Center for English Language Learning

Study English as a Second Language (ESL) at the Center for English Language Learning (CELL).

The Center for English Language Learning at San Antonio College provides an opportunity for international students, immigrants, professionals, and other English Language Learners (ELLs) to study in a dynamic learning community and acquire or improve essential English skills. CELL offers English language credit (ESLA and ENGA) and noncredit (ESL) classes to help students learn to read, write, speak, and understand American English for social, professional, and academic purposes.

Taking ESL classes can assist with achieving goals such as:

  • New skills
  • Improvement in day-to-day communication
  • Better job opportunities
  • A college degree

Credit and Non-credit Information

Credit

A. English as Second Language for Academics (ESLA, credit)

  • Intensive courses (Levels 1 - 4): Speaking and Listening, Writing, Grammar, and Reading.
  • Purpose: Prepare students for advanced courses (ENGA) or to improve communication skills in English for professional careers.

B. English for Academic Purposes (ENGA, credit)

  • Intensive courses: Grammar and Composition, and Reading and Vocabulary.
  • Purpose: Prepare students for college or university classes.
  • Requirements: (1) completion of ESLA or ESL level 4 or ENGA course placement testing, (2) *College readiness (TSI) exam.

Apply for ESLA (credit) classes if you:

  • Want to improve reading, writing, grammar, and listening/speaking skills for college-level courses.
  • Have an F-1 Visa.
  • Have financial aid.
  • Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who wishes to continue your education at SAC, transfer to university programs, or pursue professional careers.
Non-credit

English as a Second Language (ESL, non-credit)

  • Intensive courses (Levels 1-4): Speaking and Listening, Writing, Grammar, and Reading.
  • Purpose: To improve communication skills in English for professional careers.

Apply for ESL (non-credit) classes if you:

  • Have to pay out-of-state tuition.
  • Have any kind of visa except an F-1 Visa.
  • Want to improve English skills for training or employment opportunities.
  • Plan to take ESLA credit classes after you have documents and/or evidence of a high school diploma, residency, etc.

CELL FAQs

What will I learn?
  • Reading - Read written English with fluency and understanding.
  • Speaking and listening - Learn to use Standard American English for school, work, career goals, home, and the community.
  • Writing - Develop writing skills for personal, academic, ad professional communications.
  • Grammar - Use grammar structures to communicate accurately in speaking and writing.

View a complete and detailed list of what you will learn:

Student Learning Outcomes

What is the typical class schedule?
  • Four levels from beginners to advanced (ESLA/ESL).
  • College preparation classes in 1) composition and grammar and 2) reading and vocabulary in English for Academic Purposes (ENGA).
  • Each course is 8 weeks.
  • Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday classes.
  • Each class is 2 hours and 40 minutes.
  • Each skill (Reading, Writing, Grammar, Speaking, and Listening) is a separate class.
  • Schedule of Classes
What are the additional services?
  • Free computer laptop loans: http://sacweb.sac.dos5.net/eELR/EquipmentRequest
  • Free tutoring at the Writing Center, Student Mega Lab, and Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC) Lab.
  • Fitness center and intramural sports clubs.
  • Student organizations and clubs
  • Student Advocacy Center: Support for basic needs such as food, clothing, and counseling.
  • Wellness 360: Basic physical and mental health care clinic on campus.
How do I apply?

CELL offers complete services for new and returning ESL Students. The Getting Started process includes information about classes, filling out an application, taking a placement test, registering for courses, and advising for other student questions and concerns. CELL is located in Oppenheimer Academic Center (OC) 119. The International Students Office is located on the second floor in OC 220.

Vision, Mission, and Goals

  • The vision of San Antonio College is to be recognized nationally for student success and best practices. As part of that vision, CELL provides a vibrant learning environment for ELLs to prepare for success in their academic and/or career choices.

  • The mission of CELL is to provide an opportunity for ELLs to study in a dynamic learning community in order to acquire essential English language and cultural adaptation skills necessary to meet academic, professional, and personal goals.

  • To provide high-quality, comprehensive instruction for ELLs, to prepare ELLs to transition to and be successful in college-level classes, and to develop the communication skills of ELLs to work in a diverse global society.

Accreditation Information

CELL at SAC has national accreditation from the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation 

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Leading by Advancing Standards

 
 

Contact Us

ESL Main Office
Oppenheimer Academic Center
(OC) 119
(210) 486-0965
sac-cell@dos5.net

Office staff can speak English, Spanish, Farsi, and Arabic.

Alaina Webb
Department Chair
Nail Technical Center (NTC) 114C
(210)486-1105
awebb@dos5.net

Maricela Ramon
Academic Unit Assistant
OC 119
(210)486-0965
mramon@dos5.net

Linda Silva
Discipline Coordinator
(210) 486-1715
lsilva@dos5.net


Office Hours:
Monday and Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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