English classes for adults in New York
Our new English Outdoor Course immerses students in NYC life and culture – our English lessons will take place in outdoor locations all over the city, allowing students to learn English and make the most of New York while staying safe and socially distant, and enjoying the best views in the city.
By choosing our English Outdoors course, students can also make a positive impact on the environment, taking advantage of natural sunlight and airflow rather than being inside and using artificial light and AC! This makes our English language program the most sustainable, eco-wise choice for students.
All morning classes will take place in well-researched venues and locations showcasing the best of New York. Instead of being in a room with 4 walls, students will learn in places such as Brooklyn Bridge Park, Bryant Park, Washington Square Park, and more.
The city will become their classroom! Locations have been carefully chosen based on comfort, space, ease of access, proximity of public restrooms, etc.
In addition to our popular Standard group course, we have an array of other English classes for adults in New York available including Intensive English, individual classes, and Combined English (group + individual classes, with or without Business English).
Our class sizes have a maximum of 8 students, and an average of 5-6 students, so you can rest assured that your teachers will give students their undivided attention. Our new concept of outdoor classes ensures that students discover different locations every day, have plenty of space to respect social distancing, and learn English in an innovative way.
In addition to completing book assignments, participating in pair work and discussion, and being assigned homework regularly, just like in a regular classroom setting, students get the added bonus of a hands-on approach to learning about NYC. This interactive classroom experience also includes weekly educational and cultural field trips throughout the city including visits to museums, cultural centers, historic neighborhoods, historical landmarks, and more! This program is specifically designed to immerse students in NYC life and culture, giving students the unique opportunity to practice their English in authentic NYC settings! whether you’re ready to enroll in one of our English classes for adults in New York, or are still unsure which is the best way to learn English, the information and advice in the following links will provide you with the course information needed to make an informed decision whatever your language learning goals. Click on the sample schedule below to get an idea of a typical week at BSL.
- English classes for adults in New York
- 8 students maximum per class. Average 5 students.
- Daily location guides included
- Course materials included
- Lesson length: 45 minutes
- Download our Outdoor Classrooms pdf and find out where you’ll be learning!
Check the level descriptions
Click here for more info on our Summer English classes for Teens.
STANDARD ENGLISH COURSE
(15 hours per week)
The Standard English Class for adults in New York focuses on learning through real-life communication through everyday situations, interesting contexts, and a variety of material. This course is designed to immerse students in NYC life and culture while continuing to improve all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) as well as grammar and vocabulary. Students will also gain first-hand experience of NYC life through ongoing cultural and educational field trips throughout the city.
Key Facts
- This course can be taken with an ESTA/Tourist VISA.
- ‘Testing done in advance: writing test + multiple choice test + short oral test on Zoom
- 5 levels offered [Elementary-Pre-Intermediate-Intermediate-Upper-Intermediate-Advanced]
- Weekly quiz & 2-week progress report
- Multi-national English classes for adults in New York
- Weekly cultural and educational field trips throughout NYC
- First coursebook & materials and included in fees
- FREE first day walking tour of Dumbo & the Brooklyn Bridge
Class Times
Monday: 9am – 12.15pm
Tuesday: 9am – 12.15pm
Wednesday: 9am – 12.15pm
Thursday: 9am – 12.15pm
Friday: 9am – 12.15pm
Outdoor Standard English course PDFPrices
Prices listed here:
| 1-4 weeks | 5-11 weeks |
| $310 per week | $290 per week |
| 12-23 weeks | 24+ weeks |
| $270 per week | $250 per week |
Start dates
Any Monday between May 3 and October 25 2021
Minimum Level
Elementary
INTENSIVE ENGLISH COURSE
(22.5 hours per week)
The Intensive English class for adults in New York is specifically designed for students on an F1 visa who wish to progress at a quicker pace through a more full-time course than the Standard English Course. This is a perfect course for students wishing to take the general program in the morning, supplemented by 10 additional lessons each week in the form of academic electives focused on a specific subject.
BSL offers different levels for the afternoon electives that are available for students taking the Intensive English Course. The electives are designed to supplement the content and skills being learned in the primary, morning (Standard English Course) classes.
For example, the lower level electives are more skills-based classes that are designed to improve speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills that are needed to succeed in academic contexts. The mid-level electives are a combination of skills-based and content-based electives because, as these mid-level students continue to improve their English, they still need to focus on specific skills, but are ready for some content-based classes as well. The high-level electives are designed to introduce students to high, academic-level materials as well as fine-tune their English skills in order to prepare students to use English skills in a professional or university setting.
All in all, the academic electives are sequenced to coincide with primary, morning classes (Standard English Course). In other words, as students move up in level in their morning (Standard) classes, they will consequently move up a level in their afternoon elective classes.
Key Facts
- You need an F1 / Student visa to take this course.
- Testing done in advance: writing test + multiple choice test + short oral test on Zoom
- 5 levels offered [Elementary-Pre-Intermediate-Intermediate-Upper-Intermediate-Advanced]
- Weekly quiz & 2-week progress report
- Multi-national English classes for adults in New York
- Weekly cultural and educational field trips throughout NYC
- First coursebook & materials and included in fees
- FREE first-day walking tour of Dumbo & the Brooklyn Bridge
Class Times
Monday: 9am – 12.15pm, 2pm-4pm
Tuesday: 9am – 12.15pm, 2pm-4pm
Wednesday: 9am – 12.15pm, 2pm-4pm
Thursday: 9am – 12.15pm, 2pm-3.30pm
Friday: 9am – 12.15pm
Prices
Prices listed here:
| 1-4 weeks | 5-11 weeks |
| $410 per week | $390 per week |
| 12-23 weeks | 24+ weeks |
| $370 per week | $350 per week |
Start dates
Any Monday between May 3 and October 25 2021
Cycle 1 – May 3, 2021 – June 25, 2021
Cycle 2 – June 28, 2021 – August 20, 2021
Cycle 3 – August 23, 2021 – October 15, 2021
Minimum level
Elementary
Lesson Length
45 min
The benefits of taking an intensive English (F1) course
The Intensive course at BSL is an excellent option for those students considering English classes in New York, for several reasons. The intensive structure of the course with 30 lessons each week (22.5 hours), ensures that students can progress quickly…
COMBINED ENGLISH COURSE
(17.25 hours per week)
If you are looking for a general morning English class as well as individual, specialized attention from an instructor in the afternoon, this is the course for you. The Combined English Course for adults in New York consists of the morning Standard English Course, in addition to individual lessons, which focus on the student’s areas of weakness as well as their areas of interest.
The individual training is a tailor-made program and is adapted to fit the needs of each student, and may include a focus on general, academic, or professional/Business English complete with both delayed and on-the-spot error correction to improve fluency and accuracy respectively.
This course can therefore be booked as a Combined General English course or a Combined Business English course.
Key Facts
- This course can be taken with an ESTA/Tourist VISA.
- Testing done in advance: writing test + multiple choice test + short oral test on Zoom
- 5 levels offered [Elementary-Pre-Intermediate-Intermediate-Upper-Intermediate-Advanced]
- Weekly quiz & 2-week progress report
- Multi-national English classes for adults in New York
- Weekly cultural and educational field trips throughout NYC
- First-course book & materials and included in fees
- FREE first-day walking tour of Dumbo & the Brooklyn Bridge
Class Times
Monday: 9am – 12.15pm
Tuesday: 9am – 12.15pm
Wednesday: 9am – 12.15pm
Thursday: 9am – 12.15pm
Friday: 9am – 12.15pm
Individual classes at flexible times in the afternoons
Outdoor Combined English course PDFPrices
Prices listed here:
| 1-4 weeks | 5-11 weeks |
| $450 per week | $430 per week |
Start dates
Any Monday between May 3 and October 25 2021
Minimum Level
Elementary
INDIVIDUAL 1:1 TRAINING
We offer Individual English language lessons for personal and/or professional objectives. As each student has their own requirements and goals, we will discuss these with the student and tailor an English language program to suit their personal needs. This will take into account the time they have, their proficiency level, and their learning style.
Individual lessons can be booked to prepare for an exam or entry into a university, to prepare for a business trip or event (conferences, workshops…), or to gain more fluency in the everyday use of the language for work or pleasure. If you are looking for a tailored program to meet your specific English speaking language needs, individual lessons focus on specific English goals outside of the traditional, group classroom setting. With complete teacher attention, students who take individual courses rapidly improve in whatever content or skill area they choose.
Key Facts
- All 6 levels offers [Beginner-Elementary-Pre-Intermediate-Intermediate-Upper-Intermediate-Advanced]
- Weekly quiz & 2 week progress report
- First course book & materials and included in fees
- FREE first day walking tour of Dumbo & the Brooklyn Bridge
Class Times
Flexible, subject to teacher availability
Prices
$80 / lesson
$75 for 10+
$65 for 20+
2:1: $50 / lesson / person
Start dates
Flexible
(Minimum 2 lessons for students taking a group course – Minimum 6 lessons for a standalone individual course)
Minimum Level
Elementary
LIVE IN NEW YORK CONVERSATION COURSE (4 hours per week)
Our Online Conversation Course is designed for students who would like to improve their conversation skills from the comfort and convenience of their own home. With 4 hours per week, the student will learn day to day English with a native teacher through a tour around the city. This course focuses on improving students’ fluency, pronunciation, and overall conversation skills while expanding their vocabulary and knowledge on New York City related topics. Students will discuss a wide range of NYC related topics while engaging with their peers in an online classroom setting. Students will discuss topics such as film, art, sports, music, architecture, food, Broadway, fashion, New York slang, current events, NYC culture, and more.
We use Zoom to conduct all of our online lessons. Not only is Zoom extremely user-friendly, but it offers our teachers the tools they need to foster a truly communicative classroom environment including live annotation, break-off rooms, chat groups, class polls, and more. Other key advantages include HD video and exceptional audio clarity and quality. Zoom also allows for students to see and interact with each other in real-time, giving our students a real classroom experience. Please note that students will need a camera and working audio on their laptop, PC, tablet, or cell phone to access this class. You can read more about Zoom here.
Key Facts
- Online placement test to ensure correct level placement
- 3 levels offered Intermediate-Upper-Intermediate-Advanced
- Multi-national English classes for adults: Teachers located in NYC
- Supplemental material included in fees
Class Times
Tuesday & Thursday 9-11am EST
Prices
$300 (4 weeks)
Start dates
Starting 2nd February 2021 for 4 weeks (with a break the week of Feb 15th)
Minimum Level
Intermediate
FAQs
Q: Is BSL an accredited school?
A: Yes we are accredited by the CEA and we are also a member of IALC, both of which have very high-quality standards for the schools they are representing.
Q: Are all your teachers qualified, native speakers?
A: Every BSL instructor has–at a minimum–a Bachelor’s degree in TESOL, linguistics, or a related field, and a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate. Before being selected to work at BSL, our teachers are first interviewed face-to-face by the Academic and Programs Manager or School Director and are then required to give a teaching demonstration class, thus ensuring they possess both the necessary teaching and native-level English language skills.
Q: Where will the English classes take place?
A: All morning classes for adults will take place in outdoor locations in well-researched venues showcasing the best of New York. So instead of being in a room with 4 walls, students will learn in places such as Brooklyn Bridge Park, Bryant Park, the Conservatory Garden in Central Park, and many more. The city will become the students’ classroom!
Q: Will there be no classes inside at all?
A: Students booked on the Standard Course will have all their classes outdoors. Students booked on the Intensive or Combined Courses will have their morning lessons outdoors, and their afternoon lessons in our Language Center.
Classes will also revert to indoor locations on rainy days.
Q: Will it be comfortable for the students? Will there be restrooms?
A: Yes and yes! Locations have been carefully chosen based on comfort, space, ease of access, and proximity of public restrooms. They will take place in the shaded and quieter areas of some of New York’s best parks and gardens, in small classes of 8 students maximum (average 5). Students will seat around a table, in semi-circular seating, or in a row on park seating – no seating in the grass! You can find out more on our Outdoor Classrooms pdf.
Q: How will teachers be able to teach without a traditional classroom and a blackboard?
A: Teachers will be able to continue to carry out our current BSL teaching methodology with this new outdoor concept. Teachers will utilize the coursebook, supplementary materials, and mini-whiteboards to target key grammar and vocabulary points throughout each class. They will also use technology in the form of iPads and smartphones to further engage students throughout each lesson, just like with our previous indoor classes. Students will also continue to complete homework assignments regularly and be assessed on course language objectives weekly.
Q: What are the benefits of an outdoor class?
A: Although our outdoor classes will be taught very similarly to our previous indoor classes, there are many added benefits to taking our classes outside! Since classes will predominantly take place outdoors throughout the city, students will naturally be immersed in NYC life and culture. NYC related topics and destinations will be incorporated into the class curriculum by utilizing weekly educational and cultural field trips as well as with the daily outdoor classroom destinations. Students will be in the unique position to improve their English, expand their knowledge about NYC, be able to practice their English in truly authentic NYC settings, and live like a true New Yorker!
Q: Will there be homework?
A: Yes, just like in a regular classroom setting. In addition, students will complete coursebook assignments, participate in pair work and discussion, and will get the added bonus of a hands-on approach to learning about NYC!
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: On the rare days when it rains in the morning or if it gets too hot, classes will switch to one of our carefully selected indoor venues or be taken on one of our many cultural or educational field trips located in indoor locations. New York City is full of great museums and semi-secret indoor public spaces.
Q: What about the COVID sanitary measures?
A: This is one of the advantages of being outdoors: students will make the most of the space and natural airflow rather than being inside in a crowded classroom and using Air Conditioning. Students and teachers will have ample room to socially-distance. We recommend that each student brings a mask and a small bottle of hydroalcoholic gel to sanitize their hands as often as needed.
Q: How far will the accommodation be?
A: Our homestays are located in Brooklyn, 25 to 45 minutes to where the class takes place, depending on the location of the class each day. We alternate between locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan for our lessons so that you don’t have to travel to Manhattan every morning.
We also offer Coliving options (shared apartments) in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Please check our Housing page for more details. (link)
Q: What can I do after classes? Are there school activities organized?
A: There is plenty to do and see in New York so you will never get bored! We organize 2 to 3 social activities per week which you are welcome to join (walking tours, happy hours, lunches, museums…) and we also give you plenty of suggestions of things to do in your free time (famous sights, hidden gems, festivals, markets…)
Q: What if I am no longer able to travel to NY due to my government’s (or the USA’s) COVID policies? Can I get my money back?
A: Yes. You can book with peace of mind knowing that we will refund your course in full should you be unable to travel due to COVID. We just ask that you give us enough notice when you cancel: 72 hours for a course only booking (i.e. the Friday before the course starts), 7 days if you have booked homestay, and 28 days if you have booked a Coliving apartment.
