Resource Guide: ESL on a budget

 

There are many free and low-cost options for those looking to learn English as a Second Language (ESL). Many of these free options are online. These kinds of resources require you to be organized and motivate. You must also know where to ask questions when you need help.

Below are some free online resources for adults and children who are ESL students. We’ve also included some websites where you can find a low-cost in-person tutor. At the very end, you’ll find our tips for being a successful ESL student.

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Ready to get started with ESL?

By reading, listening, filling out worksheets, taking quizzes and even playing games, the Internet can help you learn a lot. However, for some people it is very difficult to learn a new language without interacting with a native-speaking teacher, especially as you progress to more advanced levels.

If this happens to you, you’ll want to consider in-person tutoring. This can be a low-cost option, but you’ll need to avoid the companies that have a retail store front. Companies with a store front will almost always charge more, and there’s often no room to negotiate a lower price.

Instead, you’ll want to find a tutor who is willing to meet you at a public library or coffee shop. These are tutors who work freelance, i.e., they set their own prices. If you need to, you can negotiate a more affordable price with them.

To be successful in learning a new language, there are a few general things to keep in mind.

Be patient: You will not learn English overnight. This is especially true if you’re not currently living in an English-speaking area. It can take years to feel fully comfortable in your fluency, and even then you might need to work on your accent to make yourself more understandable to native speakers.

Practice Daily: Whether it’s reading, writing or verbal skills, you’ll need to practice with the English language on a daily basis. This doesn’t always have to include “homework.” Look for online games in the resources we listed above. You can even watch movies or television shows in English. The more exposure you get to the language, the easier it will be to pick up and the longer you will retain your new language skills.

Network: Find other people who are also trying to learn English. This could be a family member, friend or co-worker. The goal here is to feel comfortable. You want to be able to practice speaking English without fear of being judged or misunderstood. You and your ESL partner can also work together on more advanced lessons and worksheets.

Take Advantage of Free Resources: Remember that the title of this article is “Guide to ESL on a Budget.” Before you rush out and hire a private tutor, try to see how far you can get with the hundreds of free online resources. If at some point you have a hard time understanding the more complex material, you can then consult a tutor. But if you pay a tutor for the easy stuff, too, it will cost you a lot of money over the long run. Have confidence and patience, and you’ll get through intermediate level English using only free online tools.