School of Communication, Humanities & Languages

Pathway Plans

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English as a Second Language (ESL)

English as a Second Language (ESL) is a traditional term for the use or study of the English language by non-native speakers in an English-speaking environment. The ESL program at Norco College offers a course of study designed to provide English language learners with balanced academic language skills to promote student success in higher education and the global workplace.

Contact

Chair
Ana-Marie Olaerts
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Dean
Quinton Bemiller
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Instructional Department Specialist
Yolanda Stanley
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Admin. Assistant to the Dean
Eileen Cechini
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Full-Time Faculty
Margarita Shirinian
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Academic Programs in English as a Second Language (ESL)

The academic maps below will give you an idea of the classes you need to take. However, please meet with a counselor to personalize your education plan.

School Trailhead for Arts & Humanities Suggested Initial Coursework - TRAILHEAD
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree - Area of Emphasis (AOE) in Communication, Media and Languages - CSU Pathway - MAP
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) to a CSU or UC School - English as a Second Language (ESL) - MAP
Pathway Map for ADT to a CSU or UC School - English as a Second Language (ESL) - MAP

Additional Resources

What can I do with this major? (English as a Second Language (ESL) - INFO
What can I do with this major? (English) - INFO
What can I do with this major? (Foreign Language) - INFO
Riverside Community College District General Education (RCCD GE) Requirements (PLAN A) - INFO
California State University General Education (CSU GE) Requirements (PLAN B) For students who would like to transfer to a campus in the California State University (CSU) system - INFO
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) Requirements (PLAN C) For students who would like to transfer to a campus in either the California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) system - INFO

Career Options

Career options for students who get a degree in ESL include: teacher, teaching material writer/editor, ESL/TESOL program director, private tutor, and adult literacy and GED teacher.

Student Voice

Jefferson Tiangco

Jefferson Tiangco was born and raised in the Philippines and pursued his education as an accountant in his country. In 2003, he and his family moved to the US to pursue new opportunities. Not only were the English language and culture challenging, he also faced financial struggles not having a permanent home or vehicle for several years. He knew that education would assist him, so he enrolled at Norco College in fall 2003. He set high goals, which began with just four college courses.

Jefferson continued his education and graduated from Norco College in 2005. He transferred to California State University, Fullerton, and in 2008 he graduated summa cum laude. He began working for Norco College shortly after graduation as an instructional support specialist and credits Norco College for preparing him with not only his education, but also his work experience. A couple of years later, Jefferson decided to continue his education and went back to Cal State Fullerton. In 2014, he earned a master’s degree in Education with a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) emphasis. He then took on part-time teaching positions as an ESL instructor at Fullerton College and Norco College – all while working full time. His passion and talent for teaching grew so strong that he pursued and earned a full-time teaching position at Fullerton College.

To read more of Jefferson's story, click here