Description:

The ESL department offers seven levels (01 through 071) of credit courses from beginning to advanced. We offer classes in writing/grammar, reading, and listening/speaking. All ESL classes are Basic Skills Classes. Students are placed into classes that reflect their language skills. Students are prepared with various objectives in mind: survival skills, improved communication skills, vocational training or certificate, AA degree and transfer. At each level, students are able to select from core classes that focus on many language skills with an emphasis on grammar and writing (011 through 071), reading classes (012 through 062) or listening and speaking classes (013 through 073).

Students can create their own schedules based on their needs, but all students are encouraged to enroll in a core, a reading, and a listening/speaking class. Enrolling in all three classes every semester helps students be better balanced in all their language skills. There are additional individualized courses offered through the Writing Center. The ESL department regularly distributes fliers throughout the community before the spring and fall semesters to invite members of the community who could benefit from our services to come and join us.

The scheduled classes (those listed in the box above) are offered in the mornings and evenings. Writing Center self-study courses are ¼ unit to ½ unit courses that can be done at the student’s own speed. No placement test is needed for Writing Center courses.

To find out which classes to take, call the Assessment Center at (714) 895-8388 and make an appointment to take the Placement Test. The Placement Test will tell you which classes are best for you.

Tuition: California residents $20 / unit

Nonresidents of California $173 / unit

Students who are citizens of other countries $173 + $9 = $182 / unit

For more information on tuition and fees, click on the following link: http://gwc.info/admissions/tuition.html

Highlights:

• Fully revised flexible program offering classes in discrete language skills
• Seven levels of ESL catering to all language competencies
• Self-study classes available in the Student Learning Center
• Computer Classroom
• Diverse faculty committed to student success
• Computer consoles in ESL classrooms for teacher presentations
• Computerized placement test in three distinct language areas
• Separate section for ESL texts / readers in the library
• Newly increased hours in listening and speaking classes at the 050 and 060 levels
• Increased liaison within the Coast District to ensure course compatibility allowing students an easier transition from one ESL program to another
• Comprehensive norming of all ESL faculty teaching core classes each semester to ensure program consistency
• Newly developed Plato courses to be made available to ESL students in the Student Learning Center

Contact: