Where to Study English in Houston?

Houston, Texas, the largest city in the South and fourth largest city in the United States, is a thriving metropolitan city with a diverse international population. Newcomers to the city may want to enroll in one of the city’s ESL (English as a Second Language) programs to improve their English language skills or prepare for a U.S. education.

Officially nicknamed the “Space City” for its role in NASA’s space exploration programs, Houston is also known as the “Bayou City” because of the 10 major waterways that flow through the area. It also became known as “The Big Heart” after sheltering more than 150,000 Louisiana survivors after Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana in 2005. Its professional sports teams have also sparked two other nicknames: “Clutch City,” reflecting championship runs by the NBA’s Rockets and MLB’s Astros, and “Crush City” for the large number of home runs the Astros hit in 2015. Other pro teams include the Houston Texans of the NFL; soccer franchises Dynamo (men) and (women) Dash; and the Sabercats rugby team.

The Houston metropolitan area has more than 7 million residents, including a large immigrant population. More than 20 percent of those residents were born outside the United States, with the majority coming from south of the U.S.-Mexico border. The city’s diversity has been fueled by several waves of newcomers from Latin America and Asia (source of more than one in five Houston immigrants). It has also long served as a refugee resettlement center and sanctuary city. Chinatown and the Mahatma Gandhi District are two of the city’s main ethnic enclaves. A blend of Southwestern traditions and foreign influences gives Houston a unique cultural style that is reflected in its arts, music, and a highly-regarded restaurant scene.

Located in southwest Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Houston’s humid subtropical climate brings warm winters and hot summers. The weather is often ideal for visiting one of the area’s 330 parks, the Houston Zoo, or the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. Outdoor recreation includes kayaking through Buffalo Bayou; running the Outer Loop trail at Rice University; exploring Natural Bridge Caverns; hiking Big Thicket Park; and surfing at nearby Surfside Beach.

Leading industries in Houston include energy (particularly oil and natural gas), biomedicine, and aeronautics. The city also has four state institutes of higher learning: the University of Houston; University of Houston–Clear Lake and the University of Houston–Downtown, which are standalone schools; and the Texas Southern University (TSU). Private schools include Rice University, the University of St. Thomas, and Houston Baptist University.

ESL Offerings at Colleges and Universities

ESL or ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programs help participants enhance their existing English skills or acquire new capabilities before they start college classes, begin a new job, or take up long-term residence in the United States. The scope of ESL programs range from beginner classes to refreshers for those already speak English, with an emphasis on American idioms and pronunciation. Some courses prepare students to pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam, which many U.S. education institutions require for admittance. Some schools offer online training which can help foreign students to learn English before they arrive, a trend that grew considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.

Many public and private colleges and universities in the Houston-Harris County area offer ESL and ESOL classes. Some are geared towards students already enrolled in degree programs at those institutions, while others may be available to non-traditional students who are not necessarily seeking a degree.

The University of Houston, the third-largest public university in Texas, offers classes for international students through its Learning and Culture Center (https://uh.edu/class/english/lcc/about-the-lcc). Rice University, recently ranked the best university in Texas, offers an ESL Program (http://esl.rice.edu) designed for academic students, working professionals, and those preparing for professional careers.

Other institutions of learning that provide ESL programs include:

Private Firms Provide ESL Programs

Numerous private and not-for-profit organizations in the metropolitan Houston area also offer ESL classes. Some courses are still online-only, but many programs have reopened for 2021-22 for in-person learning.

Private ESL programs include:

  • Memorial Assistance Ministries (https://www.mamhouston.org/eslwest) offers “English Speaking and Listening” at two campuses plus online.  MAM has six instructional levels, ranging from beginners to advanced.
  • The Learning Institute of Texas (https://www.litexas.edu) provides the skills learners need for English listening, reading, writing¸ and speaking to advance their educational, vocational, and personal goals.
  • The Bilingual Education Institute (https://bei.edu) offers classes in everyday English, intensive English, and Spanish, plus corporate training.
  • The classes at English Express (https://englexpress.com/index.html) include academic English, functional English, business English, and TOEFL and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) preparation.
  • The English Language Center provides classes in Houston near the University of St. Thomas (https://www.els.edu/destinations/houston). ELS also has an IELTS testing center at the location.
  • The Texas School of Languages offers beginner, intermediate and advanced ESL classes (https://texasschooloflanguages.com/product/esl) designed for travelers, businesspeople, and tutors.
  • Be Bilingual (https://www.bebilingual.com) teaches English as a Second Language for individuals plus corporate training classes.
  • Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church hosted free English classes (https://emersonhouston.org/social-action/english-classes-esl-for-adults) three times a week before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Check their website to learn when classes resume.

Many other Houston community outreach groups, churches, and public agencies also provide ELS classes, which can be found through online and community resources. These classes -- some of which are free of charge -- provide multiple opportunities for students and other newcomers to obtain or enhance their English skills.

Other things to consider:

 

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

Please contact our company if you are interested in studying English in Houston or have questions about the Houston 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.