English as a Second Language

Oakland Community College welcomes students from all backgrounds, including English as a Second Language (ESL) students. 

We understand how difficult it can be to take courses in another language. Our ESL program will help you become more fluent in English and better prepare you for college and your career.

Why come to OCC?

• Established program | Our English as a Second Language program has been helping students reach their goals for over 30 years.
• Complete instruction | We offer 11 different courses to help you improve your English skills, including grammar, listening communication, conversation, oral communication, writing and reading. 
• Expert faculty | Our dedicated faculty members are experienced in working with students who have different levels of English skills.
• Free academic support | Our Conversation Partner Program and one-on-one tutoring through our Academic Support Center provide additional support outside the classroom. 
• Successful graduates | No matter where you go after OCC, our ESL program will prepare you. Our OCC graduates transfer to 4-year colleges and universities, enter the workforce and get better jobs.

You can also read frequently asked questions about our program. 

Placement Testing

• Required | To ensure you enroll in the classes that best meet your needs, you will need to take the Duolingo English test.  
• Duolingo English Test | This test is different from many other placement tests. It is designed to test students’ real-world language ability, and it measures reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. 
• Free | You will not need to pay for this test. You will receive a special OCC coupon code that covers the cost. 
• To take the Duolingo English test | Visit MyOCC and log in with your OCC username and password. Locate the Pre-Registration Steps card, then select Duolingo ESL Placement. Follow the instructions on this page.
• Exemption | If you have already taken the TOEFL / IELTS tests, your score may exempt you from taking some ESL courses. Visit our placement testing page and see the “Exemption” section for more information.

“I speak all the time with my family in Spanish and my friends are from Mexico. I needed to practice my English with somebody else, so I decided to be part of this opportunity … I not only improved my English skills, but also, I think I have grown as a person.”  – Cutzi Guzman Lopez, ESL student in Conversation Partner Program

For specific information about how to take the Duolingo English Test, go to MyOCC and log in with your OCC username and password. Locate the Pre-Registration Steps card, then select Duolingo ESL Placement. Follow the instructions on this page.

Registration