Part One
Knowledge of the language can have legal effects, since English is a requirement for obtaining citizenship through the naturalization process.
Fortunately, there are many free or low-cost opportunities and resources in the United States to learn and practice the language.
English classes for foreigners are known as ESL (english as a second language) or ESOL (English for speakers of other languages). In these courses, migrants can learn to write, speak, read and improve pronunciation in that language.
Free English classes for migrants in the US
English classes for foreigners are called ESL or ESOL.
Free or low-cost face-to-face classes can be found in public libraries, unions, community organizations, churches, and community colleges.
You can also learn English through online library resources, teaching apps and language exchange pages.
Some resources may be limited to legal migrants and asylum seekers.
Face-to-face English classes for migrants in the US
Places where migrants can seek english classes in person and free or at low cost are varied. One of the main resources is public libraries, of which there are more than 120,000 nationwide. In addition, community or religious organizations offer opportunities to learn the language, especially entities linked to the Catholic Church, Mormons, Way doctors, and other Protestant denominations.
Unions, known in English as unions, often provide English classes for their affiliates. For example, the Workers’ Education Consortium and local Offices (AFL-CIO) offer this service.
On the other hand, the more than 1200 community colleges located in every state of the country are also a great place to learn English. In almost all of them it is possible to take ESL classes at the beginner, intermediate and advanced level. The cost is low or free.
Depending on the state, it is possible that only migrants with legal status may be able to attend the classes of their community colleges, as they are public institutions. However, many of them offer this service to undocumented people on the same terms as legal migrants.
Due to the concentration of more than 25 million people born outside the United States mostly Latinos in just five states, it is detailed below where to find free English classes in California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas.
California
The Department of Education database allows you to search by location to find the nearest center. Such information can also be requested by dialing 1-916-322-2175.
The ABC Adult School, has a presence in different locations in the state. The cost is $5 per enrollment.
In the city of Los Angeles stands out Los Angeles English, which offers the opportunity for free classes on Wednesdays at its westwood center (1-310-824-6938) and Westside Community Adult School, In San Francisco are Transworld School (1-415-928-2835) and Center Civic (1-415-561-1875).
Florida
El Sol Center is located in the community of Jupiter. The organization offers ESL and literacy classes in Spanish.
Hispanic Unity of Florida provides seven levels for language learning. For more information on locations and times, you can dial 754-323-9015.
Orange County’s library system is also an excellent resource. To use library services, you need to obtain a card, for which you must present your Florida driver’s license or that state ID card.
Illinois
In the city of Chicago you can find free ESL classes at Literacy Chicago (1-312-870-1100), Chicago Cares (312-780-0800) and Truman College of Chicago (1-773-907-4350).
New York
The New York City Library provides the ability to take ESL classes throughout the city. In addition, it is possible to participate in conversation classes without being previously enrolled. Phone number 212-340-0918 provides location and time information.
New York City Library programs are open to all migrants regardless of their legal status, but it is necessary to present a city ID to prove residency.
In Manhattan, the Riverside Language Program offers ESL classes to legal and asyyy-goed migrants. You can learn more by sending an email to [email protected] or dialing 212-662-3200.
Also in Manhattan, the International Center of Catholic Charities not only offers ESL classes but also the possibility of finding a volunteer with whom to practice spoken English.
Any migrant, regardless of legal status, can take classes at COPE, with locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn (information at 1-212-809-5935). Also in Brooklyn are The Williamsburg Bridge (1-718-387-0404) and Project Reach Youth (1-718-768-0753).
In the Bronx stands out Aspira of New York (1-718-585-3353).
Advanced English students over the age of 21 in New York City who expressly seek to improve their speaking and understanding skills can go to the Andy Bell organization.
Texas
The Austin Municipality database lists libraries, foundations, and organizations that provide English classes in the area and specifies which do not request documents on immigration status.
Refugee Services of Texas provides nine free weeks of English classes through organizations in Amarillo, Austin, Dallas, Forth Worth and Houston.
In Houston, Texas/United Way provides information about ESL schools by dialing 2-1-1. Also in Houston, Literacy Advance of Houston allows all people who can demonstrate residency in the city to take ESL classes, as long as they are not present on a tourist visa and are not on probation for a violent crime.
Online English classes for migrants and English opportunities
Internet resources are a good alternative for migrants who are unsus available to participate in face-to-face English classes. Among them isUSAlearns, a website with its corresponding application created by the Sacramento County Office of Education. Among other services, the page offers excellent ESL classes divided into four levels.
The Conversation Exchange page allows you to find people who speak English and are interested in exchanging conversation opportunities in English for Spanish. You can search for language exchange partners to meet in person, write emails or letters, or practice via Skype or another messaging service.
In addition, a large number of English study apps can be downloaded for free on cell phones. Among the most popular are Duolingo, which has more than 200 million users worldwide, Busuu, especially suitable for migrants who are just starting to study English, Babbel, ImproveEnglish and Memrise.
Some of these applications allow you to find companions to practice the language and provide the possibility to hire classes online.
This is an informative article. It’s not legal advice.
The opinions expressed in the columns are the sole responsibility of those who subscribe to them and do not necessarily represent the thought or editorial line of Monitor Expresso
