English courses and English classes are in abundance in the Oklahoma City metro area. With such a high demand, and so many options, how do you decide which is the best English as a Second Language (ESL) course/class for you? Here are some helpful tips to guide you.
English Courses and Classes in Oklahoma City
Broadly speaking, there are two types of English classes: Intensive English Programs (IEP) and English Language (EL). I will briefly describe each one, and who it is best for below.
Intensive English Programs (IEP)
These programs teach academic English. They are for adults who need professional English, Business English, or will study at a university. There are many universities in Oklahoma that have intensive English programs. ELS at Oklahoma City University is one such program.
Intensive English Course Cost
Intensive English programs usually cost money. These English courses generally last between 4-8 weeks for each level or session. The faster you complete each level, the less money you spend. They are called intensive because you have English classes everyday, and for several hours each day. Typically classes are either in the morning, or they are in the afternoons. Intensive English programs normally do not have class on Friday, or the weekends.
Intensive English Language Programs Vs. English Second Language (ESL) Classes
Yes, these are English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, but these are different than EL programs. How are they different? First, the goals of these two ESL programs are not the same. Intensive English courses have the goal of preparing you for college or university. In other words, academic. This type of English will not teach you daily English or “real” English as some students often say. For instance, you would not learn the English you would need to speak to your insurance company in an intensive English class. Some English language courses may teach students this, but each teacher and each class is different. You will have to ask your ESL teacher if he/she/they teach this.
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As of November 2021, there are no intensive English programs in Oklahoma City (OKC). However, if you have a car, there are some available in Norman, Oklahoma and Edmond Oklahoma. Both of these cities are about 30 minutes from downtown (Bricktown) Oklahoma City. I have already written a detailed guide on these.
English Language (EL) Program & English Course
English Language (EL) courses are the most common in Oklahoma. These courses are free. You can learn English in many different places across Oklahoma City. You can see a list of free English (ESL) courses in Oklahoma City (OKC) here.
I know that there are a lot of English courses in Oklahoma. It is difficult to know which you should choose. To learn which English course in OKC is the best, you can read about them on this blog post.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes
These English classes are typically called English as a Second Language programs. These courses are organized, mostly, by local churches and the Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC). The ESL classes offered are usually one or two times a week. Typically, the English as a Second Language classes are separated by English proficiency levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced. These courses normally last 1-3 hours a few times a week, and are for one semester. There are no ESL classes in the summer in Oklahoma City. Also, OCCC has no beginner ESL courses. If you are a beginner, and want to know where beginners learn English in Oklahoma, click here.
ESL Programs — What do you learn in the English course?
ESL courses teach you basic English. This English is for everyday life. You will learn speaking, listening, grammar, and some vocabulary. The focus of your English lessons will not be on reading, writing, or intensive vocabulary. Also, these courses do not prepare you to take any English proficiency exams such as TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS. Likewise, they don’t teach you about civics/citizenship, but the basic English you learn in the courses will help you during the exam. If you are preparing for the Citizenship exam and need more guidance to not waste time or energy, contact me today.
Speaking, Conversation, & Pronunciation Classes
Also, I want to note most of these English lessons are not just for speaking and pronunciation. You will most likely not learn conversational English, or have a lot of speaking practice. English lessons with Paradigm English allow you an abundance of opportunities to speak English, perfect your pronunciation, and speak fluent English.
Final Thoughts
In this post you learned everything you need to know to choose an English program. There are different types of English programs in Oklahoma. You learned about intensive English programs and English language programs (ESL) classes. Both of the options are great, but each option is different. Though each teaches English, their goals are different. Furthermore, students in each English program have different goals. Choosing the correct type of English class will impact your success in learning English.
Ashley Rhone is the CEO/Founder and an English coach at Paradigm English. She hosts the Living in English: 365 podcast and coaches students in her fluency course. Her goal is to help adults learning English to boost their proficiency levels. She focuses on students’ 3 biggest challenges to their success in English: listening, speaking, and vocabulary. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys learning new languages and cultures. She lives with her pit bull ‘Penny’ and her horse ‘Magnus’ in Oklahoma City.
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