Center for English Language Learning

What is the Center for English Language Learning at San Antonio College?

The Center for English Language Learning at San Antonio College (CELL @ SAC) 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 @ SAC 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.

Why Should I take ESL Classes at CELL @ SAC?

A college degree
More pay
Better job opportunities
Job promotions
New skills
Improvement in day-to-day communication
Completion certificate for English Proficiency

Credit

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

Intensive courses (Levels 1 - 4): Speaking and Listening; Writing; Grammar; and Reading and Vocabulary
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 & Composition; and Reading & 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

Who can apply?

ESLA (credit) classes if

want to improve reading, writing, grammar, and listening/speaking skills for college-level courses;
have an F-1 visa;
have financial aid; or
are U.S. citizens or permanent residents who wish to continue their 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 and Vocabulary
Purpose: To improve communication skills in English for professional careers.

Who can apply?

ESL (non-credit) classes if

have to pay out-of-state tuition;
have any kind of visa except F-1 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.

What do I learn?

LISTENING - Understand spoken American English in diverse situations.
READING - Read the written English with fluency and understanding.
SPEAKING - Learn pronunciation and to speak using Standard American English for work, career goals, home, and the community.
WRITING - Write English using clear grammatical structures.
GRAMMAR (The foundation of language learning) - Designed to complement speaking and writing skills

*To see a complete and detailed list of what you will learn, click on the link for 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)
8 weeks
Flexible schedules: day classes
Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday classes
Each class is 2 hour 40 minutes.
Each skill (Reading, Writing, Grammar, Speaking and Listening) is a separate class.
Lab may be required for some classes.
Schedule of Class

What are the additional services?

Free access to the computer laboratories
Free tutoring at the Writing Center, English, Reading, Student Mega Lab, Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC) Lab
Workshops and support groups include Reading circles, Conversation club, Pronunciation practice, specialized workshops/ seminars designed for students’ needs
Computer laboratory with e-mail and Internet access, computer assignments
Sports and athletics: intramural sports, gymnasium, tennis courts, track
Student organizations and clubs include the International Student Association (ISA)
International Student Services

How do I apply?

CELL offers complete service 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. The Center for English Language Learning is located in Oppenheimer Academic Center OC #119 to register for ESLA, ENGA, & ESL classes. International Students Office is located on the second floor in OC #220.

Vision, Mission, and Goals

Vision: The vision of San Antonio College is to be recognized nationally for student success and best practices. As part of that vision, CELL @ SAC's vision is to provide a vibrant learning environment for English language learners (ELLs) to prepare for success in their academic and/or career choices.

Mission Statement:
The mission of the Center for English Language Learning at San Antonio College (CELL @ SAC) is to provide an opportunity for English Language Learners (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.

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

Contact Info

Email:
SAC-CELL@alamo.edu

Location:
Oppenheimer Academic Center
(OC-119) (corner of Lewis and W. Evergreen)

Phone: 210-486-0965

Lab Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
210-486-0965

Map of ESL Classroom Locations

Map of Specific Campus Locations

Visit Us on Facebook
Facebook ESL

Tom Cox, Ph.D (210) 486-1115, tcox@alamo.edu

Maricela Ramon mramon@alamo.edu

Jeremy Polk jpolk11@alamo.edu