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Studying English

Do you want to advance your English speaking and writing skills? Are you interested in getting a degree or certificate from Pima Community College, but want to improve your English skills first?  As an international student, you need a Duolingo English Test score of 35 or take the Accuplacer ESL placement test remotely to start taking English as a Second Language (ESL) courses with Pima!

Language proficiency exams and language placement exams taken before the beginning of ESL classes provide basic guidance for initial placement. ESL instructors will re-assess students during the first week of each class to determine correct placement. Please understand that your initial placement may change in order to ensure your success and best progress toward your educational goals.

Apply here as an international student today 

Explore the ESL program

Pima Community College offers English as a Second Language (ESL) courses in Fall and Spring terms. There are 14 weeks each term.  

  • Watch the ESL Introductory Video.
  • Use our flow chart to learn about the program. In the chart, you can learn about:
    • Program courses
    • How to go from High Beginner to Advanced levels
    • Writing (WRT) and Reading (REA) courses you will be prepared to take after completing your Intensive Academic English studies

Pima offers four levels of Academic English courses:

  • High Beginning
  • Intermediate
  • High Intermediate
  • Advanced

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

  • Writing and Grammar
  • Reading and Vocabulary
  • Oral Communication

Learn more about the required classes for each level of the ESL courses:

  • ESL Core Courses:

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

  • ESL Core Courses:

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

Apply here as an international student today 

If you are a domestic student, please refer to this link for more information. 

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