UPDATE: BSL is reopening for in-person classes on May 3rd!
International students are currently allowed to travel to the U.S. on an F1 Visa.
Book your Intensive Course now on an F1 Visa to discover the city with our new English Outdoors program!
English classes for adults in New York
Our new English Outdoors concept is specifically designed to immerse students in NYC life and culture, giving students the unique opportunity to practice their English in authentic NYC settings. All our morning English lessons 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.
The city will become the classroom! 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. Locations have been carefully chosen based on comfort, space, ease of access, proximity of public restrooms, etc. Our class sizes have an average of 5-6 students, so 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.
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! In addition to completing book assignments, regular homework, and participating in pair work and discussion, just like in a regular classroom setting, students get the added bonus of a hands-on approach to learning about NYC.
By choosing English Outdoors, 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.
- 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.
EO STANDARD ENGLISH COURSE
(15 hours per week)
The Standard course is a general English language course taught in small classes which allows our expert teachers to provide individual feedback and advice on how to improve and further develop language skills.
The lessons take place in the morning at outdoor locations throughout the city, and focus on learning through real-life communication through everyday situations, interesting contexts, and a variety of material.
This course is designed to immerse students in the life of NYC while continuing to improve all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) as well as grammar and vocabulary.
ENGLISH OUTDOORS (EO)
In 2021 all of BSL’s morning classes will take place in outdoor locations all over the city, allowing students to learn English and make the most of NYC in a socially distant manner, all while enjoying some of the best views the city has to offer. Being immersed in the life and culture of NYC adds a unique element to the classroom experience, as students will be able to truly experience NYC life and culture first-hand in authentic settings.
Classes will be rich in cultural content and conversation and will also include weekly cultural and educational field trips around the city. Instead of being in a room with 4 walls, students will learn in places such as Central Park, the MET Museum, Washington Square Park, Governors Island 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. Alternative indoor locations are planned for rainy days, so lessons are guaranteed, every day, whatever the weather.
Students will meet every morning at the BSL EO lounge, before departing for their classes outdoors.
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: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm
- Tuesday: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm
- Wednesday: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm
- Thursday: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm
- Friday: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm
Prices
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 from May 3 2021
Minimum Level
Elementary
EO INTENSIVE ENGLISH COURSE
(22.5 hours per week)
This course is for students looking for a full-time, intensive program. The morning lessons (15 hours) take place in outdoor locations and use a communicative method of teaching to increase the students’ knowledge of general English by improving their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
The afternoon electives (7.5 hours) take place indoors at the BSL EO Lounge and are divided up into eight-week sections focusing on a specific subject. These are academic skills-based and content-based electives, allowing our intensive students to progress at a quicker rate while improving their academic English skills.
ENGLISH OUTDOORS (EO)
In 2021 all of BSL’s morning classes will take place in outdoor locations all over the city, allowing students to learn English and make the most of NYC in a socially distant manner, all while enjoying the best views the city has to offer.
Being immersed in the life and culture of NYC adds a unique element to the classroom experience, as students will be able to truly experience NYC life and culture first-hand in authentic settings.
Classes will be rich in cultural content and conversation and will also include weekly cultural and educational field trips around the city. Instead of being in a room with 4 walls, students will learn in places such as Central Park, the MET Museum, Washington Square Park, Governors Island 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. Alternative indoor locations are planned for rainy days, so lessons are guaranteed, every day, whatever the weather.
Students will meet every morning at the BSL EO lounge, before departing for their classes outdoors.
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
- 6 levels offered [Beginners-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: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm + 2pm-4pm
- Tuesday: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm + 2pm-4pm
- Wednesday: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm + 2pm-4pm
- Thursday: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm + 2pm-3.30pm
- Friday: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm
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 from May 3 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
Cycle 4 – October 18, 2021 – December 10, 2021
Cycle 5 – December 13, 2021 – March 18, 2022
Minimum level
Beginner
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…
EO 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 EO Standard English Course taking place in outdoor locations; in addition to individual lessons focusing on the student’s areas of weakness and areas of interest, taking place in the BSL EO Lounge.
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.
Students will meet every morning at the BSL EO lounge, before departing for their morning classes outdoors.
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: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm
- Tuesday: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm
- Wednesday: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm
- Thursday: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm
- Friday: Meet 8.45am – Depart 9am – Classes 9:30am-12.45pm
- Individual classes at flexible times in the afternoons in the BSL EO Lounge
Prices
Prices listed here:
| 1-4 weeks | 5-11 weeks |
| $450 per week | $430 per week |
Start dates
Any Monday from May 3 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 16th March 2021 for 4 weeks (with a break the week of March 29th)
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 English Outdoors (EO) Lounge.
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.
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.
