Plain-language guides
Starting classes in a new country can feel confusing. These guides help you understand your options, ask good questions, and choose a program that fits your life.
English levels explained, beginner to advanced
What beginner, intermediate, and advanced really mean, how the A1-C1 levels work, and how schools place you — so you know where you fit.
Open GuidesHow to find free and low-cost ESL classes
Where free and low-cost English classes come from — libraries, community colleges, adult schools, and nonprofits — and how to find them near you.
Open GuidesHow to choose a language school you can trust
Accreditation, teachers, class size, schedule, refund policy, and the red flags to watch for before you enroll or pay.
Open GuidesThe US citizenship test, explained in plain language
What the naturalization interview and civics test involve, the English you'll use, and how a class can help you prepare. General information, not immigration legal advice.
Open GuidesYour first language class — what to expect
How a placement test, a trial class, and your first weeks usually go — so you walk in feeling ready, not nervous.
Open GuidesOnline vs in-person language classes
How online and classroom classes compare on practice, schedule, cost, and motivation — and how to pick the one that fits your life.
Open GuidesLearning English as an adult — what really works
Honest, encouraging advice for adult learners — how long it takes, how to practice every day, and how to keep going when it's hard.
Open GuidesAccreditation and what makes a class good
What accreditation and licensing mean for a language school, why they matter, and how to tell a quality class from an empty promise.
Open GuidesHow Long Does It Take to Learn English?
How Long Does It Take to Learn English? — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesHow Much Do English Classes Cost?
How Much Do English Classes Cost? — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesThe Best Way for Adults to Learn English
The Best Way for Adults to Learn English — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesHow to Find English Classes Near You
How to Find English Classes Near You — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesWhat Is ESL? A Simple Explanation
What Is ESL? A Simple Explanation — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesWhat to Expect on an English Placement Test
What to Expect on an English Placement Test — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesFree vs Paid English Classes — Which Is Right?
Free vs Paid English Classes — Which Is Right? — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesHow to Practice English at Home Every Day
How to Practice English at Home Every Day — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesHow to Improve Your English for Work
How to Improve Your English for Work — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesHow to Study for the Citizenship Test
How to Study for the Citizenship Test — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesTOEFL vs IELTS — Which Test Should You Take?
TOEFL vs IELTS — Which Test Should You Take? — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesEnglish Classes for Older Adults and Seniors
English Classes for Older Adults and Seniors — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesHow to Speak English More Clearly
How to Speak English More Clearly — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesGroup Classes vs Private Tutoring
Group Classes vs Private Tutoring — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesEvening and Weekend English Classes
Evening and Weekend English Classes — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesHow to Stay Motivated Learning English
How to Stay Motivated Learning English — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesPracticing the English You Need for Daily Life
Practicing the English You Need for Daily Life — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesIntensive vs Part-Time Language Courses
Intensive vs Part-Time Language Courses — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesWhat to Bring to Your First English Class
What to Bring to Your First English Class — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesEnglish Classes for Busy Parents
English Classes for Busy Parents — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesEnglish Reading and Writing Classes
English Reading and Writing Classes — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesHow to Tell If a Teacher Is Good
How to Tell If a Teacher Is Good — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesClass Refunds and Cancellations — What to Know
Class Refunds and Cancellations — What to Know — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
Open GuidesLearning English Alongside Your Children
Learning English Alongside Your Children — a plain-language guide for immigrants and English learners. Honest information, free school matching.
OpenFind a welcoming language class — free
Tell us your goal, your level, and your area. We connect you, at no cost, with accredited language schools and ESL centers near you. You compare and choose where to enroll.