English as a Second Language (ESL)

Pima Community College’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program, also known as Intensive Academic English, is for non-native speakers who want to improve general, professional, or academic skills in English communication, reading and writing. Completion of the ESL sequence will prepare students for college-level English writing and reading courses and serve as a first step toward any degree or certificate program.

Pima's Intensive Academic English for Non-Native Speakers program offers courses in Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Classes are 14 weeks in Fall and Spring terms and 8 weeks in the Summer term.

Pima offers four levels of academic English courses:

1. High Beginning
2. Intermediate
3. High Intermediate
4. Advanced

Each level is made up of three classes focusing on these core skills:

• Writing and Grammar
• Reading and Vocabulary
• Oral Communication

Students test into the appropriate level for their abilities.

Level 1: Intensive English - High Beginning

ESL Core Courses:

• ESL060 WG: Writing and Grammar (4 credits)
• ESL060 RV: Reading and Vocabulary (4 credits)
• ESL060 CM: Oral Communication (4 credits)

Level 2: Intensive English - Intermediate

ESL Core Courses:

• ESL070 WG: Writing and Grammar (4 credits)
• ESL070 RV: Reading and Vocabulary (4 credits)
• ESL070 CM: Oral Communication (4 credits)

Elective:

• ESL070 PR: Intermediate Pronunciation (2 credits)

Level 3: College Bridge - High Intermediate

ESL Core Courses:

• ESL080 WG: Writing and Grammar (4 credits)
• ESL080 RV: Reading and Vocabulary (4 credits)
• ESL080 CM: Oral Communication (4 credits)

Elective:

• ESL080 PR: Advanced Pronunciation (2 credits)

Level 4: College Bridge - Advanced

ESL Core Courses:

• ESL088 WG: Writing and Grammar (4 credits)
• ESL088 RV: Reading and Vocabulary (4 credits)
• ESL088 CM: Oral Communication (4 credits) 

College-level courses

The ESL courses listed above prepare students for College-level courses:

• WRT090: English Composition Fundamentals
• WRT101: English Composition
• WRT101S/SE: English Composition Integrated Studies
• REA091: Reading Improvement II
• REA112: Critical Reading
• Courses for Academic Programs, Degrees, and Occupational Certificates

Contact Information

For information about taking Intensive Academic English, please contact Christina Gartelos Perez, College Success Coach at cperez77@pima.edu or (520) 206-7355.