English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs

LaGuardia has a comprehensive network of credit and non-credit programs for English language learners, creating an opportunity for all. Our programs are designed to give you the skills to realize your potential, whether you seek to enter the workforce or choose to continue your education by earning a college degree or certificate here at LaGuardia, or elsewhere.

At LaGuardia, over 50% of our students are foreign born and speak 100 languages natively. And while English may not be the first language of many, that’s never a barrier to what non-English speakers can learn and become in America.

Credit ESL Courses

Credit courses are taken through academic enrollment as a matriculated or non-matriculated student of LaGuardia Community College. Learn more about admission to the College.

The Department of Education and Language Acquisition (ELA) runs language classes for all levels of fluency in English and 14 other languages.

Academic ESL courses prepare non-native speakers for the rest of their college careers, setting a strong foundation in English reading and writing.

Modern Language and Literature courses include history, literature, writing, skills maintenance, and translation classes in everything from Bengali to Greek.

Department Contact: 
 B-Building, Room B234
(718) 482-5640

CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP)

Students who have been admitted to a City University of New York (CUNY) college but need more time to learn English before taking college courses can apply to the CUNY English Language Immersion Program (CLIP). CLIP helps students develop English language skills and prepares them for study and success in college. Classes meet for five hours a day, five days a week. Students are encouraged to spend one year in the program.

CUNY English Language Immersion Program
C-Building, Room C-224 
(718) 482-5966

Non-Credit ESL Courses

Non-credit courses are taken through the Division of Adult and Continuing Education (ACE), which offers year-round open registration, regardless of the level of education you’ve completed.

The English Language Center (TELC), New York City’s largest ESL program, offers reading, writing, listening, speaking and grammar classes in the day, evening and weekends. In addition, specialized workshops are offered for TOEFL preparation and other specialized subjects including grammar, writing, and public speaking.

The English Language Center
C-Building, Room C354
(718) 482-5360

The Center for Immigrant Education & Training (CIET) pairs language learning with cultural integration, enabling immigrants to meet the challenges of the roles that they are called on to play as workers, parents and as citizens of New York City.

The program includes Civics classes that help with day-to-day skills like banking, housing, and NYC neighborhoods; Family Literacy classes improve parents’ communication with teachers, and English for Careers target the skills needed by immigrants working in health and customer service.

Center for Immigrant Education and Training
C-Building, Room C239
(718) 482-5460