What is the ruling on attending an English language institute whose curricula contain pictures of women and music, knowing that the goal is to learn in order to benefit the Ummah, and that not lowering the gaze and listening to music are an unavoidable evil?

If you need to learn the language to enter college and find no means other than joining this institute, then we hope there is no blame upon you. As for pictures, music, and other objectionable things, it is said concerning them: "So fear Allah as much as you are able." The difference between hearing music (sima') and listening to it (istima') is that what is forbidden is the intentional act of listening (istima'). However, merely hearing it (sima') without intention does not hold the person accountable.