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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

At PELA, you learn more than only 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.

But at PELA, you are more than a student. You are part of communuity of students, teachers, and staff who enjoy hanging out with each other every week after class, participating in conversation groups, school excursions to local museums and landmarks, or gathering for local cultural events and festivals.

For students who want to study full-time (20 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

Start Your School Application

Fill out our quick and easy PELA application form, provide documents and information needed for your visa or enrollment, and pay our Application Fee.

Complete your Visa Application

If you are applying for an F1 Student Visa PELA can help you understand what you have to do, and even chat with you if you need extra support!

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!

What makes PELA different than other English schools?

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!

Every week, PELA hosts conversation groups, so you can practice your English outside the classroom. PELA students also can receive free tutoring every week! PELA also organizes activities outside the school, so you can experience more of Portland and American culture.

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.

Students love to learn English at PELA

Tiziana, Switzerland
Tiziana, Switzerland
People in PORTLAND are very nice and open-minded. I enjoyed going out and easily meeting new people. The city is also very nice and it is easy to get around. I enjoyed trying to find new ethnic restaurants. I also enjoyed going to bowl and play pool. There are also many bars with nice music and food.
Hirotaka, Japan
Hirotaka, Japan
My HOST MOTHER was always kind and cared about me. She took me many places and spoke with me a lot. I was very satisfied and lived comfortably with my host family.
- Franzel, Switzerland
- Franzel, Switzerland
I liked the INTEGRATED SKILLS class because it was fun and we always talked and talked and talked about different topics. It was very interesting.
Iva, Czech
Iva, Czech
I liked everything about PORTLAND! It has friendly people and beautiful nature. I could take trips to the mountains, Multnomah Falls and the Pacific Ocean. In Portland I could go to Washington Park, the Japanese Garden, OMSI.
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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!

Youth English Program

Make friends from around the world while quickly improving your English. PELA Youth English Program for students ages 15-17 combines 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!