To study in the United States at the undergraduate or graduate level, knowledge of the English language is essential. At Tacoma Community College (TCC), we recognize that English is more than just speaking or knowing vocabulary. In order to be successful in the U.S. classroom, a student also needs to know the basics of writing essays, creating presentations and speaking in public. For this reason, our English language program (English for Academic Purposes or EAP) focuses not only on the core components of English language learning, but also on skill development for our students. 

English for Academic Purposes at Tacoma Community College is a 5-level program that begins with the basics through advanced English. Each level contains classes in the following categories:

• Grammar
• Reading/Writing
• Pronunciation/Conversation
• Discussion/Culture

A student is placed into Level 1-5 based on an English placement exam and writing sample that is taken after arriving at TCC. Each level takes approximately three months (one quarter) to complete. Therefore, if a student arrives and is placed into Level 3, they should expect to study EAP for 9 months prior to starting their major coursework as they will need to complete Levels 3, 4, and then 5 prior to enrolling in English 101.

Senlin, a Chinese student studying psychology, began his studies in TCC’s English program. He said, “EAP is very helpful. When I came here, my English was not very good. The EAP teacher talked about basic grammar and how to write essays, which is very helpful to write college papers. EAP classes were fun and sometimes they had activities for us.”

Beyond writing essays, other skills developed through the EAP program at TCC include:

• Lecture note-taking
• Source referencing
• Research methods
• Presentation preparation and practice
• Essay editing

At Levels 4 and 5, students also have the option to join linked courses. These classes include one EAP course that is taught concurrently with an associate-level class in art or communication. Naomi Farfan, a Japanese student, shares her experience with EAP linked courses, “I started from EAP and I improved my English a lot with my art teacher. He explains everything really well, is funny, kind and if we have a question, he is willing to help a lot.”

Interested in joining Tacoma Community College to study only English? 

No problem! Students may join our EAP program for three, six, or nine months or for one full year. Upon completion of Level 5, students will receive an English Certificate, indicating completion of the program. 

To learn more or to study English with Tacoma Community College, contact International Admissions at international@tacomacc.edu

Note: For prospective Tacoma Community College students, you can test out of English for Academic Purposes with a 6.0 IELTS score or 65 TOEFL.