Information for Counselors/Advisors and Students

• English as a Second Language (ESL) - Continuing Education (CE) - Non-credit
• English as a Second Language for Academics (ESLA) - Credit
• English for Academic Purposes (ENGA) - College Preparation

English language learners (ELLs) register for ESL (non-credit) classes if they:

• have to pay out-of-state tuition;
• have an F-2 J-1, or J-2 visa;
• want to improve English skills for training or employment opportunities; and/or
• plan to take ESLA after they have in their possession, documents and/or evidence of a high school diploma, residency, etc.

ESLA (credit) classes if they:

• want to improve their reading, writing, grammar, and listening/speaking skills for college-level courses; and
• have an F-1 visa; or
• are U.S. citizens or permanent residents who wish to continue their education at SAC, transfer to university programs or pursue professional careers.

Upon completion of the ESLA sequence of courses, ESLA students register for English for Academic Purposes (ENGA) courses.

• When students complete all requirements for ENGA, they also meet the English/reading basic skills prerequisite to enroll in college-level courses;
• The ENGA courses are specifically designed for English language learners (ELLs) and are fast-paced, 8 weeks for each course.

ENGA 0353 (Reading and Vocabulary)
ENGA 0351 (Composition and Grammar)

Note: All ENGA courses are only available as credit classes.

Students complete the English placement test (no charge) in the Oppenheimer Academic Center (OC) 119.

They may need to enroll in one or more ESLA courses (based on a student's score on the English placement test) before they qualify for ENGA.

Then they must complete AlamoENROLL and the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exam.

Note: An administrative aide in OC 119 will give you a referral form. Take it with you when you go to the testing center and show it to a clerk there. After you take the TSI, you must go to the Empowerment Center and register for ENGA.

Are you a U.S. resident? If so, and if you are currently taking CE ESL level 4, you must do the following immediately:

1. Send your non-US high school transcripts to a foreign credential evaluation & translation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
2. Complete the college application: Apply Texas. (You should receive an electronic letter in a week.)
3. After you receive the letter, go to Oppenheimer (OC) 119 and ask an administrative assistant for a referral form for the TSI.
4. Go to the testing center in Fletcher (FAB) 103 and show the referral form to an administrative assistant (keep the referral).
5. Complete AlamoENROLL.
6. Complete GoFARR and Test Prep (2 hours) before you start the TSI.
7. Take the TSI exam (3 ½ hours).
8. Go to the Empowerment Center and register for ENGA.

If you are not a U.S. resident and you want to register for ENGA, you may want to apply for an I-20 to be an international student. This process may take several months, so start immediately.

For more information about how to apply for an I-20, contact the International Student Services in Oppenheimer 220.