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English courses in New York

Study English in New York and have an adventure in one of the world’s most celebrated cities — from a team with 30+ years’ experience.

English courses in New York
New York
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average Google rating for our advice and support services across all our offices

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years of experience supporting students around the world

97%

of our students recommend ESL as a partner for organising language travel 

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ESL offices across Europe

Study English in New York: a true American icon

4.7
925 reviews

One of the world's most diverse cities where over 800 languages are spoken, in New York you'll practice your skills with native speakers from all kinds of backgrounds. In your downtime, you’ll get to explore world-class museums, Broadway theatres and iconic landmarks. From Wall Street to Central Park, the city itself is your classroom, with loads of ways to build your confidence and fluency in real-world settings.

  • Neighbourhoods to suit every vibe, from trendy Brooklyn, bustling Midtown, to academic Upper West Side

  • Programmes range from 1-week courses to full academic year commitments

  • Personalised guidance throughout from the ESL team, with over 30+ years of experience behind us

Girl tourist calling a cab on the streets of Manhattan, New York City

Find your perfect English language school in New York

All ages
Adults (Over 16)
Juniors (8 - 17)

Schools for all ages

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Kaplan International - Academic Year Abroad

New York, United States
4.3 Great (7 reviews)
Junior school

New York Summer Programme (14-17)

New York, United States
4.5 Excellent (31 reviews)

English Outdoors Young Adults (18-22)

New York, United States
4.4 Great (35 reviews)

Find your ideal English course, whatever your goals.

Whether you want to ace your TOEFL or TOEIC exam, learn business lingo, or just improve your conversational American English, there’s an English course in New York for you. All our courses are fully flexible, so you can build your ideal programme.

General English

Whether you’re looking to build a foundation for your new language, improve your current skills, or just looking for a fun, educational holiday, our general programme is for you! Have lessons throughout the week and spend your weekends and evenings doing fun activities and excursions to get an appreciation of your new destination. 

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks

  • Minimum age: 16

  • Class size: 12-15

  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced

Intensive Courses

Our intensive course is based on the same model as the standard course, but at a faster pace and delivered with more depth to allow students to make faster progress.

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks

  • Minimum age: 16

  • Class size: 12-15

  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced

Exam preparation

If you’re looking to transform your language skills into a marketable qualification, there’s no better option than a language certificate. Our exam preparation courses will give you dedicated lessons alongside tried and tested exam techniques to make sure you get the grade you need to get your dream job or get into your dream university.

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks

  • Minimum age: 16

  • Class size: 12-15

  • Entry level: Depends on chosen exam

  • Exams offered: TOEFL

Business English

Learn to work and thrive in an international company through our Business English course. Get dedicated industry vocabulary, interview and CV making skills, Networking alongside international peers, and everything else you need to function in the globalised modern world.

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks

  • Minimum age: 16

  • Class size: 6-10

  • Entry level: Intermediate - Advanced

Junior & Teen Programmes

Younger learners soak up knowledge like a sponge when you combine learning with fun activities and excursions. Our summer camps offer children engaging language lessons in the morning, alongside fun activities in the afternoon and at weekends. Each of our camps also has accommodation and meal options, alongside 24/7 supervision, so you can rest easy knowing we’re handling everything!

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks

  • Minimum age: 8

  • Class size: 12-15

  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced

One-to-one lessons

Looking to achieve a specialised goal with your language course? Or do you just want a break from group classes? Our one-on-one courses offer you personalised tuition to fit your needs in a quiet environment — it’s the fastest way to achieve your goals. The best part? You can combine it with general classes, so you can still enjoy the social atmosphere of a group class while working on your personal goals in a private course.

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ week

  • Minimum age: 16 (10 if including juniors)

  • Class size: 1-2

  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced

Long-term Gap Programmes

Our long-term programmes offer you a way to go beyond the standard study abroad experience and will allow you to make a new life in New York. Whether you choose to specialise your lessons towards a goal like exam preparation or professional skills through an Academic Year Abroad, or just extend your courses through a Gap Year, you’ll stop being a student and start being a local!

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 2+ months

  • Minimum age: 16

  • Class size: 12-15

  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced

Academic Year Abroad - Exam preparation

Once you have a B1 level in your chosen language, you can continue your Academic Year with a focus on exam preparation. This course is designed to give you the necessary assistance and coaching to help you ace the accredited language exam of your choice, and will help you secure your spot in a prestigious university. Alongside university campus visits, expert guest speakers, and unique access to our university partners, this programme is the perfect way to secure your academic future!

Key information

  • Course duration: 2+ months

  • Minimum age: 16

  • Class size: 12-15

  • Entry level: B1 level - Advanced

Accreditations and memberships

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Living and learning in New York: iconic scenes and endless stimulation

New York is a city that needs no introduction. Truly, the most iconic place in the world, every street feels like a film set. Your daily routine might take you from a morning English class in a historic brownstone to an afternoon study session in a Brooklyn café, followed by an evening exploring a new neighbourhood. The city's energy fuels your learning, with every weekend an opportunity for a cultural adventure. Here's what shapes the student experience in the city that never sleeps.

Students riding bikes on the streets of Manhattan, New York City

How transport works while studying abroad in New York

New York's subway system is your gateway to the entire city, running 24/7 across five boroughs with over 470 stations. A monthly MetroCard costs around $132 and gets you unlimited access to subways and buses. The system can feel overwhelming at first, but it's remarkably efficient once you learn your lines. Walking is equally viable in Manhattan thanks to its intuitive grid system.

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Accommodation for English courses in New York

Our student accommodation in New York ranges from private and shared dorms in vibrant Brooklyn and Midtown to private rooms in Hudson Yards. You’ll get instant community with common areas, study lounges, and organised social events — perfect for building friendships quickly.

Staying with a host family is a great way to live with local people, experience cultural immersion and enjoy home-cooked meals. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate neighbourhoods, compare costs, and secure a place that matches your budget and lifestyle preferences.

Group of friends having fun and holding each other at Times Square, New York City

City attractions

World-class museums like the Met and MoMA offer student discounts, while free events fill Central Park and public squares all year round. Broadway shows, independent theatre and live music venues provide entertainment at every price point. Explore diverse neighbourhoods for authentic cuisine from every corner of the globe or simply people-watch in Washington Square Park. Weekend trips to nearby destinations like the Hamptons or upstate hiking trails are an easy option when you need a break from the city.

Choose the best neighbourhood in New York for you

Midtown Manhattan

Central location near Times Square and cultural landmarks: in the city centre.

Hudson Yards

New York’s newest neighbourhood with sleek high-rises and The Vessel: 10 minutes to the city centre.

Brooklyn Heights

Historic, tree-lined streets with cafes and waterfront views: 15 minutes to the city centre.

Book your English course with ESL to get expert assistance at no extra cost

Find the English school in New York that’s right for you with the help of our expert team. We’ll also help you arrange your visa, guide you through the accommodation process, and ensure you arrive on the USA’s East Coast fully prepared and ready to go.

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We are a Lifetime Award Winner after being voted Best Agency in Europe 5 times at the ST Star Awards.

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We have over 30 years of experience, starting our story as a small Swiss language school, and now one of the top language travel agencies in Europe

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Our services are completely free, and if you find your programme cheaper elsewhere, we’ll refund you the difference.

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Our agency status has been accredited by the most prestigious organisations in the language travel industry, including ICEF, WYSE, IALC, ALTO, and many more!

Getting your visa for an English course in New York

International students studying in New York need an F-1 student visa for full-time English programmes (18+ hours weekly) or a B-2 tourist visa for part-time courses. Your language school in New York will issue an I-20 form, which you’ll need for your US Embassy visa interview. You'll also need proof of your finances to cover living expenses. Most European applicants experience straightforward approval within 2-6 weeks, while other countries may face longer waits. Our experts are on hand to help, so get in touch for personalised guidance on your visa requirements.

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The best price, or your money back!

If you find your programme somewhere else for a lower price, we’ll refund you the difference!

Worried that agencies are too expensive?

Our expert assistance comes at no extra cost!
 

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Too many destinations to choose from?

Contact our team of experts, and we’ll find out more about you to pair you with the perfect school that matches your preferences, budget, and language goals.
 

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