Language Institute
Columbus State's Language Institute offers low-cost non-credit Basic ESL classes for
beginning to high intermediate English learners. These courses help English learners
improve their English language and literacy skills.
Core courses teach grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking together in
the same course. Core courses are numbered from 1 to 8.
Elective courses focus on special topics like pronunciation, conversation, and vocabulary. These classes are open to anyone who wants to improve their English, for daily life or for their academic career. Many students take credit ESL classes after completing coursework in the non-credit program.
NOTE: The Language Institute offers only non-credit courses. If you’re interested in credit courses that qualify for financial aid, contact the Languages and Communication Department at (614) 287-5400.
Información en Español
Basic English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes
The Language Institute at Columbus State Community College offers low-cost, non-credit
Basic ESL classes. These courses are designed to improve the English language and
literacy skills of speakers of other languages.
Before registering for classes, students must take a placement test to determine their
English level.
Registration for Spring A 2025 Placement Testing and classes will open on Tuesday November 12th.
Spring A Placement Testing will begin on Saturday, December 7th
Spring A classes will begin on Monday January 6th
Register for Placement Test or Classes
Spring A 2025 Placement Testing Schedule
Placement Tests are located in the Workforce Development Building, 315 Cleveland Ave., Room 1090. The office hours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed 1pm-2pm daily. Other hours: see posted hours on door of Room 1090.
Basic ESL Core Classes
All students must complete a placement test to determine their correct English level. In each course, students will work on reading, writing, vocabulary, listening and speaking skills. Students take a final exam at the end of each course. A passing final exam score is required to move to the next level.
COURSE | MAIN OBJECTIVES | MATERIALS |
Basic ESL 1 $210 (BESL-0101) |
|
Basic ESL 1 (required) Longman ESL Literacy (optional) |
Basic ESL 2 $210 (BESL-0102) |
|
Step Forward 1 (required) Oxford Picture Dictionary (optional) |
Basic ESL 3 $210 (BESL-0103) |
|
Step Forward 1 (required) Oxford Picture Dictionary (optional) |
Basic ESL 4 $210 (BESL-0104) |
|
Focus on Grammar 2A
|
Basic ESL 5 $210 (BESL- 0105) |
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Focus on Grammar 2B BESL 5 Reading
|
Basic ESL 6 $210 (BESL-0106) |
|
Focus on Grammar 2B BESL 6 Reading
|
Basic ESL 7 $210 (BESL-0107) |
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Focus on Grammar 3A BESL 7 Reading
|
Basic ESL 8 $210 (BESL-0108) |
|
Great Writing 2 |
Basic ESL Elective Courses
COURSE | MAIN OBJECTIVES | MATERIALS |
The Alphabet and Early Reading $110 (BESL - 0000) |
|
Materials provided |
Pronunciation 1 $110 (BESL-0130) Completion of Basic ESL 3 |
|
Pronunciation Pairs |
Pronunciation 2 $110 (BESL-0135) Completion of Basic ESL 3 |
|
Pronunciation Pairs |
Pronunciation 3 $110 (BESL- 0133) Completion of Basic ESL 3 |
|
Pronunciation Pairs |
Conversation 1 $110 (BESL-0140) Completion of Basic ESL 4
|
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Conversation Strategies (required) Talking with Americans (optional)
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Conversation 2 $110 (BESL-0145) Completion of Basic ESL 4
|
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Conversation Strategies (required) Talking with Americans (optional)
|
Conversation Club $110 (BESL - 0143) Completion of Conversation 1 and 2 |
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Conversation Strategies (required) Talking with Americans (optional) |
Vocabulary 1, 2 or 3 $110 (BESL-0150) Completion of Basic ESL 4 |
|
Oxford Picture Dictionary |
Grammar: Present Tenses $110 (BESL-0161) Completion of Basic ESL 4 |
|
provided |
Grammar: Past, Future and Perfect Tenses $110 (BESL-0162) Completion of Basic ESL 4 |
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provided |
Successful Writing Basics $110 (BESL-0170) Completion of Basic ESL 5 |
|
The Successful Writer’s Pyramid
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Successful Reading Basics $110 (BESL - 0180) Completion of Basic ESL 5 |
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Basic Reading Power 1 |
Reading for College Readiness $110 (BESL-0210) Completion of Basic ESL 8 Recommended for students who plan to take credit ESL within the next year. |
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World of Reading 1
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Writing for College Readiness $210 (BESL-0220) Completion of Basic ESL 8 Recommended for students who plan to take credit ESL within the next year. |
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Writing for College Readiness |