通用ESL计划面向不希望在哥伦比亚大学注册学术课程但希望在学术环境中提高英语水平的学生。学术预备英语和普通ESL课程分为五个级别。每个级别通常在十四周内完成，尽管水平卓越的学生会更快地上扬。期望并鼓励所有学生充分参与所有课堂活动。我们的计划基于以学生为中心的模型，该模型要求学生以小组形式工作并在教室内进行演示。
The General ESL Program is for students who do not desire to register in an academic program at Columbia College but wish to improve their English in an academic environment. There are five levels in the Academic Preparatory English and General ESL Program. Each level is normally completed in fourteen weeks, although students who excel in their level will move up more quickly. All students are expected and encouraged to participate fully in all class activities. Our program is based on the student-centred model whereby students are asked to work in small groups and to make presentations within the classroom.