Studying English in the USA is a great way to improve your English language skills. In the USA you’ll find many native speakers to practice speaking English with and immerse yourself in the language and culture. Many students say that the English they learned in their home country was “textbook” English and was very different from what they needed in real life. Many students also agree that their ability to effectively communicate in English greatly improved after studying English in the USA.
There are 10 things you need to know before traveling to the USA to study English:
Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to the USA to Study English
1. Can I go to the USA to study English?
Yes, you can go to the USA to study English! Follow this link to take a quick quiz to check what type of student you are and to understand what type of course is best for you.
2. Where should I start if I want to learn English?
After you have determined what type of student you are, you should carefully consider each question below.
- How long will I be able to stay in the USA to study English?
- What are my goals for my English studies?
- What kind of environment do I want to live in while I study English?
- Will I concentrate only on English, or do I also want to enjoy other activities during my time in the USA?
Look for schools in your selected cities and find schools that have a good reputation and positive reviews. Make sure to check that the school you choose is accredited.
Accreditation means that a school has been reviewed by an outside organization of English language-teaching professionals and follows set standards and policies. Quality English language schools in the USA will also provide continuing education for their teachers to make sure that teachers are using the latest teaching methods and resources.
Make friends from around the world
while learning English!
- Connect with people from different cultures
- Use the power of language to create lifelong friendships
- Expand your world view while you increase your English proficiency
3. What are the visa requirements for international students who want to study English in the USA?
Temporary visitors who wish to participate in a short recreational course that is incidental to their purpose for visiting the United States may do so without an F-1 Visa. Other students who wish to take a full time course will need to apply for an F-1 visa. The basic requirements for an F-1 visa are:
- Attend an SEVP (the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, an agency of the United States government) approved language training program or academic institution.
- Maintain full-time status.
- Demonstrate financial ability to pay for the cost of living and studying in the United States. You, or your sponsor, must provide your school with a bank statement or a certified bank letter proving that you, or your sponsor, possess sufficient available funds to cover the total cost of your program and living costs.
- Maintain foreign residence and demonstrate intent to return upon completion of your course.
You will also be required to have an interview at a US embassy or consulate. Make sure you are prepared for the interview, with all of the appropriate documentation. You should also know what kinds of questions you may be asked by the official so you can answer effectively and honestly. Check out this guide to read about all the details of the process. Student advisors are also available to provide you with more information and can be contacted through WhatsApp, telephone, or an online form.
4. Do I need a visa to study English in the USA?
You will need a student visa if you plan to study full-time, which is defined as 18 hours or more of instruction per week. When selecting a school for your English language studies in the US, make sure that the school you choose can provide you with detailed information about the visa requirements and the necessary steps and fees. Language On’s intensive English course is a great choice for international students who require the F-1 Visa.
5. Can I study English in the USA with a tourist visa?
You can take English classes in the USA with a Tourist Visa or with ESTA (the visa waiver program) if your program of study is part time and recreational in nature. For English language courses, part time is defined as less than 18 hours a week and incidental to the purpose of your visit.
Language On’s semi-intensive English course meets this requirement, with only 15 hours per week. Other courses at Language On might also meet this requirement.
6. How much does it cost to study English in the USA?
There are many things to consider when budgeting for your English language course in the USA:
First, select a few cities that are best for your goals and then get a quote for tuition and fees to help you make your choice. You will need to check the general cost of living in your selected cities as well. The cost of basic necessities such as housing, food and transportation can vary a lot from city to city, and even within the same metro area.
For short- term or longer accommodation, a home-stay option can be a good choice. Homestay allows you the extra benefit of practicing English with your host as well as teaching them about your culture.
Finally, health insurance is an important consideration. Unlike many other countries, the US does not provide free healthcare to anyone, even in emergencies. Treatment for even a minor medical condition can be very expensive without some kind of health insurance. Purchasing an insurance plan will give you and your family peace of mind and allow you to concentrate on enjoying your experience studying English in the USA.
7. Where is the best place to study English in the USA?
The best place to study English in the USA will depend on your goals. Do you want to explore American culture as well as its language? What do you want to do in your free time? Do you want to explore nature, play sports, enjoy an energetic nightlife, or a little bit of everything?
Language On’s locations are diverse and offer many options so choose wisely!
Aventura, Florida, is a planned community midway between downtown Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The area is noted for its extensive shopping mall and overall quality of life. Check out our English school in Aventura for more details.
Boca Raton, Florida, is located in Palm Beach County. This area is noted for its sophisticated shopping and dining, but is also home to beautiful, unspoiled beaches and other nature parks. Check out our English school in Boca Raton for more details.
If you’re looking to be in the center of the international hub that is Miami, consider our English School in Miami. Our school is located in the Brickell area, a vibrant neighborhood famous for its restaurants and nightlife. You can walk, scooter, or bike all around Brickell, or if you are feeling lazy there are also two public transit trains and free trolleys which serve the area.
Taking English classes in Miami Beach will put you near a series of beautiful beaches, each with its own unique vibe. Located in the world renowned South Beach area, you’ll find a fantastic variety of lounges, restaurants and dance clubs but you can also relax in the more tranquil Lincoln Road mall with its many shops and cafes.
Our English School in Orlando is another great place to study English in the USA. While Orlando, Florida is most noted for its theme parks such as Universal Studios and Disney, it also has a great variety of neighborhoods with something for every taste, including more relaxed areas off the tourist path. Our school is conveniently located with easy access to many accommodation options.
Kendall is a suburb south of central Miami. Language On’s English school in Kendall is a great choice for students looking for a quieter environment, but near enough to the action Miami is so famous for. In addition, Kendall can be reached via public transportation and offers many different housing options. Don’t overlook this neighborhood when making your decision!
Salt Lake City, Utah might seem like an unusual choice for many, but this city has many exceptional qualities. Salt Lake City is located in the great American west, where there are phenomenal natural parks just waiting to be explored. If you like outdoor sports, including hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding and more than this is the spot for you. You’ll find many native speakers here, so daily use of English will motivate you to practice and speed up your improvement. The area is one of the fastest growing in the United States and it has all the amenities of a major metro area, including a well-developed public transit system.
Our English School in Washington DC is a great place for international students to study English in the USA. Washington, DC is the nation’s capital, so you’ll be able to visit many famous landmarks and learn about the government first hand. As the nation’s capital, it’s a showcase where all the very best of the country is on display. During your time in DC you can visit fascinating museums (many for free), as well as enjoy top notch musical and theatrical performances. You’ll also be able to experience and learn about many of America’s regional cultures, as they come to the capital to represent their area.
8. Which English proficiency test or certificate is best?
The best English proficiency test or certificate will depend on your future plans. A certificate of completion from our English course can give credibility to your claim of English proficiency when applying for employment back home, as well as giving you the personal satisfaction of achievement.
If you’re planning on applying to a university that requires a formal assessment of English language skills, you’ll most likely need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam. Our test preparation courses can help you improve and get a great score.
A high score on a recognized proficiency test can also impress a potential employer and give you an advantage over other applicants when applying for a job that requires English proficiency.
9. How long does it take to learn English in the USA?
How long it takes to learn English in the USA will depend upon your current level. Before you start studying you will need to take a comprehensive placement test to make sure you start at the appropriate level. You will also take progress tests and achievement tests to measure your progress before moving up a level.
Most international students find that learning English in the USA takes less time than learning English in their home country. This is because in the USA you are immersed in the language outside of the classroom. You will also become a better speaker of English because you will be learning English as it is actually used in daily life.
When students learn English in their home countries, it is often in a very formal style, “textbook English”, which often does not sound natural or make for effective communication with native speakers. You’ll find it much easier to understand English language movies, books, songs and social media postings if you have spent a lot of time around native speakers.
Students who are already highly fluent in English can benefit from additional specialized classes, such as accent reduction classes. In today’s global economy, clear pronunciation can give you an edge over others who may not be as confident in their spoken English.
10. Can I live in the USA after my studies?
When applying for a student visa you will be required to show strong ties to your home country and present evidence of permanent residence in your home country. This shows that you will have a place in your home country to return to when your classes have finished.
Traveling to the USA to study English can be a big step. Choose a school carefully and a location that is best for your needs and lifestyle. Consult with a student advisor to make sure you have all the requirements in place and are comfortable with the process. With careful planning, studying English in the USA can be a life-changing experience. You’ll learn English better and faster than by studying in your home country. You’ll also broaden your general knowledge of other cultures and make great memories and meet new friends. Welcome to the USA!
