AESL (American English as a Second Language)
Bucks County Community College provides students with credit American English as a Second Language (AESL) and non-credit English as a Second Language (ESL) courses in grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
International students with F-1 visas must visit our admissions webpage for more information or contact international@bucks.edu.
AESL - Credit Courses
AESL credit courses are designed for intermediate through advanced level language learners who are entering the College Academic Programs of Study or preparing to pursue advanced degrees at four-year institutions.
- Tuition and fees are determined by residency status. The cost of textbooks and other materials is additional. Eligible students enrolled in credit AESL courses may qualify for financial aid.
- To learn more about AESL courses contact the AESL Coordinator at 215-968-8018 or aeslcoordinator@bucks.edu.
Our credit American as a Second Language (AESL) courses give non-native English language students the opportunity to improve their academic English language skills and prepare for college-level classes.
Click to see the AESL program brochure.
View descriptions of the AESL courses.
Registration Process
To register for AESL courses you need to do the following:
- Apply to the college.
- Take the free AESL reading and writing placement tests, so we know which classes you will start first. View testing information and schedule.
- Contact amanda.kala@bucks.edu in admissions to make sure your paperwork is complete and learn more about enrollment next steps.
- Make an appointment to be advised and register for classes by emailing aeslcoordinator@bucks.edu or calling 215-968-8018.
- Apply for financial aid. If you are applying for financial aid, you will be required to obtain an official translated final high school transcript. It must be in a sealed envelope or sent directly to admissions. This can take up to two months to receive, so request it as soon as possible. Foreign transcript evaluation services.
- If you are planning to start classes before you receive financial aid, you will need to use another payment plan. If you are not receiving financial aid, you will need to pay when you register. View our payment options.
American English as a Second Language (AESL)
Available only at the Newtown Placement Testing location.
AESL Placement Testing includes tests in Reading, Writing, and Grammar, followed by an oral interview. Testing takes 2.5 to 3 hours. A photo ID and a Bucks student number are required to test. After testing, AESL students must contact the AESL Coordinator at aeslcoordinator@bucks.edu / 215-968-8018, to review their test results and for information on advising and registering for classes.