These free and lesser known English courses in Los Angeles

In the land of the dollar, there are quality and free services. This is the situation when trying to take English lessons. In Los Angeles, this precious sesame is served in many places. To find a free class near you, enter a keyword: ESL, English as a Second Language*. Purpose for all Non-native speakersThis program is offered by universities or Adult schools In all areas of LA. Santa Monica College, Pasadena City College, Glendale Community College, Los Angeles City College, Culver City Adult School, Burbank Adult School, Evans Community Adult School… Enrollment Requirements Only: Must be 18 years of age and have a California address.

Different classes are offered by level (determined by a test during registration) and skills: grammar, pronunciation, written or oral communication… Courses are in one semester, several hours per week, face-to-face or remotely depending on the location. No exams or compulsory homework, success is based on motivation. A perfect formula for beginners who want to immerse themselves in their English and strengthen their English at a low cost Salad bowl California. This experience was decisive for the French people whom French Morning encountered.

Bonus Student Card

Laura, 29, left her job as a marketing project manager to follow her husband to Los Angeles a year and a half ago. While waiting for her work permit, she enrolled in ESL classes Santa Monica CollegeCloser to her home, to improve her English she considers “Normal. » Shy, she opts for distance learning courses. Six hours per week, first “intermediate” and “advanced” level. “I really appreciated the interactive side of the classes led by caring, volunteer and energetic teachers” says the Frenchman. As a bonus: a student card for access to discounts at museums.

For her to come AmericaIt is an opportunity to meet very different people. “It’s people like me, she saysMostly women who followed their wives and didn’t speak English well, some old people, a pastor, Asians, Europeans, Russians, Ukrainians…” For two months, in addition to English classes, Laura took a module on food and ecology at Santa Monica College. balance sheet? A ” Great Experience” It allowed her to gain confidence before landing the job a few months later. “If I had to do it over again, I’d go head-to-head from the beginning! », She assures.

A different environment

Arriving in Los Angeles in 2021 with an English status “school”, 39-year-old Leela quickly realized that mastering the language was essential to developing her claims management business. After spending $2800 on fee paying schools “Without Expected Results”He invented free English courses during the pandemic Los Angeles Public Library. Leila offers these very lively classes via video conference or face-to-face in North Hollywood and Burbank. “Atmosphere is not educational but supportive”She points out.

Recently, the French woman has also been attending ESL classes Burbank Adult School Every Saturday, 8 AM to 12 PM. “I was afraid that the level would not be good, but it was not like that. I like the lessons, it is very interactive. I participate, I talk » This mother of two young children is so happy that she doesn’t hesitate to pay a babysitter to get there.

She sees real progress: “Before, when I went to the pediatrician, I used a translation app. Today I don’t need it. I can carry on a conversation without any problems. » For $29, he signed up for a real estate agent training at the same location on Wednesday evening. “ I go there to learn about real estate regulations in the US and to get to know the people. Either way, it pays off. »

At the end of the ESL course, students are awarded a Certificate of Competency, which enriches their CV. Fluency in English, discovering multicultural America, making friends… For French expats, especially women, the ESL program is an integration accelerator. You should hear more about it.

*At the university, free ESL courses are “Noncredits ESL”, meaning courses that do not offer university credit, distinct from ESL “credits” programs.