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Free resources to help US Immigrants learn English

09 Feb 2022 - Category: Blog /
learn english usa

One of the biggest obstacles for new immigrants to overcome is the language barrier. If you are intending to emigrate to the United States or you have already arrived in the country then you may want to know how you can learn English as quickly and easily as possible.

Thankfully, today there are many free resources that you can use to improve your language skills and make the immigration process easier. Whether it’s online lessons or in-person classes there are a variety of ways to expand your knowledge. So what are these free resources and how can you access them?

Below we’ll highlight:

  • Internet classes and resources
  • Colleges and schools
  • Labor, career and resources centers
  • How to send money abroad

Internet classes and resources

The internet has made it easier than ever for immigrants to learn a language from the comfort of your home. Online you can easily find sites with English language tutorials, tips, and exercises that can be used by beginners and intermediate speakers alike. Equally, there are a number of online English language games on the internet that can also help to accelerate the learning process and keep things fun at the same time!

There are plenty of free online English language classes such as USA Learns, BBC Learning English and Breaking News English. These online classes allow immigrants to learn independently or with a teacher and to prepare for citizenship tests. For those who cannot get to classrooms these types of online resources are essential and ensure that everyone can get a decent level of English language tutorship.

To take part in free online English as a Second Language (ESL) classes you will need a reasonably stable broadband internet connection and some speakers or headphones. Some of the classes will require interaction so you will have to learn to be comfortable trying your new English language skills in front of other people. Alternatively you can find some private ESL tuition. Many of these courses will also teach important life skills that will help you apply for jobs, use the public services in your area and interact with the new community around you.

There are a variety of free English language resources such as Fun Easy English and ExamEnglish.com that will help you prepare for informal and formal English conversations. With short games and interactive tutorials you can steadily improve your skills over time and keep returning to these websites to upgrade your knowledge.

Youtube is also a great place to go to if you are looking for free and fun English language lessons. Some of the most popular Youtube channels such as LearnEnglish with EnglishClass101.com, Shaw English Online, English with Lucy and mmmEnglish have been helping people learn English online for many years. They are a great resource for beginners, intermediates and advanced English language speakers.

Colleges and schools

Colleges and schools are some of the best places to improve your English language skills. Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate or higher level learner you will be able to benefit from the more structured and interactive learning you can receive at one of the many community colleges around the United States.

There are over 1,200 community and junior college campuses across the United States and nearly all of them offer some sort of ESL classes. With the help of scholarships from a college, government or private institutions, you may even be able to study English for free at these colleges.

If you are looking for free English classes for your children, or if you are a young person, you can also contact your local public school district. The high schools in your area will likely have ESL classes where you will be able to watch language videos, play language games and improve your skills by watching and hearing others speak English.

To learn more about how you can learn English and attend college in the U.S. visit the official website of the United States government. You can also check the resources available in your area via this link to the National Literacy Directory.

Labor, career and resources centers

There are a variety of free English classes and resources run by nonprofit groups and learning centers. One of the most popular resources in the U.S. is The Immigrant Learning Center which is currently holding remote English language classes for hundreds of immigrants across the United States.

Their mission at the The Immigrant Learning Center is to, “help immigrants and refugees become economically self-sufficient and socially and civically engaged. Classes are offered free of charge, year-round to 900 or more students who range from those with little or no formal education to those with advanced degrees in their native languages.” It is a fantastic organization that has helped immigrants for many years improve their language skills and kick start their lives in the U.S.

There are many more labor, career and resources centers. In fact you are likely to find several in every single state. One worth highlighting is the El Sol Neighborhood Resources Center in Jupiter, Fla. There you can attend English class three nights a week that are primarily targeted towards immigrants from Central America.

At these kinds of resources centers you can also attend computer classes that will allow you to continue your language studies online. Resource and career centers are often more relaxed environments for learning than the colleges and schools. If you think you might be interested in this sort of learning then make sure to search online for labor, career and resources centers in your area.

Use Small World

If you are looking to improve your English language skills you may also be thinking about how you can support your family from abroad. This is where Small World can help.

Small World is an international money transfer service that helps millions around the world send money abroad. We have a variety of services including bank deposit, cash pickup, home delivery, mobile wallet and many more. All of the services provide you with a safe, convenient and quick way to transfer money abroad.

Your first transfer online is always free of fees!


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