ESL
Learn English at South Texas College and open the door to new opportunities—personally and professionally. Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program is designed to help you succeed. Whether you are just starting or looking to improve your skills, we offer:
- Comprehensive instruction in speaking, listening, reading, and writing
- Courses for all levels, from beginner to advanced
- Practical skills for everyday life, work, and academic success
No matter where you are in your language journey, there is a place for you here. Take the first step toward fluency—contact us today!
Free ESL Classes Now Available!
Take the first step toward improving your English—at no cost!
Qualifying students will receive:
- 80 hours of English instruction
- Free textbook
- Free online learning resources
Class Schedule and Locations:
- Classes meet Monday through Thursday, 2 hours per day
- Choose from morning, afternoon or evening sessions.
- Classes offered at Pecan Plaza, Starr County Campus, Mid-Valley Campus, and Technology Campus.
- Classes coming soon to Mid-Valley Campus and Technology Campus.
To see if you qualify, you must first attend an Orientation and Placement Test.
To book your Orientation and Placement Test date and location:
Pecan Plaza-2621 W Pecan Blvd, McAllen, TX. Room 1-902
Technology -3700 W Military Hwy, McAllen, TX. Building E1-802
Mid-Valley-400 N Border Ave, Weslaco, TX. Building D1-147
Starr County -142 FM 3167, Rio Grande City, TX. Building D1-132
Schedule Disclosure
Schedules are subject to change depending on instructor availability, low enrollment, or unforseen weather conditions. Notifications on schedules changes are only given to students who are enrolled.
ESL Class Registration
| Course | CRN | Date | Location | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Foundations I
Foundations ITerm: 520263 CRN: 50301 Course Number: COMG 1015.K03 Location: Pecan Plaza TBA Date: May 11 - Jun 15, 2026 Days: MTWR Time: 10am-12pm Instructor: E. Pastor This 40 hour course is the first in our English as a Second Language program. Introduction to communication skills as applicable to individuals or groups in the workplace. Includes skills in listening, writing, and verbal/non-verbal communications.
Financial aid is currently available to qualifying students. Students interested in financial aid need to apply online at www.studentaid.gov then request a referral by visiting the front office or emailing the request to cpwe@southtexascollege.edu. Please submit Student ID number or Date of birth with requests. CPWE |
50301 | May 11 - Jun 15, 2026 | Pecan Plaza TBA | $280 | Register |
Foundations III
Foundations IIITerm: 520263 CRN: 50295 Course Number: COMG 1011.K01 Location: Pecan Plaza 1.805 Date: May 04 - Jun 08, 2026 Days: MTWR Time: 6pm-8pm Instructor: T. Torres This class is the third class in our ESL Foundations Level. This course is designed to be repeated with varying content for speakers of languages other than English, exposing students to the uses of language in industry-specific, job-related contexts.
Financial aid is currently available to qualifying students. Students interested in financial aid need to apply online at www.studentaid.gov then request a referral by visiting the front office or emailing the request to cpwe@southtexascollege.edu. Please submit Student ID number or Date of birth with requests.
CPWE Se aplica ayuda financiera de $280.00 para aquellos que califican. |
50295 | May 04 - Jun 08, 2026 | Pecan Plaza 1.805 | $280 | Register |
Intermediate I
Intermediate ITerm: 520263 CRN: 50296 Course Number: COMG 1003.K02 Location: Pecan Plaza 1.805 Date: May 04 - Jun 08, 2026 Days: MTWR Time: 6pm-8pm Instructor: J. Crafts The Intermediate level have 3 parts, each section is 40 hours. This level will address essential listening, speaking, reading, writing and computational skills required by business and industry. Improvement of communication skills related to successful job performance. Student will require book for this level, one book covers all sections.
Financial aid is currently available to qualifying students. Students interested in financial aid need to apply online at www.studentaid.gov then request a referral by visiting the front office or emailing the request to cpwe@southtexascollege.edu. Please submit Student ID number or Date of birth with requests. CPWE |
50296 | May 04 - Jun 08, 2026 | Pecan Plaza 1.805 | $280 | Register |
Intermediate II
Intermediate IITerm: - CRN: - Course Number: Location: Date: Days: Time: Instructor: The Intermediate level have 3 parts, each section is 40 hours. In this level students will have a mastery of a selected vocabulary of technical/occupational terms, including appropriate pronunciation of terms and use of English language structures required by business and industry. Student will require book for this level, one book covers all sections.
Financial aid is currently available to qualifying students. Students interested in financial aid need to apply online at www.studentaid.gov then request a referral by visiting the front office or emailing the request to cpwe@southtexascollege.edu. Please submit Student ID number or Date of birth with requests.
CPWE |
- | $280 | |||
Advanced II
Advanced IITerm: 520263 CRN: 50308 Course Number: COMG 1040.K01 Location: Pecan Plaza TBA Date: May 11 - Jun 15, 2026 Days: MTWR Time: 6pm-8pm Instructor: F. Flores The Advanced level has 3 parts, each section is 40 hours. These courses will focus on the principles of communication to facilitate sending and receiving messages in the workplace. Student will require book for this level, one book covers all sections.
Financial aid is currently available to qualifying students. Students interested in financial aid need to apply online at www.studentaid.gov then request a referral by visiting the front office or emailing the request to cpwe@southtexascollege.edu. Please submit Student ID number or Date of birth with requests. CPWE Financial Aid coverage: $280.00. Please visit front staff or email (cpwe@southtexascollege.edu) for referral requests. |
50308 | May 11 - Jun 15, 2026 | Pecan Plaza TBA | $280 | Register |
Hi Advanced II
Hi Advanced IITerm: - CRN: - Course Number: Location: Date: Days: Time: Instructor: This level is the second part of our 4th level and is a 40-hour course. In this level, students will focus on speaking publicly without stress. Emphasizes use of verbal and non-verbal skills to make points clear and effective. Student will require book for this level, one book covers all sections.
Financial aid is currently available to qualifying students. Students interested in financial aid need to apply online at www.studentaid.gov then request a referral by visiting the front office or emailing the request to cpwe@southtexascollege.edu. Please submit Student ID number or Date of birth with requests. CPWE |
- | $280 | |||
Hi Advanced III
Hi Advanced IIITerm: 520263 CRN: 50302 Course Number: POFT 1002.K01 Location: Pecan Plaza 1.904 Date: May 26 - Jun 29, 2026 Days: MTWR Time: 8:30am-10:30am Instructor: M. Moreno This is the third part of our 4th level and it is a 40-hour course. In this level, students will focus on effective techniques to improve presentation and public speaking skills. Includes eye contact, voice, and body language. Student will require book for this level, one book covers all sections.
Financial aid is currently available to qualifying students. Students interested in financial aid need to apply online at www.studentaid.gov then request a referral by visiting the front office or emailing the request to cpwe@southtexascollege.edu. Please submit Student ID number or Date of birth with requests. CPWE |
50302 | May 26 - Jun 29, 2026 | Pecan Plaza 1.904 | $280 | Register |
Conversation
ConversationTerm: 520263 CRN: 50297 Course Number: 1C3 1002.K02 Location: Pecan Plaza 1.705 Date: May 06-21, 2026 Days: WR Time: 9am-11am Instructor: F. Flores This is a speaking course using presentation techniques for presenting ideas and information to business and industry including the use of visual aids. This course is for Advanced English Learners. Beginner Learners are not encouraged to take this course. CPWE |
50297 | May 06-21, 2026 | Pecan Plaza 1.705 | $84 | Register |
Conversation
ConversationTerm: 520263 CRN: 50298 Course Number: 1C3 1002.K03 Location: Pecan Plaza 1-702 Date: May 09-30, 2026 Days: S Time: 9am-12pm Instructor: F. Flores This is a speaking course using presentation techniques for presenting ideas and information to business and industry including the use of visual aids. This course is for Advanced English Learners. Beginner Learners are not encouraged to take this course. CPWE |
50298 | May 09-30, 2026 | Pecan Plaza 1-702 | $84 | Register |
ESL Industry Based Online Courses
| Course | CRN | Date | Location | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ESL for Allied Healthcare: Phlebotomy
ESL for Allied Healthcare: PhlebotomyTerm: - CRN: - Course Number: Location: Online Date: Days: Time: Instructor: Self-Paced This is an online self-paced course for ESL students. Students will have access to the course for 2 months once registered. Healthcare: PhlebotomistThis course prepares learners for working as a phlebotomist or those who are training to work as one. Learners will grasp the vocabulary needed around the basic procedures, equipment, and safety measures required in phlebotomy.
CPWE |
- | Online | $35 | Register | |
ESL for Allied Healthcare: Introduction to Healthcare
ESL for Allied Healthcare: Introduction to HealthcareTerm: - CRN: - Course Number: Location: Online Date: Days: Time: Instructor: Self-Paced This is an online self-paced course for ESL students. Students will have access to the course for 2 months once registered. Allied Healthcare: Introduction to HealthcareThis course will provide an introduction to healthcare work in both primary and secondary care settings.
CPWE |
- | Online | $35 | Register | |
ESL for U.S. Citizenship: Preparing for the Civics Test
ESL for U.S. Citizenship: Preparing for the Civics TestTerm: - CRN: - Course Number: Location: Date: Days: Time: Instructor: This is an online self-paced course for ESL students. Students will have access to the course for 2 months once registered. U.S. Citizenship: Preparing for the Civics TestIn this course, you will encounter all of the questions that may appear on the civics test required for naturalization in the United States of America.
CPWE |
- | $35 | |||
ESL English for a Commercial Driver's License
ESL English for a Commercial Driver's LicenseTerm: - CRN: - Course Number: Location: Online Date: Days: Time: Instructor: Self-Paced This is an online self-paced course for ESL students. Students will have access to the course for 2 months once registered. English for a Commercial Driver's LicenseIn this course, learners will learn key vocabulary connected to learning how to drive a commercial vehicle. The course familiarizes learners with types of commercial vehicles, which CDL they need as well as vehicle inspection, transporting cargo and safe driving practices. By the end of the course, learners will:
CPWE |
- | Online | $35 | Register | |
ESL English for Food Handling
ESL English for Food HandlingTerm: - CRN: - Course Number: Location: Online Date: Days: Time: Instructor: Self-Paced This is an online self-paced course for ESL students. Students will have access to the course for 2 months once registered. English for Food HandlersIn this course, you will learn key words and phrases to prepare you for a career in food service. You will learn about food safety, and you will also learn how to communicate in a kitchen.
CPWE |
- | Online | $35 | Register | |
ESL English for Customer Service
ESL English for Customer ServiceTerm: - CRN: - Course Number: Location: Online Date: Days: Time: Instructor: Self-Paced This is an online self-paced course for ESL students. Students will have access to the course for 2 months once registered. English for Customer ServiceIn this course, learners will receive an overview of industry best practices as well as real-life examples of customer service through specific channels, including telephone, email, live chat and social media. Overall learners will be able to:
CPWE |
- | Online | $35 | Register | |
ESL English for Entrepreneurship
ESL English for EntrepreneurshipTerm: - CRN: - Course Number: Location: Online Date: Days: Time: Instructor: Self-Paced This is an online self-paced course for ESL students. Students will have access to the course for 2 months once registered. English for EntrepreneurshipIn this course, learners will explore the basics of how to start a business in the United States. Course participants will listen to advice from real entrepreneurs and access resources from the U.S. Small Business Administration and others on best practices for planning, building, marketing, managing, and growing a business. Overall, this course will help learners to build a thorough business plan, become familiar with sources of funding and explore marketing and business strategies to grow a business. By the end of the course, learners will gain a better understanding of:
CPWE |
- | Online | $35 | Register | |
ESL English for Manufacturing
ESL English for ManufacturingTerm: - CRN: - Course Number: Location: Online Date: Days: Time: Instructor: Self-Paced This is an online online self-paced course for ESL students. Students will have access to the course for 2 months once registered. English for ManufacturingIn this course, learners will explore various aspects of manufacturing, from safety and maintenance to equipment and industry news. Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to
CPWE |
- | Online | $35 | Register | |
ESL for Introduction to Welding
ESL for Introduction to WeldingTerm: - CRN: - Course Number: Location: Online Date: Days: Time: Instructor: Self-Paced This is an online self-paced course for ESL students. Students will have access to the course for 2 months once registered. Introduction to WeldingIn this course, you will learn key vocabulary for a career in welding through lessons about welding equipment, safety, and basic welding techniques.
CPWE |
- | Online | $35 | Register | |
ESL for TOEFL Preparation
ESL for TOEFL PreparationTerm: 520263 CRN: - Course Number: 1C3 9173.K01 Location: Online Web Date: Days: Time: Instructor: Self-Paced This is an online self-paced course for ESL students. Students will have access to the course for 2 months once registered. TOEFL PreparationIn this course, you will complete units on speaking, reading, listening and writing in order to be fully prepared for the TOEFL exam. You will see and hear real-life examples of test questions, and become familiar with common question types. By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
CPWE |
- | Online Web | $35 | Register |
Why Choose STC?
With over 20 years in helping people find new careers or learn new career skills, you can rest assured that your future is in good hands with South Texas College’s Continuing Education services.
Financial Support Available
Many of our students are eligible for the Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG). This grant supports students (including residents, nonresidents and foreign students) who demonstrate a financial need. Learn More.
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Avoid long-term debt by making the affordable choice.
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High quality instruction with expert staff.
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Online and in-person classes available.