LaGuardia has the largest English as a Second Language (ESL) program in New York City. ESL students who are interested in earning a LaGuardia college degree enroll in the academic ESL program. Students who want to only learn or improve their English can enroll with our English Language Center.

For Students Who Want To Earn a LaGuardia Degree

After you've applied and been admitted to the college, you'll take placement tests in reading, writing, and math. Students who need ESL are then placed at one of these two levels of the academic ESL program. All ESL classes are non-credit.

Level 1: The CUNY English Language Immersion Program at LaGuardia (CLIP) provides students with the opportunity to improve their English proficiency in an academic environment, before they enroll in college courses. CLIP students learn the reading, writing and communication skills necessary to be successful at college.
Classes are offered at an intensive level (25 hours per week) for up to one year. The instructional format includes class work, research projects, a range of computer applications, orientation to the college, and out-of-class assignments. Students will be notified by the Office of Admissions of their CLIP eligibility, after their placement test scores have been received.

Level 2: Academic ESL courses offer intensive instruction in reading, writing, speaking and listening. The sequence ranges from pre-intermediate to advanced-level courses, which focus on expository writing and critical reading skills. The ESL lab provides individual and small-group tutoring.

Its strongly suggested that Academic ESL students who are eligible for a learning community consider participating in one. Not only will you start taking credit courses earlier (possibly in your major), you may be able to enroll as a full-time student, which may make you eligible for financial aid.  Also, research shows that students who participate in learning communities learn more effectively and usually receive better grades, than those who take the same courses outside of one. When you register for classes, your course planner will discuss ESL and learning community options with you.


For Students Who Do Not Want to Earn A LaGuardia Degree

The English Language Center (TELC) provides non-credit ESL classes at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels and specialized workshops for specific skills development such as TOEFL preparation and intermediate and advanced writing. The center offers morning, afternoon and evening intensive classes (18-20 hours per week) as well as non-intensive programs. Students who complete the intensive programs are eligible to enter LaGuardia and other CUNY colleges without taking the TOEFL. A modern language lab facility and computer labs are available for student use.


Other ESL Programs

The Adult Learning Center is among the University's largest providers of ESL, adult basic education and GED preparation instruction. Classes are held on-campus, at Goodwill Industries in Astoria and in Woodside, Queens.

The Center for Immigrant Education and Training provides free comprehensive educational and job training services for immigrant adults with limited proficiency in English.