How
To Learn English As A Second Language (ESL)
Thousands
of schools and programs around the world offer English courses for those
who wish to learn English for personal or business use. English courses
for foreigners are known as "English as A Second Language,"
or ESL.
!
Do not confuse "English as a Second Language"
with "English" courses - the latter term commonly refers to
English literature, not language.
Tests:
The test often required for entrance into a U.S. university is known
as the TOEFL. The test for business and professional English is known
as the TOEIC. Schools can help prepare you for these tests.
Where
to Study: Community colleges offer the least expensive English
courses, while private schools offer many chances for cultural
immersion and a learning "guarantee." Universities
also offer ESL courses. If you have already been admitted into a U.S.
university you may elect to continue improving your English by taking
an ESL class there.
A list
of ESL ("English as a Second Language") schools around the
world can be found at:
Online
Courses: Global English.com offers online interactive English courses
to prepare for the TOEFL and TOEIC tests. Courses cost around $20: http://www.globalenglish.com
Miami
Resources:
University
of Miami Intensive English Program:
http://www.miami.edu:80/cstudies/iep/
Miami/Dade
County Community College offers bilingual instruction in English as
a Second Language:
http://www.mdcc.edu/iac/
CCLS (Cultural
Center for Language Studies) - a private language institute and course
publisher with branches in Brazil, Miami, Mexico City:
http://www.cclscorp.com/ (bilingual
website)
New
York Resources:
New
York Association for New Americans
(http://www.nyana.org)
New
York-based resettlement agency offering educational and employment services
and acculturation, plus intensive English language instruction. Also
help for the U.S. citizenship test.
