Culture, History, and Languages

English as a Second Language Department

Build your English. Expand your future.

SMC professor and student

Santa Monica College’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program helps students build the English skills they need for college, career, and everyday life. Our supportive, student-centered classes focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking to help you gain confidence and succeed. Whether you’re just starting or advancing your skills, we’re here to help you reach your goals.

Which ESL Classes Should You Take? Start Here!

Credit Program

Credit ESL classes are for students:

  • whose first language is not English
  • who want to improve their English for success at work, school, and in the community
  • another reason 
  • another reason

Santa Monica College uses an ESL Guided Self-Placement tool to help you choose the right courses. Available in your Corsair Connect portal as part of enrollment.

You can also take support classes to build skills in: Grammar, Reading, Vocabulary, Speaking, and Pronunciation

Noncredit Program

Noncredit ESL classes are for students:

More information on Noncredit ESL classes.

Why Take Credit ESL Courses?

Credit ESL courses at Santa Monica College are designed for students who want to build strong academic English skills and prepare for college-level success.

SMC's academic ESL courses:

  • teach you to read and write at a college level by developing academic vocabulary, advanced grammar, and reading/writing skills
  • help you succeed in English C1000 (formerly English 1) and other courses
  • prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university
  • give you opportunities to study with other ESL students from around the world in a safe and friendly atmosphere

SMC's ESL professors:

  • have special professional training in teaching students whose native language is not English
  • are experts in language acquisition, second language teaching, and linguistics
  • speak other languages and many have taught and/or studied abroad
  • are a diverse group of experienced and well-qualified individuals who are dedicated to helping students achieve their academic, professional, and personal language learning goals

How to Enroll

International Students
Select this option if you are a student applying with an F1 or F2 Visa.
New Students
Select this option if you are a student attending college for the first time.
Returning Students
Select this option if you are a student who has been away from college for more than 1 year.
Undocumented Students
Select this option if you are a student with undocumented status, including Dreamers.

Contact

Keith Graziadei, ESL Department Chair
Office: Drescher Hall 314K
Phone: 310-434-8463
Email: Graziadei_Keith@smc.edu

Jocelyn Alex, ESL Administrative Assistant
Office:  Drescher Hall, Room 315
Phone: 310-434-4260
Email: Alex_Jocelyn@smc.edu

Donate

Support the ESL Department through the SMC Foundation so we can continue to provide meaningful opportunities for our students and community.

Donate

Apply Now