Center for English as a Second Language

Welcome to the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL)!

The Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) is the academic unit which provides ESL courses to international graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Cincinnati. As an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program, we serve the ESL community by providing high-quality English language courses in an authentic learning environment where students are immersed in academic and social cultures. The ESL courses are designed to support students to succeed in their academic endeavor and to adapt to life and work in the United States.

Additionally, the CESL provides language assessment services in academic writing and oral English proficiency for international students and visiting scholars. Furthermore, the CESL designs and offers flexible-term courses, workshops, and programs to meet the specific needs of academic programs, international visiting students, visiting scholars, and English teachers overseas.

The CESL offers a variety of courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. ESL courses focus on reading and writing skills, oral communication and culture awareness and are available in Fall and Spring semesters. The Center of ESL instructor team is devoted to supporting international students' success through cultural adaptation and language development. Find out what courses are available and meet our dedicated instructor team.

• ESL Courses
• ESL Instructors

The Center for ESL offers courses sequentially for reading/writing, speaking/listening, as well as additional stand-alone courses. Student placement in these courses depends on placement testing scores. The Center for ESL provides a number of placement and eligibilty tests for international students and visiting scholars alike. Read more in the undergraduate and graduate placement guides or learn more about placement and eligibility tests below.

• ESL Placement Guides
• ESL Tests