Center for English as a Second Language

Established in 1988, the Center for English as a Second Language offers intensive English language courses on the Norman campus of the University of Oklahoma. CESL prepares students for the university by focusing on English for academic purposes, teaching American culture classes, and practicing American classroom culture. Students who go to CESL are better prepared for all aspects of attending universities in the United States. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Center for English as a Second Language at the University of Oklahoma is to provide exemplary English language instruction, as well as cultural education to empower students to communicate successfully in social, academic, and professional settings.

Why CESL?

• Learn from certified master's degree holders in Teaching English as a Second Language
• Receive up to 20 hours a week of personalized instruction
• Meet the language proficiency requirement set by the University of Oklahoma admissions
• Prepare to enter OU after successful completion of advanced courses

Why OU?

The University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma, about 30 km south of downtown Oklahoma City. The city of Norman is a typical American college town with an active live music scene, a variety of bars and restaurants, and many places to go shopping. 

OU is nationally ranked and has more than 150 degree programs to choose from with several programs ranked among the top 10 programs in the U.S. including Entrepreneurship, Petroleum Engineering, Dance, Journalism, and Meteorology.