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Did you tick the box “learn to speak English better” on your list of good resolutions in 2019? It’s not too late to get started. Here is a list of places to learn English for free or affordably in New York City.
At University
CUNY (City University of New York): New York Public University offers free English classes at several of its campuses across the city. Be careful, however: to be able to benefit from it, you must be either a resident of New York State for at least one year, or a resident permanent (green card) or have refugee status. You must also be of age to register (+18 years old).
Colombia University’s ESOL program also offers free English lessons in Harlem. The program brings together six different class levels and is spread over 12-week cycles, with two hours of lessons per day from Monday to Thursday.
At the library
What could be better than a place of learning to learn and improve your English? The New York Public Library has set up free English language programs during the day, evening or weekend, for all levels. Sessions take place at various libraries in the Bronx, Staten Island or Manhattan. The New York Public Library also offers “drop-in classes”, a list of courses accessible without an appointment for those who wish above all to practice their oral.
In a city program
NYC Department of Education: You must be at least 21 years old to benefit from the New York City Office of Adult and Continuing Education (OACE) program. From Monday to Saturday, at more than 175 sites spread over the five “boroughs”, English classes are offered to all those who wish. Classes are taught by certified teachers and are free.
With an association
YMCA: As the famous Village People song says “it’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A”. In addition to offering meals, a place to sleep, shower, exercise and have fun, the YMCA of New York also offers a variety of free English classes for adults: conversation, English as a second language, computer science and college preparation. US citizenship test.
Union Settlement Association: The East Harlem Association gives adults from all backgrounds the opportunity to learn English as a second language. Three levels of classes are offered. You must be over 18 to benefit from the program.
Riverside Language Program: This program offers refugees and immigrants living in New York City the opportunity to come and learn Shakespeare’s language in intensive 5-hour classes per day for six weeks on the Upper West Side. All language levels are represented and classes emphasize oral and hearing skills.
In a private school
Many private schools offer courses for all levels at affordable prices. This is particularly the case of Be Fluent NYC in Manhattan, with its individual lesson plans starting at $ 38 per hour or New York Language Center which also offers semi-intensive group packages of 4 hours per weekend over 4 weeks for $ 142.
Through private lessons
Do you want to progress with a private tutor without breaking the bank? Visit the sites Craigslist.org and Thumbtack.com which list affordable private lessons.
Thanks to the Meetup.com website
Meetup.com is the go-to site in New York for finding people who share the same interests as you. Whether you want to play sports, yoga, cook or learn a new language, the site lists many English classes or conversation groups that are held weekly across the city. Register a few days in advance and you’re done. The courses offered are often free or inexpensive.
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