How to choose an ESL School?

If you want to really learn English, you need to go to an English-speaking country. But how do you choose the school? What country should you go to? What part of the country? And how do you match your needs with the school’s curricula?
“How to Choose an ESL School” Article in the ESL Directory gives students a method for choosing the right school. Among the factors they recommend are:

1. Decide what you want to study in your ESL program. College or university? Business? General conversation? Knowing what you want will help the school help you in your program.
2. Think about what you want to gain from this experience. If you are interested in studying in the US, some schools will give you a letter of recommendation, or help you with the entrance requirements. Business interest? A good school can help you make an American – style resume, business letters, and even practice employment interviews.
3. Think about when you are going to enroll. How long will you spend in the school? How does it fit in your other time requirements? How will the school look when you are there?
4. Budgeting your finances. Consider not only the cost of the program, but the living expenses as well. Do you prefer your own room or apartment? Or, would you prefer to live with an English-speaking host family? What about outside activities? Will you be visiting the area sites? How about cultural activities? Many areas have free or low cost cultural events, such as concerts and plays, especially in the summer.
5. Deciding where you want to study. There are many places in the world where English is the primary language spoken. If you plan on continuing on in America, you should study here. Here you will pick up the accents of the different areas, as well as the slang expressions unique to Americans.
6. Begin the Search. There are so many schools available, that you need to narrow down your choice. A school directory can be very helpful here, such as the one at ESL Directory.
   

   English students and their teachers

LVA School is located in a small city, only 50 miles from New York City. It is small enough to give each student the personal attention they need. The teachers are native English speakers who can adapt the learning content and methods to the student’s needs. Visit our website at: www.lvaschool.org.