English as a Second Language Classes

The College's ESL program offers a series of 4-credit-hour courses in three areas of academic skill preparation. Courses are available in grammar/writing, reading/vocabulary, and listening/speaking. Our ESL courses are designed to build your academic literacy and critical thinking skills. Students may enroll part-time or full-time. For the full-time international student, the College's ESL program:

• Meets the requirements for full-time study, which allows them to apply for an I-20 and attend Tompkins Cortland in F-1 student status.
• Prepares students to advance into college and university programs in the United States, or to enter the workforce with confidence in language ability
• Offers a dedicated class-time of 12 hours a week and to gain essential skills in grammar, writing, reading, vocabulary, listening, and speaking.

ESL classes are limited to 12 students and are taught by experienced and caring faculty. Although the classes are intensive, teachers provide students with a great deal of individualized attention and support. Professional ESL tutors are available at no extra charge at the Baker Center for Learning on the College’s campus. 

International students enrolled in ESL courses may attend a limited number of other college courses, depending on their proficiency in English and the content of the course. Most college courses at Tompkins Cortland require you to have completed or currently be enrolled in ENGL 100, Academic Writing. 

Please note that students who need to take ESL courses at Tompkins Cortland may need more than two years to complete their academic program. 

Please contact Angela Palumbo with any questions about the courses.