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Learn English

Gain confidence in your English skills and prepare for your next step

Improve your English language skills by studying abroad in Portland, Oregon, where you’ll gain real-world English experience, explore an exciting city, and make new friends from around the world.

No matter your type of visa or immigration status, PELA has an English program for you!

It’s hard to learn English on your own

The English language is complex and difficult to learn, especially without support and opportunities to practice. At PELA, you’ll learn English in a well-rounded and supportive environment so that you can gain the fluency and confidence you need to achieve your goals.

Enjoy personalized attention
Learn through experiences
Communicate with confidence

We’re here to help you learn English

At PELA, we’ve been providing students with opportunities to increase their fluency in English since 1989 in a variety of environments. Learning in a smaller, more communication-rich program like PELA in a smaller, more communal city like Portland will make improving your English skills a quicker, easier, and more enjoyable experience.

For students who want to study full-time (20-28 hours per week):

For students who want to study part-time (17 hours per week):

Not sure which program is best for you? Ask us!

Three Steps to Improve Your English

Submit Your Application

Fill out our quick and easy PELA application form on our website and we’ll reach out to guide you through all the next steps!

Start Learning now

While PELA helps you through the application process, you can take an online test to find out your English level, meet and study with teachers and students online, and get help with university placement.

See your English grow!

We will welcome you to Portland and help you get settled in our city and school. With our support and teaching, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your English starts to improve!

Why learn to speak English at PELA?

Our program is more affordable and comprehensive than others and the city of Portland has a low cost of living and a great public transportation system (you don’t need a car to enjoy Portland). Plus, there’s no sales tax in Oregon!

Portland is a vibrant city where you can completely immerse yourself in English and challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone.

We partner with universities and help students enroll in intensive university pathway programs, helping to get you where you want to go.

Don't wait to start improving your English!

Start learning English immediately just by paying PELA's Application Fee. Benefits include finding out your current English level, studying PELA’s online English lessons, joining Conversation Groups led by PELA staff, and receiving help with university placement.

  • Take an Online English Placement Test to see Your Current English Level
  • Improve Your English With Online Lessons & Activities
  • Join Live Conversation Groups with PELA Teacher & Staff
  • Get Assistance with University Placement

Students love to learn English at PELA

Akiko, Japan
Akiko, Japan
I enjoyed PRONUNCIATION classes because our teacher taught us real American pronunciation and many useful phrases. It's so good for my speaking ability and also listening ability.
Chakaphan, Thailand
Chakaphan, Thailand
Every STAFF PERSON and TEACHER is very nice and friendly. They are willing to answer my questions no matter what they were. My time at PELA was wonderful!
Jill, South Korea
Jill, South Korea
In addition to studying, the school offers fun SCHOOL ACTIVITIES like the corn maze, NBA games, ski trips, and American holiday celebrations. Even the teachers participate! It is a great way to get to know each other.
Eva, Taiwan
Eva, Taiwan
My HOMESTAY PARENTS treated me as if I was their own daughter. We went camping near Mt. Hood–they even asked me if I wanted to take a friend on the trip with us. My host family is the kindest and the most hospitable couple!
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Our English Language Learning Programs

Intensive English Program

The Intensive English Program at the Portland English Language Academy (PELA) features English speaking courses designed for you to reach a high level of English in a short amount of time.

Semi-Intensive English Program

Don’t have an F-1 student visa? No worries! Our Semi-Intensive English Program will let you study at PELA and take advantage of all we have to offer!

Evening English Mastery Class

This classes is designed for students with full-time jobs or other commitments during the day. Build and practice your English in a fun, focused class especially designed for you.

Youth English Camp

Make friends from around the world while quickly improving your English. PELA youth programs combine in-classroom and out-of-classroom learning for an unforgettable learning experience.

Don’t miss out on a life-changing opportunity

Not only will you have more confidence in your ability to communicate fluently in English, you will make connections with people from all over the world that impact the rest of your life. We’re here to help you learn English and take the next step toward accomplishing your goals!