The ESL + Design Certificate program is a pre-enrollment program for international students who plan to attend an art or design college in the United States but need to improve their scores on standardized English language proficiency tests (such as the
DET, TOEFL, or IELTS) or wish to learn English and adjust to university life in the United States before beginning art and design studies.
The ESL + Design program of study is a structured set of intensive academic English courses plus short supplemental workshops, and an orientation to life in the United States. Those who successfully
complete the program can obtain a certificate of completion confirming they have attained a specified level of proficiency in English speaking, reading, and writing and foundational skills in art and design. Our classes are offered to students with
low-intermediate to advanced English proficiency.
The program also includes short practical workshops in topics such as preparing your application to Parsons, vocabulary of fashion and design, and how to succeed at Parsons.
"We did lots of presentations which were difficult and I wasn’t totally comfortable with. However, practicing a lot with the professors helped me overcome this issue."
—ESL+ Design Student
ESL + Design students are eligible to live in university housing and have access to many other services and academic resources of the university. Housing applications and fees are separate from the program's application and fees.
The New School is located in the heart of New York City's Greenwich Village, one of the world's most vibrant and diverse communities. The city is an important part of the educational experience of our students, who will someday be global leaders in their
fields.
Upcoming Start & End Dates
The spring 2025 semester will run from January 27 to April 28. The spring 2025 Welcome Workshop will take place on January 23 and 24.
The summer 2025 term will run from June 16 to August 12. The summer 2025 Welcome Workshop will take place on June 12 and 13.
The fall 2025 semester will run from September 10 to December 4. The fall 2025 Welcome Workshop will take place on Sept 8 and 9.
Admission
To apply to the ESL + Design Certificate program, complete the application form. Accepted students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will receive information about applying
for a visa to study in the United States as part of their letter of acceptance.
Parsons Applicants
If you have applied to a Parsons undergraduate degree program and received an official referral to the ESL + Design program, completing the ESL + Design program guarantees admission to Parsons.
Haven't Applied to Parsons Yet?
If you haven't applied to Parsons yet, please note that completing the ESL + Design program does not guarantee admission to Parsons.
If you are not sure which program to apply to, please contact an admission counselor.