Atlantic Cape Language Learning School Designation Offers Academic Pathways for International Students

MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College has been named a Language Learning School by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), allowing the college to offer English as a Second Language (ESL) certificate and pathway programs for degree-seeking international F1 visa holding students.

Atlantic Cape’s ESL Certificate program will be offered to those students who place into the ESLN070 course while the ESL Pathway Program will be offered to those students who place into the ESLN092 course.

“By offering these opportunities Atlantic Cape is laying a solid foundation for a student’s journey to higher education and success toward their associate degree. These ESL opportunities will improve verbal and written skills professionally, academically and personally,” said Tasha Rivera, Director of One-Stop Enrollment & Recruitment and Atlantic Cape’s Designated School Official - International Students.

Along with becoming a Language Learning School, Atlantic Cape now accepts Duolingo English test scores, as well as International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, which will give students another chance to qualify as an Atlantic Cape international student.

Atlantic Cape has seen a steady growth in its international student registrations over the past year. For the Fall 2022 semester, the college saw 177 credits registered by international students while the Fall 2023 semester saw that figure increase to 510 credits, a 288% increase. The college’s Charles D. Worthington Atlantic City campus is located in the sixth most diverse American city, according to Rocket Mortgage, August 9, 2023.

The July 2022 official United States census statistics shows Atlantic City with a population consisting of: 32.7%, African-American; 31.6%, Hispanic or Latino; 21.4%, White alone; 16.8%, Asian; 14.5%, White/non-Hispanic or Latino; 7.5%, Two or more races; and 1.1%, American Indian and Alaskan Native.

“Atlantic City boasts a diverse population. Its close proximity to Philadelphia and New York City attracts people from a multitude of ethnic backgrounds,” Rivera said. “From the African-American communities on the northside to its lively Hispanic neighborhoods, Atlantic City is a melting pot of cultures and experiences.”

Achieving the designation of Language Learning School will benefit Atlantic Cape’s diverse student body.

“Atlantic Cape's Worthington campus is the hub for our non-English speaking population. Becoming officially known as a Language Learning School should make a huge impact in our community and surrounding counties. We are excited to grow our program and see our international student population increase as well,” Rivera said.

Visit atlanticcape.edu/international-students for more information. 

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape is a comprehensive two-year community college serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. The college offers over 40 career, transfer and workforce development programs to more than 8,000 students annually at three campuses in New Jersey: Atlantic City, Cape May Court House and Mays Landing.