Where to Study English in Dallas

International students, business executives, and other foreign newcomers to the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area can take advantage of regional opportunities to improve their English skills or prepare for a U.S. education by enrolling in one of the region’s many language courses and programs.

Known as ESL (English as a Second Language) or ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), these programs help students and others who are not native English speakers acquire or enhance their skills before they start college or enter the workplace in the United States. There are a wide variety of ESL programs available. Some are refreshers for those who learned English in their native countries. These classes focus on American variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, idioms, and verbalization. Others provide a basic introduction for beginners who speak little or no English. Courses may prepare academic students to pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam, which many U.S. colleges and university require when admitting non-native English speakers.

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area (locally known as the Metroplex) is the cultural and economic hub of North Texas. The region is home to numerous internationally-known colleges and universities. Foreign students often attend such schools as the University of Texas (UT) at Arlington, UT-Dallas, the UT Southwestern medical research center, Southern Methodist University, and Texas Christian University. In addition to college sports, the Metroplex hosts teams from several major U.S. professional sports leagues: the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Texas Rangers (baseball), Dallas Mavericks (basketball); FC Dallas (soccer); and Dallas Stars (ice hockey).

The warm climate and thriving economy also draw international business executives, expat retirees, and tourists to the Metroplex. Entertainment, shopping, dining, and vibrant nightlife venues offer a broad range of opportunities to experience the local culture. Dallas is famous for barbecue, authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, and restaurants offering a vast array of global dining experiences. Fort Worth, the “Cultural Capital of the Southwest,” boasts five world-class museums housing some of the most important works of art of the 20th Century. Top attractions include the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Dallas World Aquarium, Fort Worth Zoo, and the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. White Rock Lake and Park near Dallas offer hiking, biking, fishing, bird-watching, and rollerblading. Go mountain biking at the Big Cedar Wilderness off-road trail, or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard at Panther Island Pavilion. Six Flags Over Texas amusement park features roller coasters, shows, and rides for every age group.

More than 7.6 million people live in the Metroplex. The number of foreign-born North Texas rose 31 percent from 2010 through 2019, reaching 1.45 million. This influx of people from around the world has also created a favorable climate for a wide range of ESL programs offered by private educational companies, public universities, and private colleges. These programs enable students to acquire new skills or enhance their command of the English language. Some offer in-person training, while others provide online opportunities so foreign students can learn the language before arriving in the United States.

College Classes Assist Non-Native English Speakers

There are dozens of public and private colleges and universities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, many of which offer ESL classes. Some courses are geared towards students enrolled in a degree program at those schools, while others are available to non-traditional students.

The largest institution of higher learning in the area is the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). The English Language Institute at UTA (https://eli.uta.edu) offers English for academic purposes to help prospective students and U.S. residents improve their job prospects. UTI also has community programs for those who want to improve their English and for students preparing to take TOEFL exams.

Other area colleges and universities with ESL programs include:

Private ESL Schools, Non-Profits Offer Variety of Programs

Numerous private institutions, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations offer ESL classes in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. For example, the Dallas Public Library provides free general English classes at 12 locations throughout the city as part of its Adult Education program (http://dallaslibrary2.org/adultlearning/english/general-english). The 10-week classes are offered in the spring and fall, with some libraries also providing summer classes. Attendees can take an unlimited number of classes, allowing them to practice and learn English until they become comfortable with the language. For advanced speakers, there are conversation classes and courses specific to various subjects. The Fort Worth Public Library also provides ESL classes (https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/library).

Other Dallas area non-college ESL offerings include:

Many other public and private schools can be found through resources such as the guide published by the Dallas-Fort Worth International Community Alliance (http://www.dfwinternational.org/resource_center/ESL_Guide.pdf). These classes and others provide extensive opportunities for students and other newcomers to Texas to obtain and/or enhance English language skills.

Other things to consider:

 

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

Please contact our company if you are interested in studying English in Dallas or have questions about the Dallas area.  Using our network of colleges and universities in the United States, we may be able to help you select the right school for your specific educational goals.  Please email Michael at michael@visasupply.com if you have questions or require assistance.