Common Questions About ESL

Common questions about ESL in the USA can be as diverse as the students taking the programs. However, in many cases the schools are comparable in terms of how they are run, what they offer, etc. The common questions asked and answered below are therefore intended as a general guide for international students researching ESL schools and programs in the USA. For the most current and specific details, students should also refer to individual state education agencies, as well as individual institutions.

What ESL options are available to international students studying in the USA?
ESL options available in the USA include conversational English, Intensive English Programs (IEP), Integrated English, ESL high school preparation, ESL university/ college preparation, English for business executives, English for specific purposes (such as ESL for business, ESl for law, ESL for medical purposes, etc.), second-language teacher training programs, programs tailored for individual students, and more. Online, on-campus, summer programs, spring break English camps and full-semester programs are further options.

What is the difference between taking an ESL course and an ESL program?
ESL courses are generally taken as part of a wider academic program in a secondary school, college, or university semester. Courses tend to have a single focus, whereas ESL programs are usually made up of several courses and involve immersion or near-immersion study of English. It is important to note that the terms are often used interchangeably by certain schools.

How long will I have to study to become proficient in English?
Becoming proficient in English depends on your current skill level, dedication, personal knack or aptitude and the intensity of your course or program. Becoming proficient in English can take up to a year or longer.

How do I choose between a language school or the language program at a high school or college? What is the difference between these options?
Language schools offer only language instruction, and their curricula will be more focused and intense, since they assume you are only studying English. High schools and colleges offer ESL courses and programs which are often designed to run parallel to--or prepare you for--your general academic studies.

How many students will there be in an ESL class in the US?
Class sizes can vary, but are usually less than twenty people.

Will my ESL program help me meet US university language requirements?
Some ESL programs are designed specifically to prepare students for the language proficiency tests that most US universities require. If this is a main concern, you should double-check any ESL program with your college's or university's requirements to make sure that it meets those standards.

Am I guaranteed to pass the standardized language tests after my ESL course?
No course or program can guarantee a pass on any test, but an accredited course with qualified teachers, combined with dedicated study on your part, will help you pass the language tests you need.

What is the difference between the different language proficiency tests? (TOEFL, TOIEC, IELTS, MELAB?)
All language tests are designed to measure your level of English language proficiency. The different tests are administered by different authorities and may test slightly different skills. For instance, TOEFL focuses on the English proficiency needed in daily life.

Are there prerequisites for international students studying ESL in the USA?
Prerequisites will depend on what program you apply to. However, there are programs in the USA for students at every level, from the newest beginner to more advanced.

How are ESL programs in the USA accredited?
The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) and the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) are the two main independent organizations which oversee the accreditation of ESL schools, programs and courses in the US. For more details, see our section on Accreditation of ESL Programs in the US.

What recognition do American ESL programs have world-wide?
Accredited ESL programs in the USA are recognized for their excellence world-wide.

What advantages do ESL programs in the USA offer international students?
English is the official language of the United States, and taking an ESL program in the USA therefore offers the chance to study and live in English, in a stable, welcoming environment and with the best programs available.

How are homestay families chosen?
Homestay programs screen local US families that apply, in order to make sure that they have the appropriate facilities and environment for an international student to stay. Homestay programs may be independent, or they may be run in affiliation with a school.

If I live at the high school or college, what are the rooms or dormitories like?
Dormitories will vary from college to college. You are likely to have a roommate or possibly several suitemates, and you may share a bathroom with either your suitemates or with your floor. There is usually a common-room with television and other facilities. Dormitories will always be kept clean for students, and campus security makes sure they are safe. High school residences (i.e. at boarding schools) always have adult supervision.