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Nearly 100,000 students come to the United States to study English each year. Many of them come to prepare themselves to enter colleges and universities in the United States; others come to learn and improve their English. Here are some things to consider before you choose an ESL school.

University-based ESL Programs
Many colleges and universities in the US offer full-time intensive English programs. Most of these programs provide 2025 hours per week of classroom instruction. Students usually enter these programs at the beginning of the academic semester (term or quarter). Note that intensive English programs usually are not part of the college or universitys academic degree program and students enrolled in the ESL institutes are not necessarily admitted to that college or university.

University-based ESL programs have several advantages. One of them is that often English students live on campus and have full use of the college or university library and other facilities. They can practice English with other university students they meet on campus. Some schools allow students in advanced levels of the English program to take a few university courses while they are completing their language study. Another advantage of taking university-based ESL classes is that students on F-1 visas may be able to work on campus up to 20 hours per week.

Private English Language Programs
There are private English language schools that prepare students to enter US colleges and universities. Many of these private schools are located on or near a college or university campus. Some of them provide housing; others do not.

Many private ESL schools have flexible schedules. New sessions may begin every few weeks. This is helpful to those students who are interested in short-term study, for example, a two- or three-week program. At some private ESL institutes, advanced-level students may take one or two academic courses at nearby colleges or universities. Private schools also offer vacation ESL programs.

How do I Choose an English Language School?
Before you choose an ESL school, decide what kind of program you want to attend. Do you want a serious academic program or a casual vacation program? Are you serious about learning English? What is your budget? Think about how much money you can spend on tuition, room, meals, activities, books, etc. Other aspects that need to be taken into consideration are the location of the school and weather. The U.S.A. is a big country with very different temperatures.

Remember that an intensive English program must meet a minimum of 18 hours per week for students to qualify for a student visa. Therefore make sure you know how many hours per week you will study in class. Find out if the teachers are professionally trained and experienced. Ideally, they should have a masters degree in teaching English (MATESOL) or a related field. The average class size should be between 10-15 students.

Some ESL schools offer TOEFL preparation; others dont. Some of them help students apply to colleges and universities to study. They may also permit advanced level students to take classes at the university or a nearby college. Make sure that the school is accredited. Many college and university ESL programs are accredited through their university or college. Private ESL programs may seek accreditation through special accrediting bodies.

The author is an English language instructor based in Mumbai. Her website http://www.perfectyourenglish.com provides free reference materials on English grammar and practical English usage.