Learning and mastering the English language can open multiple doors for individuals residing in the United States. Not only does it allow one to communicate with the community, but it also expands the horizons when it comes to finding career opportunities, education, and hobbies. In a recent poll conducted with 49 members of our WhatsApp community, 10% mentioned that they were interested in English courses to improve their skills.
New members have also reached out to us looking for places near their communities where you can learn English for free. Documented has listed all places that offer free English classes remotely and in person.
If you have any questions or would like to be added to the list, email us at info@documentedny.com
Note: Due to the ongoing Coronavirus, some places may operate remotely via Zoom or Google Meets, in which case you will need a tablet, smartphone and a stable internet connection.
CUNY: English Classes, HSE/TASC, and Basic Education
The free courses available at campus of the City University of New York (CUNY) are available for adults who want to learn English or get their GED (high school diploma equivalent). The courses are free, available every season (check to see when it starts) and are located in various locations around the city.
This link and file has all the locations of the campuses, along with the contact information: CUNY |PDF
Most of the courses require you to join online, in which case you will need to provide your basic information like name, address, email and date of birth.
Columbia University: English Classes, TASC and CAT Preparation Courses
Columbia University offers classes for free to all residents living in the five boroughs. Depending on the level of your English, the classes are available in different levels that range from beginning to advanced. You can also choose to participate in courses to improve your pronunciation.
Their classes are available three times a year and last for twelve weeks. Click here to enroll and learn more.
NYC Department of Education: English Classes, Basic Education and HSE/TASC Preparation
The Department of Education has a variety of classes that range from basic education courses, computer skills, career and technical education, GED preparation and others. These are all the programs available. These courses are available for NYC residents who are 21 years or older and can be taken at various locations in the five boroughs.
To enroll you will need to fill out this form and enter your basic information including name, address, email, date of birth and phone number.
If you have any questions contact:
adultednyc@schools.nyc.gov | (646) 481-8227
Also read: Validating Foreign Degrees and Qualifications in the US
New York Public Library (NYPL): English Courses, Basic Education and Citizenship Preparation
The NYPL offers beginner and advanced English classes in more than 40 locations in the boroughs of Manhattan, Staten Island and The Bronx. It is available to all New Yorkers and the sessions last around 10 weeks with two days of classes on weekdays and sometimes during the weekend. You can register for classes here.
ESOL courses are also available for those who wish to improve their reading and writing skills.
Alternatively, those who cannot commit to the ten weeks of the semester can also attend informal classes to practice the language. Here is more information.
Those who are looking to take the citizenship exam in the next two years can find events for citizenship preparation here.
Queens Public Library: English Classes, ESOL
Available to adults ages 17 and older. The QPL offers classes in a 12-week session during the weekdays or weekends. The classes are available in the morning and in the afternoon.
For questions contact Marco Castillo, Program Coordinator.
MaCastillo@queenslibrary.org | 718-480-4300
Note: Due to ongoing pandemic safety measures, some classes might be conducted remotely.
Brooklyn Public Library: English, ESOL, GED Classes
The BPL offers English classes in three different levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. They also offer English classes for people looking to expand their communication skills in employment, with IELCE (Earn a Food Handler or Digital Literacy Certification Classes) vocational certification.
You can register using this link.
Note: You will need to take an assessment test to be placed in one of the courses.
HANAC, INC: English Classes and GED Preparation.
The program is available to residents of Western Queens, and it runs from September to June with classes held Monday through Thursday from 6 pm to 9 pm. Students must be able to attend two class sessions per week.
https://hanac.org/ | Phone: 718-396-5016
MAKE THE ROAD NY: English Classes, Food Handling Certification, Citizenship, Health Job Training Programs
The courses at MRNY available to all residents living in the five boroughs. There are multiple sessions throughout the year and different locations. To learn more about the options available and to enroll, visit this link.
For more information, you can call the following numbers:
- Bushwick, Brooklyn (718) 418-7690, ext. 1299
- Jackson Heights, Queens (718) 565-850, ext. 4438
- Port Richmond, Staten Island (718) 418-7690, ext. 1299
- Brentwood, Long Island (631) 231-2220, ext. 4304
- White Plains, Westchester (914) 948-8466
Riverside Language Program
Riverside Language Program, is a non-profit language school that offers free, full-time, immersive, English classes to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Residents of all boroughs are eligible. To inquire about the schedule of classes, contact them directly.
E: info@riversidelanguage.org | Address: 270 West 89th Street New York, NY, 10024
Note: At the moment the classes are available to immigrants in the process of asylum or residency.
Also read: Mentorship Opportunities for Immigrant Youth in New York
