Once you have decided to learn English, you need to consider how and where to develop your skills. Finding an English course near you is a great way to do this, as you can meet with other English language learners and encourage one another on your journey to fluency.
If you are wondering “How do I find English courses near me?” or perhaps you are searching for free English learning classes in your area, we are here to help. This article will explain all the places you can search for ESOL classes on a schedule and budget that suits you.
Fortunately, there are many options for non-native English speakers as well as native speakers who want to improve their speaking, grammar, and writing skills. Whether you are taking a citizenship test, preparing to use English at work, or just want to improve your conversational skills, we hope this article helps you find a good program for learning English near you.
Where can I find English courses near me?
A lot depends on where you live, since every city and country has different options for learning English locally. Here are some places you can look for English learning classes in your area:
1. Libraries
Public libraries are a great place to find education classes for all kinds of life skills, not just languages.
Check your local library’s website or drop in to find out whether they offer language classes. You can search for libraries in the US here and for libraries in the UK here.
There are typically two types of classes offered:
- Casual, drop-in classes that anybody can attend in-person – more likely to be conversational English classes where you can practice speaking with other adult students.
- Term-based programs that require you to enroll and commit for a certain length of time – more likely to follow a curriculum.
Larger libraries may also offer a range of classes for different levels and specialisms. For example, there may be an option for complete beginners and another for advanced-level learners looking to improve their English speaking for business or academia.
Before committing to anything, you may be able to attend an information session to learn more about how, where, and when the classes are taught.
2. Community centers
Community centers are similar to libraries, in that they often run classes to meet the needs of local residents – be that language learning, computer skills, or literacy.
Courses teaching English as a second language are often available for free or for a very low fee to cover the cost of materials. Again, you might have a choice of beginner to advanced lessons, but this will depend on the size and resources of the center.
If you’ve read our tips to learn English, you’ll know that being part of a community group is one of the best ways to make learning more fun!
3. Colleges and universities
Many schools, colleges, and universities offer adult ESOL classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced speakers. These institutions are already equipped with good teaching facilities and are used to welcoming international students.
If you need a particular certificate or accreditation to meet your academic or professional goals, a recognized teaching institution could be the best place to achieve this.
4. Language schools
Language schools specialize in teaching English to speakers of other languages. They are less likely to have free ESOL classes, but they are experienced at helping adults and children who want to learn a new language or refine their existing language skills.
If you work during the day and need evening or weekend classes, you might have the most luck with a language school.
5. Search online
It may sound obvious, but if you haven’t already done this, search online for English classes near you. You might find options that are not covered by any of the other things on this list. It can also save you the work of contacting multiple libraries and schools to enquire about the classes they offer.
6. Social media forums and marketplaces
Join some local groups on social media related to learning English. There may be people advertising English lessons here, or you can ask others in the group to see if they have any word-of-mouth recommendations.
7. Local bulletin boards
The old-fashioned version of online marketplaces, keep an eye out for bulletin boards in grocery stores, supermarkets, and other local businesses. You may just find someone advertising nearby ESL classes there.
Intensive English programs
If you need to learn English quickly for a job or exam, you can take an intensive English course. These programs are focused on accelerating your language learning with a lot of English lessons taught in a short period of time.
The best places to search for intensive English programs near you are language schools, colleges, and universities. There are also several platforms that offer intensive English courses online, enabling you to progress as quickly as you like.
Can I access free English learning classes?
There may be places near you that offer free English classes. Often these are government-funded and open to English speakers of other languages who need help with their writing, reading, and speaking skills.
If you are a non-native speaker living in a country where English is the main language, there are likely to be more free English learning centers near you than if you live in a non-English-speaking country.
Here are some of the best places to look for free English courses near you:
- Libraries and community centers: Many public libraries and community centers, especially those that operate as nonprofit organizations, offer free courses teaching English for speakers of another language. If there is a fee, it may just be a contribution towards materials for the term.
- Colleges and universities: You might associate colleges and universities with high fees, but many do offer free English classes to local residents, especially to help non-native English speakers gain basic reading and writing skills to better prepare them for entering the workforce or gaining accreditation of some kind.
- Community groups: You may find that classes are offered by Rotary Clubs, churches, cafes, or other groups in your community.
- Local meetups: Although these are not structured classes, meetups are a great way to practice your conversational English with other adult learners in an informal setting. You’ll need to already speak basic English so you can hold a simple conversation with other attendees. Search on social media or meetup.com to find a group near you.
- Reading clubs and book clubs: If you are already at advanced level with your English and want a chance to use the language and discover new vocabulary – perhaps even get help with your pronunciation – consider joining a local book club. These can be held at libraries and cafes or even in people’s homes.
There are other free ways to learn English that could help you along your way.
Learn English with a tutor
If you can’t find an English language course near you, try searching for private tutors instead. This option may be more costly than a group class, but you’ll receive fully personalized teaching and feedback, and this could help you learn English faster overall.
Places you can look for an English tutor near you include:
- Local bulletin boards
- Local social media groups
- Business directories
- University message boards
- Classified ads
- Nearby language schools
There is also the option of online tutoring. The internet can connect you with private English tutors and teachers all over the world, so you have a much better chance of finding someone who is available at a convenient time and can offer lessons to suit your budget.
Another option: Online language classes
If you’re struggling to find English courses near you, or the times don’t fit your schedule, another good option is to take an online English course.
Although learning online is not quite the same as being face-to-face in a classroom, there are many excellent online platforms that use the latest technology to make online classes engaging and effective.
Other benefits of online courses and classes include:
- Mobile apps that you can access anywhere
- More options for customized lessons to meet your goals for learning English
- Flexible schedules – classes meet 24/7
- Available year-round (no fixed terms)
- Group and private classes
- Choose your teacher(s)
- Generally cheaper than one-on-one lessons in person
There are some free English courses available online, although these are usually pre-recorded sessions rather than live classes.
Summary
There are many ways to find ESOL classes near you, so if the first place you search is unsuccessful, don’t give up. We hope that the ideas presented here will help you find a course that lets you practice your English skills and work towards your personal goals.
