Finding the Right English School

1. Where Should I Study?
Finding the Right English School

2. 1. Do your homework
Google some schools in the geographic area you want to study. Go
through the school’s website. Look at the school’s social media activity on
sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Many schools now have
multiple ways you can contact them including What’s App and other
messaging apps. Don’t be too shy to ask questions.

3. 2. Look for accreditation
While doing your research on prospective schools, make sure the school
has federally recognized accreditation
(see http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg6.html
for a list) and U.S. government approval to issue I-20s for student visas.

4. 3. Look on the school’s website and social media
Are there a lot of postings of student outings and events? Is there
information that is beneficial to students? Are there relevant blogs for
students to follow or English tips posted regularly?

5. 4. Know your goals in English
Does the school have a variety of programs to suit individual students’
needs (i.e. TOEFL, Conversation, Business English)? Look for a school
offering classes that will closely meet your goals in English.

6. 5. Ask about the qualifications of the teachers
Do they need to have a degree? Do they need teaching experience?
The school should be able to answer questions about their teachers’
qualifications and experience.

7. 6. Ask about the teaching method & curriculum
Is it student-centered? Are there scheduled starting dates for classes?
Schools that have a clear methodology and specific starting dates are
generally higher quality than schools that offer classes starting anytime
with no specific curriculum or prerequisites for enrollment.

8. 7. You get what you pay for
The old saying, “you get what you pay for,” is generally true. If a
school is unbelievably cheap, chances are the classes will not be high
quality. As a general rule, it’s always best to stay in the middle and not
buy the most expensive or cheapest commodity or service. The
cheapest things will often fall apart because of low quality, and the
expensive things are just not worth the price, even if they are
good. Look in the middle and find English classes that are good quality
and suitable for your needs. Also, remember that there is a lot of
competition among schools. Ask about promotions and other
incentives for enrollment.