Two students reviewing notes and studying together in a classroom.

English for Second Language Learners

Why Study English for Second-Language Learners

The ESLL Department at Foothill College offers both non-credit and credit courses with six levels of courses to meet the needs of our community.

You'll meet other students from diverse backgrounds in our in our ESL classes. There is no dominant language group, so students will be in classes with others from a number of different countries.

Our faculty members hold Master's Degrees in Teaching English as a Second Language and have had extensive teaching experience both in the United States and abroad.

View our ESLL Brochure

Please note our tuition cost for students who have lived in CA for less than one year has changed. Visit our Cashier Webpage for more information.

Need help registering for classes?

Reach out to our Adult Ed. Student Success Specialist to schedule an appointment for application and registration support. Appointments available in-person, virtually, and over the phone.

Instructor leading a classroom discussion with engaged adult students.

Featured Winter Classes

Non-Credit Courses

NCEL 435 Listening and Speaking for Academic Purposes
NCEL 471 Intermediate to Advanced ESL for Food Workers

See All Non-Credit Classes

Degrees & Certificates

View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.

For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.

Certificate of Achievement (CA)

Quick Look at English for Second-Language Learners Courses

For complete course details, including units, hours and prerequisites, view course catalog. For when a course is offered, view class schedule.

ESLL 26 Advanced Composition & Reading
ESLL 125 Composition & Reading
ESLL 201A Composition & Reading Instructional Support for English Language Learners
ESLL 226 High-Intermediate Grammar
ESLL 227 High-Intermediate Reading Skills
ESLL 228 Developing Language Skills for ESL Students
ESLL 235 Listening/Speaking for Academic Purposes
ESLL 236 Advanced Grammar
ESLL 237 Basic Composition Skills
ESLL 248 Advanced Grammar Review
ESLL 249 Advanced Reading

Free Non-Credit Courses

Do you need practice in English to communicate better at home, at work, or in the community?

Our non-credit ESL courses (level 1–2) are free of charge with no registration fee and designed to help immigrant students develop their general ability to understand, speak, read and write English.

Academic Credit Courses

Do you need academic English for your career, or for a certificate or college degree?

Our credit ESL courses (level 3–6) require registration fees and are designed for students with academic goals who wish to complete a two-year degree or vocational certificate at Foothill College or to transfer to a four-year college or university.

I have been in the non-credit ESL classes since spring. My son encouraged me and helped me find Foothill online…I have been enjoying these classes so far. I will study hard and I hope someday I can get a degree.

Yuwan

Taiwan