English as a Second Language (ESL)
Improve your English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills to build confidence in your communication skills.
More Info
Build confidence and open new doors in your life with the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Delta College. ESL is designed to improve the communication skills of students who speak English as a second language, and can help you prepare for success at school or at work.
We provide four levels of instruction from intermediate to advanced, and courses that prepare you for university-transferable English or career-specific training programs.
Flexible courses are available to fit your schedule, and free tutoring and other resources are available, as well as free noncredit courses and ESL certificates. All courses within each sequence encourage awareness of the richness of human diversity within Delta!
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- Essay Writing
- Workplace English
- Business Communication
- Health Terminology
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar Mastery
- Oral Presentations
- Listening Skills
Finding the right program starts with knowing what you enjoy—if these skills and interests sound like you, you might enjoy studying English as a Second Language (ESL)
Communication Language Translation Public speaking WritingStudent Success Stories
The ESL Program has given me the opportunity for personal growth and work experience. It has given me the confidence to know that nothing is impossible if you put your mind into it.
Hilda Tapi Cavenecia
ESL Student
I was once an ESL student and enjoyed that experience. After completing ESL classes, I earned an AA degree in Spanish and in Interdisciplinary Studies. Currently, I work at San Joaquin Delta College as a Tutor for Spanish and other subjects, and I am continuing my education to become a Spanish Teacher.
Blanca Torres de Arroyo
ESL Graduate
Advanced ESL Certificate of Competency
The Advanced ESL Certificate of Competency prepares students to excel in advanced-level ESL coursework, positioning them for success in vocational training, academic programs, or professional environments where a high level of English proficiency is essential. In this program, English language learners will focus on mastering academic reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar skills at an advanced college ESL level. These skills will enable them to transition seamlessly into higher education, degrees, certificates, and transfer opportunities. Participants will also refine their English proficiency to enhance employability, enrich their families, and contribute more actively to the wider community.
ESL Milestone for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Business Certificate of Achievement
The ESL Milestone for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Business Certificate of Achievement teaches advanced reading and writing skills at a post-secondary level for English learners combined with introductory business and entrepreneurship skills. Students will use a combination of these skills along their pathways to degrees, certificates, or transfer opportunities. In addition, they will be more prepared to work in multilingual office environments and/or pursue more entrepreneurship opportunities.
ESL Milestone for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Electrical Technology Certificate of Achievement
The ESL Milestone for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Electrical Technology Certificate of Achievement teaches advanced reading and writing skills at a post-secondary level for English learners combined with introductory electrical technology skills. Students will use a combination of these skills along their pathways to degrees, certificates, or transfer opportunities. In addition, they will be more prepared to succeed in the Electrical Technology certificate/degree programs and to practice electrical technology in the field.
ESL Milestone for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Health Careers Certificate of Achievement
The ESL Milestone for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Health Careers Certificate of Achievement teaches advanced reading and writing skills at a post-secondary level for English learners combined with introductory skills related to a future in health careers. Students will use a combination of these skills along their pathways to degrees, certificates, or transfer opportunities. In addition, they will be more prepared to succeed in a variety of health certificate programs and to join a health career in the future.
High-Intermediate ESL Certificate of Competency
The High-Intermediate ESL Certificate of Competency prepares students to progress to advanced ESL coursework, allowing them to pursue vocational training, academic programs, or employment opportunities that require strong English proficiency. In this program, English language learners will focus on enhancing their academic reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar skills at a high-intermediate college ESL level. These skills will support their transition to advanced ESL coursework, degrees, certificates, and/or transfer opportunities. Participants will also strengthen the English skills needed to boost their employability, enrich their families, and engage more fully in the broader community.
Low-Intermediate ESL Certificate of Competency
The Low-Intermediate ESL Certificate of Competency prepares students to advance to higher-level ESL coursework in order to transition to vocational training, academic programs, or employment opportunities where English proficiency is required. In this program, English language learners will focus on academic reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar skills at a low-intermediate college ESL level. Students will use these skills to transition to high-intermediate college ESL course work on their pathways to degrees, certificates, and/or transfer opportunities. English language learners in this program will strengthen the English language skills needed to improve their employability, enrich their families, and become more active participants in the wider community.
Noncredit ESL Milestone for Multilingual Speakers - Pathway to Health Careers Certificate of Completion
The Noncredit ESL Milestone for Multilingual Speakers - Pathway to Health Careers Certificate of Completion is designed to prepare English Language learners (ELLs) to succeed in short-term vocational certificate programs related to Health Careers and/or degree-applicable coursework in various Guided Pathways certificate and degree programs. Multilingual students completing these certificates have obtained academic English reading and writing skills at an advanced, post-secondary level. In addition, they have achieved success in prerequisite or introductory coursework in a variety of degree, certificate, and/or general education patterns. These two elements combine to demonstrate significant achievement of a milestone along their pathways to Health Careers certificates, degrees or transfer opportunities.