Brooklyn College is the largest public university in Brooklyn, which in turn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs and the chosen destination of many college bound immigrants. As a branch of the English Department, the ESL Program serves the college's immigrant population and international students by offering academic preparation in reading, writing and conversation to matriculated non-native speakers of English. Undergraduate students enroll in a series of undergraduate courses; graduate students may opt for an elective course within the graduate division.

Students who wish to take these ESL courses must first apply to the college through the Office of Admissions.