English as a Second Language Classes in Portland, Oregon

Learning English as a second language can be easy as long as you know where to find the right resources. To assist you, we’ve compiled a collection of English learning opportunities in the Portland, Oregon. By using these resources, you are sure to improve your English communication skills!

Language Schools in Portland, Oregon

There are many different ways to learn English, both in-person and online. Language schools provide the best in person opportunities to improve your English communication skills in the areas of grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, and conversational skills. Schools are usually the most expensive option but provide great payback if you are committed to learning and have a great teacher!

When trying to determine which language school is right for you, it’s important to consider the benefits that a language school can provide. Included are things like discounts, cultural experiences, English test preparation (TOFL or IELTS), housing, and even flexible scheduling. Let’s take a look at what a few Portland language schools have to offer.

Discounts

Although some language schools require payment for classes, they may also offer specials or promotions. For example, the Portland English Language Academy offers a 5-10% discount if you register for multiple terms at one time. The average cost for an English program at the Portland English Language Academy is $1,050.

Additionally, the Columbia School of English offers discounted tuition rates to new transfer students. The average cost for an English program there is $4,048. Although this cost is higher than Portland English Language Academy, it’s important to also consider the following factors in your search for the right language school for you.

Cultural Experiences

Another benefit of language schools is that they may offer cultural experiences outside of the classroom. These can be opportunities to use what you’ve learned in class, as well as an opportunity to learn more about American culture. Examples of these opportunties include: Easter egg hunts, karaoke, Halloween parties, corn mazes, and many others.

English Test Preparation

Many language schools in Portland offer classes to prepare for language testing, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The Portland English Language Academy offers a 3-month course in preparation for the IELTS. If your score doesn’t improve by at least one point, you receive a full refund. The Columbia School of English also offers preparation and training for both the IELTS and TOFL.

However, even if you are not studying for an exam, there are still plenty of programs to help you improve your English communication.

Housing Accommodations

Some language schools offer host family placements that allow for full cultural immersion. By staying with a host family, you experience the culture first-hand while improving your English communication skills. The Kaplan International English School in Portland offers host family programs that can help immerse you in American culture.

Additionally, the Columbia School of English offers apartments, host family programs, and even short-term rentals. Programs that organize housing for you ease the stress of starting a new program.

Language schools are a great way to immerse yourself in the American culture and the English language if you have the time and money. If you are looking for something more affordable or less time-consuming, check out our other options to improve your English communication!

Flexible Scheduling

If you’re looking for classes that can fit with your busy schedule, Educate Ya in Portland might be a good option for you. This Latinx organization offers English language classes ranging from private lessons to group classes.  The tuition costs, on average, about $46 an hour. Group classes are only $7.50 an hour if paid in a 20-hour bundle. These courses are less time-consuming than a traditional intensive language school, and their rates are fair.

Another resource for flexible scheduling is Packard Communications. This private education resource offers assessment, small classes, individual training, and online training. With all the options to choose from, one of them is bound to fit your busy schedule! Packard Communication’s online training courses give English learners across the world the opportunity to improve their English communication skills. Online language learning allows you to work wherever and whenever you are able to.

Paid online tutoring and courses are very beneficial, but if they do not fit in your budget, the following are some FREE online English tutoring and learning services:

Colleges Offering Language Courses

There are many local colleges in Portland, Oregon that offer English language courses. When deciding which one to pick, it’s important to weigh your options. Some schools offer scholarships, job training, housing, or cultural experiences in addition to the program. Packard Communications offers English accent modification courses at Portland Community College, as well as courses for Intel employees.

Students often provide testimonials about their about their experience. For example, one Portland State University (PSU) student raved, “I really trust that being here can really help me realize my dream and pursue my further studies at PSU. I like it here”. Testimonials are featured on websites for other English-learning resources as well, including the Portland English Language Academy and the Kaplan International School.

Community Centers Offering English Support

Community centers such as public schools, libraries, or larger organizations (i.e., Goodwill) also offer free courses for English learners to improve their communication skills. What’s more, community members can organize events where they can get together to practice their English skills. A great website for this is Meetup. Click here to check out a list of Portland, Oregon events happening soon!

There are public and private schools in Portland that offer adult education courses in English communication, such as Portland Public Schools and Jesuit High School.

Additionally, Literacy Council centers can be a great resource for English and citizenship classes. In Portland, you’ll find the Portland Literacy Council and the Beaverton Literacy Council, offering free or low-cost courses that are open to the community.

It’s easy to see that there are plenty of valuable resources in the Portland, Oregon community for English language learners. Every program is different, so make sure to use this guide help you make your selection in your journey towards improved English communication skills!

Further information

If you missed us last week, check out our last post, When to Use Rising and Falling Inflection!

Questions or Comments? Contact us here.

Check out our YouTube Channel! If you’re a Portland, Oregon local, check out our Meetup Group, classes at Portland Community College, and Intel Employee classes!

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