美姬社区

Noncredit English as a Second Language

Improve Your English. Improve Your Future.

Achieve your personal and professional goals with 美姬社区's free English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Seven levels of ESL are offered during the morning, noon, and evening hours. The program also offers classes in citizenship, workplace ESL, conversation, computers and digital literacy, and reading and writing skills.

Mission Statement

The 美姬社区 noncredit ESL program offers students a variety of learning opportunities to achieve proficiency in the English language and formulate and attain personal, academic, vocational, and/or civic goals.

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What Can I Expect?

Succeed in learning the English language or prepare to be a citizen with these courses:

General ESL

The ESL program offers seven levels of ESL instruction that cover listening, speaking, reading, and writing, along with vocabulary and grammar development. Short, 8-week terms of intensive English study allow students to move on to their next goal in education at a more rapid pace.

Conversation Skills

Beginning and intermediate classes provide a safe and secure environment for students to improve their listening and speaking skills. Classes start with basic communication and progress to more advanced conversation.

Reading & Writing Skills

Beginning and intermediate classes give students the opportunity to advance their reading and writing skills in a supportive and friendly environment. Students advance from producing simple sentences to being able to communicate their ideas in complete paragraphs.

Citizenship

This course prepares students for the United States naturalization process, including the citizenship interview, writing exam, and instruction about U.S. history and government. For more information about the Naturalization process go to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Home Page

Computers & Digital Literacy for ESL

Students improve employability by advancing basic computer skills. Students learn to create basic documents and presentations.

5 Reasons to Attend MCC's English as a Second Language Program

No Cost To You
Free classes, books and materials, support
services, food pantry, and more.
Flexible morning, noon, evening, in-person,
online, and hyflex classes.
You do not need to know any English
to take classes.
Classes are open to community members
regardless of education level and
immigration status.
Safe and supportive learning environment
with caring and passionate faculty and staff.

Become Part of a Community!

Safia U., 美姬社区 English as a Second Language student

My journey in the NCESL program at 美姬社区 has been truly enriching. I am especially grateful for the incredible support of the instructors, who always listen to our feedback and ensure we feel heard and supported. Their classes always bring something new and exciting, making it a great place to learn about American culture. Thanks to their encouragement, I was able to create a group with my classmates where we support each other, share great moments, and organize meetups. I deeply appreciate all the professors and staff for their dedication and kindness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take free noncredit ESL classes?

Any resident of California can take these classes. The intensive English classes meet for eight weeks, three to four days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday), generally for three hours per day. There are other options as two days of open-enrollment classes, conversation, reading and writing, and computers. If you have a visitor鈥檚 visa or international student visa, you should consult with the International Office

How can I register for and enroll in noncredit ESL classes?

Apply to 美姬社区
- Complete the 美姬社区 application online at . In 1鈥�2 business days, you will receive an email from 美姬社区 with your SURF ID and next steps. View for more information.
Go to SURF
- Create a SURF account. Please see page 6 for instructions. You will need to create a password in order to use SURF and access your classes online.
Complete Placement & Orientation
- To get started, please call 760.795.8736 or email adulted@miracosta.edu to complete the placement process.
- Go to miracosta.edu/nceslorientation to sign up for orientation. If you have questions about ESL orientation, please contact ncstudentsupport@miracosta.edu or call 760.757.2121 x8757.
Optional: Meet with a Counselor
- Noncredit counselors provide guidance by creating an Education Plan, help students select classes to meet their goal, and direct students to resources for mental health and personal care. To chat with a counselor or make an appointment, email ncstudentsupport@miracosta.edu or visit .
Register for Classes Using SURF
- Go to surf.miracosta.edu to register for classes online. For additional instructions on how to use SURF, go to . For assistance, call the Admissions & Records Office by email at noncredit@miracosta.edu or at 760.795.8710.

What happens if I have to change my schedule due to work or quit?

Always let the instructor know if you have problems with your schedule or if you have to stop studying. We also try to help you change your class schedule when possible. The college offers conversation courses, reading and writing, computers, and citizenship classes.

How much are the noncredit ESL classes?

The classes are free.

What is the difference between noncredit and credit ESL classes?

In noncredit ESL, there are seven levels of instruction. You do not have to know any English to begin studying. You will practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing in these free classes. You will not receive college credit, but you will take tests. After you complete the noncredit courses, you may want to advance your English to an even higher level or take credit ESL courses to prepare to earn a college career certificate or degree. You can also enroll in the noncredit version of any credit ESL classes. These classes are always listed in as NCESL. They include grammar, reading and vocabulary, listening and speaking, and writing. You can learn more about the program by visiting the credit ESL Web site.

I can鈥檛 go to every class. What can I do?

The noncredit ESL program has several ways you can study if you cannot take intensive 8-week courses. There are two-day, three-day, hyflex (you choose to come in person or attend via Zoom), Zoom, and conversation classes on Fridays and Saturdays. There are also many classes at other sites in Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Encinitas. See for all class offerings.

I need more English for work and to prepare for a career. Which class is best for me?

Enroll in Workplace ESL! This course will help you explore career options, prepare to get a job, improve your English skills for your current job, or prepare to study for a career. Students practice English to get a job, communicate in the workplace, work as part of a team, and complete important speaking, reading, and writing tasks and projects related to work. You can also make an appointment to meet with our noncredit career counselor.

I want to become a United States citizen. Do you have classes for citizenship?

Enroll in the citizenship course! Students who finish the class have a high success rate in obtaining their United States citizenship.

How do I move from one level to the next?

Every course has student learning outcomes. Based on these outcomes, your teacher will determine when your English abilities are at the appropriate level for you to be promoted to the next level of the noncredit ESL program. Teachers use information from test scores, attainment of student learning outcomes for the level, class assignments, attendance, and other identified criteria to decide if students have English proficiency to advance to the next level. When you are recommended for advanced, you will receive an award of completion.

What classes can I take after ESL classes?

You are a student of 美姬社区, and there are many opportunities for you in Continuing Education. You may enroll in Adult High School classes, classes to prepare for the GED or HiSET, or College and Career Preparation classes. See all thenoncredit certificates. You canapply to study in credit academic courses and career and technical courses at the. Make an appointment with an academic counselor for advice on which classes are best for achieving your goals.

What if I need help outside of class?

Learning Commons at Community Learning Center has tutors who can help you with any classwork and practice your English. There is also a librarian in the Learning Commons who can help you learn to search for information and help you find materials from 美姬社区鈥檚 Library.