Language Courses Schools and Programs in The United States

Language Courses Studies in The United States

Language courses in the United States are mostly English courses for international students. EducationUSA, the US State Department's advising network, states that the United States is the top destination for international students interested in learning English or improving their English language skills. The country also has schools that teach other languages, including Spanish, and a number of organisations that send US students to study abroad.

Types of English programme

English courses range from beginner level to advanced courses for students preparing for academic study or employment in the United States, according to EducationUSA. Some programmes focus exclusively on English for academic purposes, and others prepare for specific examinations or teach English for the workplace. Intensive English Programs (IEPs) are full-time courses, often run by universities. The Drexel English Language Center in Philadelphia, for example, states that its Intensive English Program prepares students to study at an American university, and the English Language Academy at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers credit-bearing English for Academic Purposes courses and a two-week, non-credit summer programme designed for international participants.

EducationUSA also notes that some US colleges and universities offer "bridge" or "pathway" programmes that allow students to build English proficiency while earning academic credit towards a degree. Short-term programmes of 12 months or less are described by EducationUSA as a separate category.

Accreditation and how to choose

The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) is a specialised accreditor of English language programmes. It states that its mission is to protect the interests of students and promote excellence in English language teaching and administration, and that it does not recommend or endorse individual schools. Drexel's programmes are CEA-accredited and the centre is a member of the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP). University and College English Language Programs (UCIEP) is an independent consortium of university and college-administered programmes. Check whether a school appears in the CEA directory and whether its programmes lead to university admission.

Visa and entry

The visa depends on the course. EducationUSA states that the F student visa covers study at an accredited US college or university or study of English at an English language institute. Before applying you must be accepted by an institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), and EducationUSA warns that an SEVP-certified school may not hold national or regional accreditation. Some schools also offer part-time courses for visitors: the University of Utah's English Language Institute teaches evening General English classes for tourists on B1/B2 visas and local residents, not for people with F-1 student visas, and online programmes for which no student visa is needed. Rules for the length of stay on student visas are changing: Utah's institute says it is reviewing the final ruling on changes to "Duration of Status", so check the current rules with EducationUSA and the US consulate before booking.

Where to study languages in the United States

The 101 schools listed here are most numerous in Austin (7), New York (4) and Fort Lauderdale (3). Several of the Austin entries are organisations that run study abroad programmes, not English schools. Examples of listed schools:

• University-run English programmes: the English Language Academy of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the Drexel English Language Center in Philadelphia, the English Language Institute of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, and the Syracuse University and University of Houston programmes
• Independent language schools: Zoni Language Centers in New York, which states that it offers English in person in New York, New Jersey and Florida and online with live teachers, and Seattle Languages International
• Colleges and universities with language classes, such as Pasadena City College, Seattle Central College and Columbia University
• Study abroad providers based in the United States, such as the Center For Study Abroad (CSA) in Kent, Washington, and AmeriSpan Study Abroad in Philadelphia

Seattle Languages says it teaches Spanish, English, Italian, French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Japanese, Vietnamese and other languages. Each school's profile on this site gives its website and programmes.

Frequently asked questions

Which visa do I need to study English in the United States?

According to EducationUSA, the F student visa applies to English study at an English language institute, and you must first be accepted by an SEVP-certified institution. Short courses for visitors may be possible on a tourist visa at some schools; ask the school.

What is an Intensive English Program?

It is a full-time English course, often run by a university, that prepares students for academic study. Drexel, for example, states that its programme prepares students to study at an American university.

Does accreditation matter?

Yes. CEA states that accredited sites have been reviewed against its standards, and EducationUSA warns that SEVP certification alone does not mean a school is accredited.

Can I study English online instead?

Yes. For example, the University of Utah's English Language Institute offers online programmes for which no student visa is needed, and Zoni offers English online with live teachers.