The dynamic city of Boston is hugely popular as a place of study for younger people from abroad, playing host to over 7,000 international students at any one time. Combining all the cultural richness of a major metropolis with a notably slower pace than some of its bustling east coast neighbours such as New York, it’s little wonder that so many choose Boston to pursue educational endeavours.
Photo: Rick Harris via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
There are a wide number of institutions in Boston offering English language courses, many of which include intensive course that are ideal for those planning to stay in the city for only a short period of time. These range from privately-owned language schools to Universities and other official educational organisations. To help you choose the one that best suits your needs, here are five that we’d recommend.
Boston School of English
www.bostonschoolofenglish.com
Claiming to be the first English Language School to open anywhere in America, Boston School of English has been in operation since 1925. They specialise in helping students and professionals from across the world improve their English language skills. The school offers a variety of year-round intensive and semi-intensive English language programmes, ranging from 20 to 30 classes per week. Classes are based on a focus oriented curriculum in General English, Academic English, Business English, and Test preparation courses like TOEFL and IELTS. For those seeking shorter courses, the Intensive English Course for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels will probably suit you best. Students receive intensive classroom practice in real-life applications of the lessons, with the option of having a lab class, or one or two specialised classes.
Photo: Boston School of English
ASC English School
www.ascenglish.com
Opened in 1993, ASC English School has quickly gained a reputation as one of the city’s best institutions for learning and improving your English skills. Catering to international students and professionals, the school offers a diverse range of English teaching and test preparation classes. There are flexible schedules for all programmes, including weekend, evening and summer courses, both full- and part-time, making it ideal for temporary Boston visitors who’d like to combine a language course with more tourist-oriented activities. The school’s Intensive language courses are available for all levels, and are designed to improving verbal and written English skills, develop language skills for business or personal interactions, and increase English proficiency for general use.
Photo: ASC English School
Boston University Center for English Language
www.bu.edu
Boston University offers a range of English language courses that take place over different time-frames, including 4, 6 and 12 week programmes. Students learn in small classes to ensure a maximum level of attention for each one, and courses can also be tailored to meet individuals’ specific needs. All of the programmes are non-degree, non-credit bearing, but are instead designed to help international students and professionals succeed in their academic and work lives while enhancing their cultural competence. There are 4 and 5-week programmes available during both spring and summer semesters, while the 12-week programmes can be intensive and full- or part-time.
Photo: Boston University Center for English Language
LSI Boston
www.lsi.edu
Located on the borders of Chinatown and the Theatre and Financial Districts, close to subway, bus and commuter train stations, LSI Boston offers excellent facilities to assist students, including a resource library, a computer room with internet access, a student lounge and a roof deck that are ideal for socialising. Courses range from 1-50 weeks and are designed for beginner to advanced levels. General and Intensive Courses offer something for everyone – whether you’re looking for a short refresher course (10 or 20 lessons per week), or a longer, more intensive course (24, 25 or 30 lessons per week). As well as general English language courses, the school also offers TOEFL exam preparation courses.
Photo: LSI Boston
OISE Boston
www.oise.edu
The OISE school in set within a desirable Boston area, surrounded by a wealth of boutiques and designer shops. Students can choose from English language courses taught either in Modular class groups of up to eight students, or as one-to-one Tutorial sessions. For maximum flexibility, Tutorial sessions are best, although these are pricier. Modular Programs consist of between 16 and 26 hours of lessons per week and Tutorial programmes can be as flexible as the student desires. Facilities include 17 classrooms, a lecture hall, computer lab and a student lounge area, and flat screen computers are available in all classrooms. Student presentations are followed by a Q&A session every morning, and newspapers and TV reports are discussed in regular News Reviews. Every week, students and staff also bring in food from their own countries to share and sample.
Photo: OISE Boston