Center for International English for Speakers of Other Languages (CIESOL)

The Internet and its burgeoning applications continue to enfold more and more cities and individuals into a single international village, the lingua franca of which is English. The Center for International English for Speakers of Other Languages (CIESOL, pronounced “see-sol”) is envisioned to be a leading provider of ESOL training to the members of this global village. 

CIESOL draws upon the strengths of its mother unit, the Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education(BAGCED) of De La Salle University (DLSU), the academic departments of which conduct innovative research in English language education, applied linguistics, educational psychology, educational technology, and educational leadership, among others. CIESOL in turn plays a major role in the internationalization of BAGCED.

CIESOL provides unparalleled, cost-effective ESOL training and related services at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels to groups as well as individuals in ASEAN+3 universities and other institutions that have memoranda of understanding or agreement with DLSU/BAGCED. It has campuses in Manila and Laguna. DLSU maintains position in 2023 THE World University Rankings. For the fifth straight year, De La Salle University is among the world’s top universities according to the 2023 edition of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. It retains its last year’s standing in the 1,201-1,500 bracket. Providing the services are highly qualified teachers who have graduate degrees in language education or related fields, as well as teaching certification and experience in ESOL.

Following health safety protocols, the University went into online distance learning as an emergency measure when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in March 2020.  With significantly improved health conditions, we have gradually moved towards a wider implementation of onsite/face-to-face classes starting January 2023.  However, we continue to offer the purely Online Language Learning Program for walk-ins and those with MOA or MOU who prefer to take online/virtual classes.

The CIESOL Language Learning Program provides detailed information on our three-week intensive ESOL and ESP courses.  The program comprises 30 hours of interactive and engaging onsite/face-to-face OR online/virtual classes based on individual, pair, and/or small group activities.

At the completion of this program, the students’ ability and confidence  in communicating in English in social situations will have greatly improved. Based on satisfactory class performance and attendance (80%  = 24 hours), deserving students are awarded a Certificate of Completion and holistic (qualitative and quantitative) evaluation at the end of the program.