English as a Second Language (ESL) at MiraCosta College

MiraCosta College offers three different ESL programs to fit your learning needs. Each program is designed for different levels and learning outcomes. Please see our programs below to find out which is best for you.

Noncredit ESL

Noncredit ESL is for students who want to:

Improve their English skills in order to get a job or get a better job; improve their English to take credit ESL and other academic and/or career preparation classes; communicate better in English; become U.S. citizens; help their children with homework.

Credit ESL

Credit ESL supports students enrolled in both:

Credit and Noncredit programs as MiraCosta College. All of our courses are offered as both Credit and Noncredit, so students choose the option that works best for them. Overall, our program is designed for students who: want to earn college credits toward an associate’s degree; want to improve their English for success in college classes, at work, or in the community; need higher-level English skills; enjoy the flexibility of attending classes one or two days per week or online.

English Language Institute

This intensive ESL program is designed for:

International students with an F-1 or Visitor Visa. Students must have a minimum of one-year English language training at the high school or college level; want TOEFL test preparation or have not yet passed the TOEFL; Want college preparation or a pathway to US colleges; Want language immersion, small class sizes and individualized instruction; Want to learn about and experience United States culture.

What our students say about ESL at MiraCosta College

                     		I am from Japan. I was a member of English Language Institute before I attended
                     to MiraCosta College. English Language Institute is a very helpful program for international
                     students, and it supports us in many different ways. Because of this program, I could
                     meet a lot of friends and learn more about real American culture. The teachers are
                     amazing.  I spent 8 weeks in this program to improve my English skills, and this is
                     my fourth semester at college. My personal goal is transfer to a four year university,
                     San Francisco State University.  I strongly recommend this program to all international
                     students who need to improve their English skills before attending college.
                     	
- Torei Terashima

                     		When I arrived in the U.S. I felt very confused and angry because I didn’t understand
                     anything that people said to me. Then I enrolled in the Noncredit ESL program at MiraCosta
                     College and my English improved a lot. They taught me the best way and I was able
                     to get a job and soon I’m going to open my own business.
                     	
- Uriel Navarro, NCESL student