Where to Study English in Tampa?

If you’re interested in improving your language skills, there are several places to study English in Tampa.  There are colleges, universities, and other schools that offer English courses and programs no matter what your goals are.

Whether you’re an international student, business executive, or aspiring professional, programs in Tampa can help you learn the necessary skills for attending school, working, or living in the United States.

English as a Second Language (ESL) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs can help you improve your language proficiency.  English schools and programs in and around Tampa range from beginner to advanced.  You can also find test or university preparation courses, career-readiness classes, and other English mastery programs. 

No matter your goals, there are many options in the Tampa Bay area, which consists of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater.  It’s an excellent place to learn English—there’s a large Hispanic population, and diversity is celebrated.

When you’re not learning language skills, you can enjoy Tampa’s beautiful weather and award-winning beaches.  A leading international airport in Tampa also makes it easy to travel.

If you want to stay in Tampa after you finish your English program or work while learning English skills (if you have a visa that allows you to work), there’s a lively job market throughout the city.

Let’s explore the best colleges, universities, and other programs for studying English in the Tampa Bay area.

Public College and University English Programs

There are several public colleges and universities in and near Tampa.  These have specialized programs for ESL students and offer traditional college experiences.

  • Hillsborough Community College is a public institution in Tampa with an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program (https://www.hccfl.edu/academics/english-academic-purposes).  There are learning opportunities for beginners to advanced students.  Students can take an English placement test to start classes at an appropriate level to learn reading, speaking, and writing skills.  EAP courses help students prepare for work or college-level courses.  One-on-one and group tutoring is also available.
  • The University of South Florida (USF) is one of the nation’s top public colleges.  It’s in Tampa and has a First-Year Composition (FYC) program (https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/departments/english/writing-programs/fyc.aspx) for diverse learners to master English reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.  After completing FYC, you can continue your education with USF’s Professional and Technical Communication (PTC).  This program helps you prepare for writing and communication tasks in everyday life and a career.
  • St. Petersburg College (SPC) is less than an hour from Tampa, and its International Language Institute  (https://www.spcollege.edu/friends-partners/community-resources/international-language-institute) offers various programs for ESL students.  Not only is SPC conveniently located on the water in Downtown St. Petersburg, but there are many non-credit programs to help students improve their language skills.  Meet work, career, and other life goals with the Intensive English Program, online and in-person language classes, customized courses, and test prep classes.

 

Private University English Program

If you want to attend a private university, check out The University of Tampa (UT) or transition into a private institution after finishing a local English program.

  • The University of Tampa is a private institution where you can study English in Tampa on the riverfront.  UT’s ESL program and English Language Center (https://www.ut.edu/admissions/undergraduate-international-admissions/esl-program) welcome students to attend and have a traditional college experience under conditional acceptance.  Students can join the Intensive English Program to work towards fulfilling the English proficiency requirement to obtain an undergraduate degree from UV.  Students who need housing have access to homestays and off-campus student residences.

If you aren’t ready for an academic program at a private university yet, OHLA in Tampa has courses that transition into a university business program with Westcliff University at OHLA in Miami.  More details below.

 

Other English Schools & Programs

Tampa has no shortage of English schools and programs.  Some are accredited, some offer housing, and there are many options to choose from, depending on your learning goals.

  • Tampa Language Center (https://www.tampalanguagecenter.com/) is an accredited program that’s been helping international students, tourists, and residents learn English for over three decades.  Opportunities for students to improve their language skills include an in-person Intensive or Integrated English Program and private in-person or online classes.  Tampa Language Center also partners with many universities in the United States, and students can be admitted without the language tests many institutes require.
  • Ugarit Linguistics (https://ugaritlinguistics.com/) is another accredited language school in Tampa.  There are English classes for various levels, including test prep courses.  You can take private, semi-private, or group classes, depending on your goals and learning preferences.
  • ADES Center (https://adescenter.com/english-classes) in Tampa offers online English courses for Spanish-speaking adults who want to improve their language skills for professional and academic goals.  There are six levels of courses to help you learn grammar and writing. There are also six levels of vocabulary and pronunciation courses.  Four levels of courses are also available for auditory memory and conversation development.  Students can also get personalized instruction with private lessons.
  • International Academy of English (IAE) (https://www.sdiae.edu/tampa-florida/) has a location in Tampa for students to study English through various programs.  There’s an English program with a minimum enrollment of two weeks, in which students take a test to determine entry level.  There’s also an Intensive English Program with multiple levels to meet students where they are to achieve language mastery.  Students who want to prepare for their TOEFL test to attend college can also take a test prep course at IAE.  You can also apply for housing in a dorm or at a homestay with a local family through IAE.
  • OHLA English Schools (https://www.ohla.com/) is an award-winning language school in Tampa with various programs, including university admissions.  OHLA welcomes all ELLs, and no admission testing is required.  There are general English and academic classes and university prep courses.  If you’re ready for an academic degree, you can transition into Westcliff University at OHLA in Miami for your Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Other things to consider:

 

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

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