Where to Study English in Philadelphia?

International students, business executives, and professionals new to Philadelphia and the surrounding metropolitan area can enroll in an English program to improve their English skills or prepare for education or work in the United States. 

English as a Second Language (ESL) or English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs help students learn or improve their English skills.  Whether you need beginner, intermediate, or advanced education, there are various ESL and ESOL programs to study English in and around Philadelphia.  Options include those that teach basic speaking and listening skills, others that focus on enhancing what you’ve already learned, and some that help with test preparation skills. 

Whether you’re interested in meeting personal, business, or academic goals, you can find many opportunities in Philadelphia and nearby.  Students can attend a leading school like The University of Pennsylvania, a public college with many possibilities, a smaller non-profit English program, or one of the numerous other choices in this lively city.

No matter where students choose to study English in Philadelphia, there are many attractions that draw international students in.  Philadelphia, also known as “Philly,” offers endless opportunities to learn, experience US culture and history, and enjoy city life.  Philadelphia has also been ranked as one of the best US cities for immigrants.

Alongside studying English, those who travel and move to Philadelphia can appreciate the different parts of the city, which offer diverse surroundings. In fact, there are over a hundred distinct neighborhoods in the city and 100 suburbs.  The city’s center (Old City) is filled with tall modern buildings, hotels, restaurants, and bars.  Meanwhile, Midtown City is a vibrant area where people enjoy galleries and shops.  Society Hill and Queen Village are popular neighborhoods to spend time in for their charming atmosphere and green spaces.

You can also find many opportunities for learning English skills throughout Philadelphia neighborhoods and nearby places.  Below, we’ll share public colleges and universities, private universities, and other institutes that offer English programs. 

Public Colleges & Universities with English Programs

The following public Philadelphia colleges and universities have programs for ESL and ESOL students, from short-term to long-term courses, pre-college level classes, and programs that help students prepare for the workforce or undergraduate programs.

  • Temple University’s Center for American Language and Culture (https://ielp.temple.edu/) offers several options to meet students where they are, depending on their skill level and schedule.  Their courses include short and long-term programs, a graduate program, and an au pair class.  You can also join Temple’s Conditional Admission Program to improve your language skills and work towards becoming a fully enrolled student at the university.
  • The Community College of Philadelphia (https://www.ccp.edu/college-catalog/course-offerings/english-courses) provides placement tests to ensure students take English courses at the most appropriate level.  You can take pre-college level courses and transferable college courses of many kinds, including various levels of Listening and Speaking for Non-Native English Speakers, Reading or Writing for Non-Native Speakers of English, Public Speaking, and Voice and Articulation.

Private Universities with English Programs

Several private universities have programs for students to study English in Philadelphia.  These schools are accredited and nationally recognized and feature courses and programs for varying English levels and personal, professional, and academic goals.

  • Saint Joseph's University, English Language Center (https://www.els.edu/destinations/philadelphia) is nationally recognized and offers several English classes and courses.  The university provides a homestay for those interested and is conveniently located close to downtown Philadelphia.  Students can join the Intensive or Semi-Intensive English Program, the Business Communication Program, several testing preparation courses, or a Vacation English Course.
  • The University of Pennsylvania is a top-ranked research university and Ivy League School.  Their English Language Program (https://www.elp.upenn.edu/) allows students to experience university life in the United States while immersed in the local language and culture.  Every year, 2,000 students from 35 countries study at Penn State’s English Language Program.  They have various opportunities, including a 7-week CEA-accredited Intensive Program to help students develop English skills for academic, business, or general goals.  They also offer custom, online, and testing courses.
  • Drexel University’s English Language Center (https://drexel.edu/elc/) is fully accredited and offers opportunities for students seeking academic, professional, or personal English programs or services.  Their courses have served nearly 10,000 students preparing for the workforce or undergraduate study at Drexel University or another college.
  • La Salle University is a Philadelphia private Catholic university.  Their English Language Institute (https://www.lasalle.edu/english-language-institute/) features English language instruction courses to help students meet their listening, speaking, reading, and writing goals.  Students also have the opportunity to interact with American students and learn more about the culture.
  • Pierce College's International Education program (https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/ie) has 4 distinct opportunities for international students.  Students can complete a 10-week Intensive English Program, a 2-year associate degree for university transfer, various courses for career-readiness certificates, or a high school completion course.

Non-College and University English Programs

There are also opportunities for students who want to study English in Philadelphia at an institute that’s not a college or university.  You can find various choices, from a non-profit literacy agency to a faith-based program.

  • Beyond Literacy (https://beyondliteracy.org/) is a non-profit organization and the largest literacy agency in Philadelphia.  Their services help learners succeed in life and work, teaching basic reading, writing, science, social studies, and math skills.  They also have classes for ESOL students and citizenship preparation courses.  Students who want to obtain an associate's degree can do this through Harcum College, with courses conveniently taught at Beyond Literacy, located in Philadelphia.
  • The Philadelphia English Language Institute (https://pelischool.org/) has worked with students of more than 50 nationalities.  They offer private and group classes for any student over 16 years old wanting to learn or improve their English skills.  Students can take various adult English courses, various levels of their Intensive English Program for international students, testing services, and tutoring classes.
  • GROW (https://www.growesl.org/) is a faith-based program that works with immigrants to help them thrive in a new community with ESL classes, life skills, and friendships.  They partner with local churches in Philadelphia neighborhoods to serve students where they work and live.  GROW has worked with almost 3,000 students from more than 70 countries. 
  • The American Advances Institute of Technology (AAIT) Language School (http://ls.aaitschool.com/) was founded in 2006 and offers international students, scholars, and professionals with English language instruction, pre-academic training, and cultural orientation.  They’re a nationally recognized United States accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions located in Feasterville, just outside Philadelphia.  Their 2-year language program serves adults with different English Language proficiency levels working toward professional, academic, and personal goals.  They also offer a course focused on standardized test-taking strategies. 

Other things to consider:

 

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

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