Learning English at Central Piedmont

Central Piedmont has two options for learning English.

Your Options

  1. English as a Foreign Language (EFL): "Academic ESL"
    English as a Foreign Language helps you improve your English to prepare for college or want to earn college credit for courses completed.
  2. English as a Second Language (ESL): "Adult ESL"
    English as a Second Language helps beginning to advanced learners develop basic English skills and/or career focused or pre-academic English. English as a Second language courses are free and can be taken regardless of if you have completed high school or have a high school equivalency diploma.

Compare the Two Programs

  English as a Foreign Language (EFL) English as a Second Language (ESL)
International Students on F1-Visas can take? Yes No
Earns college credit Yes No
Cost Charges tuition Free

Take English as a Foreign Language (EFL) If:

  • you are intermediate or advanced, or
  • you want to earn college credit for your English courses/you want to take college classes, or
  • you are an international student on an F-1 visa

Take English as a Second Language (ESL) If:

  • you are a beginner to advanced, or
  • your goal is to develop English language skills for everyday activities, pre-academic skills or prepare for a career 
  • you are not in the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 visa

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