Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

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What is ESOL?

The ESOL Department offers eight levels of English, from level 1, for students with no or very little English, through level 8, after which students can continue on with their college classes. ESOL levels 1-8 serve the needs of adult refugees, immigrants, permanent residents, and U.S. citizens. Levels 4-8 also serve the needs of professional personnel working or training in the U.S., international students, and international visitors. We welcome deaf or hard-of-hearing students in ESOL.

We are here to help you take ESOL classes

PCC is offering most of our classes on campus and some classes remotely. We will help you take an ESOL placement test, register, and get ready to take classes. Please contact us!

  1. Get your student ID number (G number) by completing the PCC Application. Watch this video for help.
    Apply now angle right
  2. Go to the Testing Office at the campus closest to you. See the ESOL placement test schedule.
  3. Do you need help? Do you need a remote ESOL Placement Test?

    Do you have questions?

  4. If you are an international student (F1 Visa student), contact international@pcc.edu or 971-722-7150.

Why take ESOL classes

All ESOL students are working to achieve various personal goals, such as learning enough English to meet daily communication needs, conducting business, getting involved in their children’s education, and interacting in their community. Most ESOL students also have work- or education-related goals, such as high school equivalency or high school completion, professional or technical training, professional development, or continuation of college studies within an English-speaking medium.

Our faculty

Teachers in the ESOL program have Master’s degrees in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) or Master’s degrees and advanced TESOL training. These teachers come to the program with experience teaching students with language backgrounds other than English. Many teachers have additional expertise such as teaching with technology or teaching literacy. Most teachers have lived and worked in countries other than the U.S.

Credit and non-credit classes

ESOL offers both credit and non-credit classes. See the program overview page for more information.

Questions?

Related pages

 

PCC provides an Annual Security Report meeting Clery Act requirements. The report shares safety programs, policies, and crime data for the past three years. It also includes steps you can take to maintain a safe campus for everyone.