curriculum as the day classes. Classes at levels 3, 4, and the college level are also available at Metropolitan State University. These classes are also taught by Century faculty. In addition, we offer Individualized Study classes. You meet with an instructor at a time which works for your schedule.
Financial aid and scholarships
Each year, ESOL students apply for and received Century College scholarships.
Scholarships help pay for tuition and books.
News and events
- Volunteer appreciation dinners
- End of the semester multicultural potlucks
- Current and former student success stories
Clubs and groups
- Spanish Club
- Asian Student Association
- Intercultural Club
- Muslim Student Association
- Chit Chat Groups
Links