The English Institute
The English Institute provides English as a Second Language instruction and classes to non-native speakers of English in order to prepare students for entry into occupational programs or university transfer courses.
Students who wish to enroll in the program should have knowledge of basic English equivalent to at least one year of previous study (ESL 800) or in programs such as Adult Basic Education and language schools or previous English instruction in their native country. We offer four levels in each of four courses: Grammar, Listening and Speaking, Writing and Reading.
First Year Experience
The English Institute also offers ESL students the opportunity to participate in the First Year Experience Learning Community. ESL 843 Writing III is linked with CRER 401 College Success in the Fall semester, and ESL 844 Writing IV is linked with CRER 407 Careers, Majors, and Transfer in the Spring semester.
ESL students in this First Year Experience Learning Community benefit from making friends and study groups, improving their study skills, getting information on degrees , majors, transfer and careers, attending special events and field trips to four-year universities, and receiving extra counseling and tutorial support.
ESL SFSU fieldtrip
Academic Command of English (ACE) Language Certificate
ESL students who successfully complete all four skill classes, Reading, Writing, Listening/Speaking and Grammar, at Level IV can earn a Certificate of Achievement (Pending State Approval ) called Academic Command of English (ACE) Language Certificate. This Certificate prepares ESL students for college level courses in English that are necessary for certificates and degrees in transfer and career/technical majors and for work where English language skills are required. ESL students who earn the ACE Language Certificate are recognized and honored at our annual English Institute Recognition Day Ceremony in May.
Students at Recognition Day
English Institute Recognition Day at Cañada College
