Many people say that American English is one of the more difficult languages to master. It has numerous rules that native speakers understand intrinsically, but those same rules can confound someone trying to learn English as their second language.

Many people opt to enroll in an American English school to bypass this hurdle, but with so many options on the market, finding the right one can seem overwhelming. If you’re starting your journey to learn American English, use this guide to ensure you receive instruction that can make a lifelong difference.

How to find the right American English school.

Check their credentials.

Any American English school worth the investment should have no problem providing proof of its credentials. Many professional organizations, such as the Commission of English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) score schools based on their ability to teach, test, and accommodate students. If you can’t find any accreditations, it should be a red flag. You can also use helpful online resources to review specific teachers and ensure previous students felt the investment was worth their money.

Find one that offers flexibility.

You won’t find one set path to learning English as a second language. That’s why you should search for an American English school that offers different course options you can tailor around your schedule. No matter how you look at it, you’ll need to immerse yourself in the studies to properly master your new language. However, whether that takes you four weeks or eight should revolve around your schedule, and most accredited schools will have course loads that can fit your individual needs.

Choose a school that has niche courses.

Some people want to learn American English simply so they can communicate with native English speakers more easily. Other people, though, opt to educate themselves on this new skill for very specific purposes, usually to get their foot in the door of a new profession. As such, many American English schools offer courses specifically tailored to particular industries, such as aviation or nursing. These types of courses are more structured around what you’ll need to know to thrive in your new work environment.

Ask about cultural diversity.

English as a second language (ESL) schools tend to celebrate and welcome a diverse student body. It helps each student get immersed in various cultures and become more worldly, but it also makes it easier to teach a large number of students. With a larger, more culturally diverse group of students, it’s easier to separate them all based on their proficiency in English and ensure the classwork remains appropriate and easier to digest for students of all levels.

Ensure they offer courses outside the classroom.

You could study English books all day and still struggle to master a new language. That’s because one of the best ways to learn a new language is through immersion in the culture. It’s why so many American English schools focus a portion of their coursework on lessons outside of the classroom. This can include trips to popular destinations, letting you practice at events, or simply taking the class out to dinner to practice placing an order.

Are you trying to learn English?

Then trust the proven team of experts at the American English Institute. We give students the highest-quality American English classes with a focus on small class sizes and personalized attention. Our instructors have a passion for ensuring you achieve your English goals through a variety of programs tailored around your unique needs. When you join us, you join a community of entrepreneurs, students, and leaders in their fields.

Learn more about our programs online, or you can start the enrollment process in four easy-to-follow steps.