American language programmes are designed for those who want to master modern English quickly and effectively — and walk away with a diploma or certificate. The range of courses is broad and depends on the student's goal. The most popular option is General English: it's easy to combine with sightseeing, sports, or simply relaxing. For those who want to push harder, there are intensive courses — more classes, and for better results you can add one-on-one lessons with a teacher. If the language is needed for work, there's business English, TOEFL preparation, and university preparation courses for English-speaking countries.
Many international students assume that studying in the US costs a fortune. That's not quite right. The price varies greatly and depends on the course, city, and season. Personal preferences also play a role: type of accommodation, meals, leisure, and flights. Budget options start from $165–$595 per week for a course. Intensive programmes cost 20–50% more. One-on-one lessons are $50–$100 each. Many schools regularly run seasonal promotions that let you book a course 20–40% cheaper than usual.
On completion, you receive a certificate. It describes your results: your current level of written and spoken English, and your reading and listening comprehension. With this document, you can apply for a position that requires English.
Now, a closer look at the schools themselves. Kaplan New York Empire State is part of the large Kaplan International English network — 42 centres across the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Malta, and New Zealand. The school sits in the centre, within walking distance of many attractions. Students have access to cafes, shops, and restaurants right in the Empire State Building. Several subway stations are nearby, and Broadway, Central Park, and Times Square are just a few minutes' walk away.
OISE Boston is part of an international network that has been offering flexible programmes for adults and children aged 7–17 since 1973. The teaching approach draws on Oxford and Cambridge traditions, with a strong focus on the individual. OISE centres are located in England, Ireland, the US, France, Germany, and Spain. The Boston school sits in one of the oldest cities in the US, a place that played an important role in American history. Students from France, Japan, Korea, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil study here. Before arrival, everyone takes a language test; groups are organised by level. Programmes for children and adults run year-round.
English Language Center (ELC) UCLA is a network founded in 1978, with schools in three US cities, including Los Angeles. The schools are accredited by ACCET, recognised by the US Department of Education, and are members of IALC, ALTO, AAIEP, TESOL, and local organisations. The Los Angeles school is a licensed centre for TOEFL, TOEIC, FCE, CAE, and CPE exams, approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Beyond classes, students can enjoy a packed programme: swimming, surfing, golf, boating, tennis, trips to downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and UCLA. On weekends — baseball at Dodger Stadium, Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, as well as San Francisco, San Diego, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas. The school is located on Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood, within walking distance of Westwood Village, close to Beverly Hills and Hollywood, and 4 miles from Santa Monica and Venice Beach.
St. Giles International New York is a network of language schools specialising in teaching English to adults and children. One distinct strand is training English teachers. Programmes are designed for all ages: summer camps for children, preparation for international exams, academic and business English, courses for teachers, and home tuition. All schools in the network are equipped with modern technology.
EC New York — the European Language Centre opened its first school in Malta in 1991; today the network has 17 schools worldwide (USA, UK, Ireland, Malta, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa). More than 45,000 students study at EC schools every year. The New York centre is equipped to modern standards: sixteen classrooms with interactive whiteboards, free Wi-Fi throughout the school, shared computers, dedicated self-study spaces, and a comfortable lounge for breaks. Study goes hand in hand with exploring the Big Apple.
Kaplan Boston Harvard Square is another school in the Kaplan International English network. It has a strong infrastructure for language learning, especially a modern interactive library with self-study materials, samples of international tests, and other useful resources. Wi-Fi is available throughout the school. Boston stretches along the coast and is home to leading universities: Harvard, Boston University, the University of Massachusetts, and many others.
English Language Center Boston is one of the schools in the ELC network, founded in 1978. The Boston centre has 19 classrooms and administrative conference rooms, 23 iMac computers for students, a lounge, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Teachers are native speakers who are genuinely invested in engaging students in the learning process. Beyond classes, events are organised: visits to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, the Freedom Trail, the Museum of Fine Arts, sporting events, Cape Cod, trips to the Lighthouse and Boston Common, Cambridge, MIT and Harvard, shopping on Newbury Street, and dinners at the best restaurants. The school is located in the historic Beacon Hill area, within walking distance of Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Downtown Crossing, and many shops, cafes, and restaurants.
LAL NESE Boston — New England School of English — is an institution with high teaching standards that has been offering English courses for more than 25 years. The quality of its programmes is confirmed by ACCET accreditation. The school is a member of TESOL, NAFSA, MATSOL, English USA, and other professional organisations. Programmes are taught by specialists with many years of academic and practical experience in teaching, business, the arts, and sciences. The curriculum is based on scientific research in education and takes into account each student's individual learning style, goals, and needs. Beyond courses, NESE runs clubs for students and professionals, organises events and excursions, and invites guest performers — immersing students in English and American culture.
Kaplan Washington is a school in the same Kaplan International English network. Washington, the US capital and a modern metropolis, combines the charm of a cosmopolitan city with prestigious universities, the world-famous Smithsonian Institution, the Kennedy Center, majestic architectural monuments, and a variety of restaurants and entertainment. The friendliness of locals deserves a special mention: many came from other countries to work or study in the capital, so visitors are treated warmly and made to feel welcome.
Miami OHC Schools — Oxford House College — is a popular network of language schools inviting students from around the world to academic and professional programmes. The network opened in 1975 and has centres on three continents. Over the years, OHC has developed its own educational philosophy, where learning English goes hand in hand with relaxation and a lively social scene. Studying at an OHC school is always dynamic and intensive, with an active social side — holidays at top resorts, a packed cultural programme, and full participation in the social life of the school and city. Courses are available for students of all ages. Students have written excellent reviews of the exam preparation courses, the professional programmes have also proved successful, and general English courses are especially in demand. You can choose different formats, including one-on-one lessons with a teacher.
If you haven't yet decided to move, it's worth coming to see the US with your own eyes. Once you've looked around, it's easier to draw up and implement your own plan for study or work in the country. For those who just want to travel and improve their English at the same time, standard courses are suitable — General English or Travel and Culture. 18 hours of classes per week (up to 4 hours a day); the rest of the time — hikes, walks, cinema, and more.