When you decide to study English for the summer, choosing the right school can be a bit tricky. There are a lot of options out there, and you might not even know what to look for when you compare schools.
At Access to Language Studies, we help students from around the world discover the wonders of the English language in two exciting U.S. cities: New York City and Boston.
Before you pack your bags, here are a few suggestions on how to choose a language school that’s right for you in summer 2022.
Consider Your Language Learning Goals
Programs vary by school, and some courses may not teach you what you want to know. Why do you want to study English? Do you want to study at an English university, live in an English-speaking country, or prepare for a test like TOEFL?
The right school will help you reach your goals, no matter what level of experience you have. Look at each school’s courses and program curriculum. Some schools might focus more on general or conversational English while others have specific test prep or courses for business English.
All of our students take a placement test first, so we can help them receive the best education for their skill level.
Know Your Learning Style
How do you like to learn English? There are different ways to become fluent, and one person’s method may not be your preferred way to study. Each school has its own approach to teaching English. For example, some are immersion-based schools, so teachers only speak English in the classes with little to no translation.
Some schools may practice a different style, offering courses that include words from your native language. There are also courses with more lectures over exercises, which some students love and others dislike.
Your unique learning style will help you determine how much you are likely to enjoy a school’s program. At Access to Language Studies, we take an individual approach to teaching.
All of our students get one-on-one support, but they also learn in small classes and have access to trips and social settings to practice their English skills in the real world.
Consider the School’s Experience
How many years has the school taught English? Do they have any reviews from past students? Experience gives you confidence in a school’s program. With 20 years of teaching under our belt, we are proud to have taught more than 12,500 international students.
Even if a school does not have so many years to show for itself, it can still offer a good program. Focus on information about the school itself as well as its teachers. Experienced staff who understand the challenges of learning English is a must if you want to get the most personalized care in your studies.
Pick a Location That Interests You
Studying abroad is an exciting experience, and you should choose a city that you would be happy to call home for summer 2022. Being in the center of an English-speaking city will give you the greatest opportunity to develop skills fast.
We offer in-person programs at two exciting locations: St. John’s University in New York City and Tuft’s University in Boston, Massachusetts.
In addition to a beautiful campus, your school should also be somewhere you are excited to learn more about and explore throughout your stay.
Small Student-to-Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes help students get more individual instruction. Large classes may be fast-paced and exciting, but they can be overwhelming as well, especially if you do not speak a high level of English.
Our curriculum emphasizes the benefits of learning in a small group. You get to connect more with your fellow learners and teacher while still receiving any individual support or one-on-one tutoring you need.
Fair Pricing for Courses and Accommodation
Finding your apartment isn’t easy, even if you’re a native! But for a foreign student who doesn’t speak English, getting a fair price for your summer 2022 apartment could be a disaster. Instead of risking your hard-earned money, choose a school that includes student housing in its program’s tuition.
Both of our summer 2022 English programs include apartment-style living in single and double-bed rooms with air conditioning. When you pay for your program, your accommodations are also factored into the price. This means you can have everything you need to be covered, so all you need to do is show up ready to learn!
Activities to Give You a Meaningful Experience
Language courses in your home country are far different from a study abroad program. When you choose an English school for the summer, you should also look for what opportunities and activities they provide for students.
Exploring the city on your own may be dangerous, or you might not have enough language skills to be fully independent. Look for a school that offers structured, supervised activities for all of its students to safely explore, connect and make memories together.
Our summer 2022 programs have weekly supervised activities every afternoon and evening; we also offer five field trips each week to various attractions in New York City and Boston. You’ll get to see all the sights and still have the guidance of a skilled teacher/tour guide!
Contact Us to Learn More
Ready to start learning? Reach out to us at Access to Language Studies today to hear more about our summer 2022 English programs!