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English Classes

Gain Confidence Speaking English & Achieve Your Goals

PELA’s intensive English program in Portland, Oregon will support you to advance to the next step in your academic or professional career.

Intensive English Classes for Adults at Any Skill Level

4 Weeks
(1 Term)

US$1395

(FULL PRICE)

• 20+ Class Hours each week
• 10+ hours of Optional Activities
• 5 levels of English Instruction

Application Fee:

US$95

(ONE-TIME FEE)

Join PELA at any level of English ability, beginner to advanced, and start to improve you English skills quickly.

8 Weeks
(2 Terms)

US$1255 per term

(10% DISCOUNT)

• 20+ Class Hours each week
• 10+ hours of Optional Activities
• 5 levels of English Instruction

Application Fee:

US$95

(ONE-TIME FEE)

Gain more confidence with your English ability and you have the chance to advance up in level in some or all of your classes.

12+ Weeks
(3 Terms)

US$1115 per term

(20% DISCOUNT)

• 20+ Class Hours each week
• 10+ hours of Optional Activities
• 5 levels of English Instruction

Application Fee:

US$95

(ONE-TIME FEE)

Gain even deeper knowledge of English ability and American culture, as you move closer to fluency.

With PELA’s Intensive English program, you can immerse yourself in English learning, gain real-world practice, and get the support you need to reach a higher level of English fluency in a short amount of time. You will master English speaking skills, English listening skills, English grammar, and English vocabulary and pronunciation in a program that is fun, effective, and affordable.

Quickly Improve Your English Skills
Gain Confidence Speaking English
Make Friends from Around the World

PELA English Courses Provide All the Support & Real World Practice You Need

At PELA, you will enjoy a well-rounded and supportive learning environment. Our passionate teachers treat all of our students as equals and go above and beyond to help you learn English at your own pace. In PELA classrooms, our teachers encourage more communication compared to other ESL classrooms, so that you can gain as much practice and confidence speaking as you possibly can.

We also offer as many opportunities as possible for real-world English practice outside of the classroom. We take time to find out what kind of activities and experiences our students are interested in and help organize them. This helps you learn English communication skills more quickly, but also makes your time in Portland more fun and memorable.

After studying with PELA, many of our students have gone on to enter undergraduate and graduate programs here in the United States, or secure employment with prominent American or international businesses. Our Intensive English Program is designed to help you accomplish your future goals, whatever they may be.

Our Intensive English Program is our most popular program. It’s the best option for students who want to study full-time and improve their skills more quickly. If you’re a student with an F-1 visa or any other kind of student looking for an immersive, full-time English program, this is the program for you!

Benefits of PELA's English Courses for International Students

up to 30 hours per week

10 hours of Focused English Skills Courses per week (required):

  • Reading, Vocabulary & Pronunciation
  • Writing & Grammar
  • Listening & Speaking

10 hours of English Communication Skills Courses per week (required):

  • Integrated Skills
  • Grammar for Communication

10 hours of English-Learning Courses & Activities per week (optional):

  • Academic English
  • IELTS Test Preparation
  • Conversation Groups
  • Tutoring Center

Additional Benefits:

  • Weekly Social Activities (optional)
  • 5 levels of English courses (from beginner to high-level ability)
  • Large classrooms with small class sizes
  • 4-week long programs
  • 12 start dates each year

Apply for PELA’s English Classes & Take Your English to the Next Level!

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 find out your English level, meet and study with teachers and students online, and get help with university placement.

Improve Your English!

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

Students love to learn English at PELA

Magda, Poland
Magda, Poland
Because of the teachers, VOCABULARY & PRONUNCIATION classes were dynamic, so it is easy to pay attention and to participate. I think that these classes have helped me to improve my English.
Mai, Japan
Mai, Japan
My VOLUNTEERING activities at PELA were great English practice! Everyone at Buckman Elementary School was friendly and they liked to talk about anything. I realized that I really like taking care of children.
- Anya, Russia
- Anya, Russia
I wouldn’t have passed the test without this TOEFL class, that’s for sure! The way they teach the TOEFL was a very good exercise for the brain and is helping me with my classes at university. It was very helpful!
Misako, Japan
Misako, Japan
My HOST FAMILY is very kind and so nice! They took me to some famous place every weekend. Moreover, if I have somewhere to go, they take me to that place. And when I had some trouble, they helped me kindly.
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Intensive English Program Tuition & Application Fee

4 Weeks
(1 Term)

US$1395

(FULL PRICE)

• 20+ Class Hours each week
• 10+ hours of Optional Activities
• 5 levels of English Instruction

Application Fee:

US$95

(ONE-TIME FEE)

Join PELA at any level of English ability, beginner to advanced, and start to improve you English skills quickly.

8 Weeks
(2 Terms)

US$1255 per term

(10% DISCOUNT)

• 20+ Class Hours each week
• 10+ hours of Optional Activities
• 5 levels of English Instruction

Application Fee:

US$95

(ONE-TIME FEE)

Gain more confidence with your English ability and you have the chance to advance up in level in some or all of your classes.

12+ Weeks
(3 Terms)

US$1115 per term

(20% DISCOUNT)

• 20+ Class Hours each week
• 10+ hours of Optional Activities
• 5 levels of English Instruction

Application Fee:

US$95

(ONE-TIME FEE)

Gain even deeper knowledge of English ability and American culture, as you move closer to fluency.

Intensive English Program Start Dates

Join PELA on any of the Start Dates listed below!
The terms with a " * " include a one-week holiday.

Term Start + End Dates Orientation Date
January 5, 2026 – January 30, 2026 January 5, 2026
February 2, 2026 – February 27, 2026 January 29, 2026
March 2, 2026 – April 3, 2026* February 26, 2026
April 6, 2026 – May 1, 2026 April 2, 2026
May 4, 2026 – May 29, 2026 April 30, 2026
June 1, 2026 – June 26, 2026 May 28, 2026
June 29, 2026 – July 31, 2026* June 25, 2026
August 3, 2026 – August 28, 2026 July 30, 2026
August 31, 2026 – September 25, 2026 August 27, 2026
September 28, 2026 – October 23, 2026 September 24, 2026
October 26, 2026 – November 20, 2026 October 22, 2026
November 23, 2026 – December 18, 2026 November 19, 2026
January 4, 2027 – January 29, 2027 January 4, 2027
February 1, 2027 – February 26, 2027 January 28, 2027
March 1, 2027 – April 2, 2027* February 25, 2027
April 5, 2027 – April 30, 2027 April 1, 2027
May 3, 2027 – May 28, 2027 April 29, 2027
June 1, 2027 – June 25, 2027 May 27, 2027
June 28, 2027 – July 30, 2027* June 24, 2027
August 2, 2027 – August 27, 2027 July 29, 2027
August 30, 2027 – September 24, 2027 August 26, 2027
September 27, 2027 – October 22, 2027 September 23, 2027
October 25, 2027 – November 19, 2027 October 21, 2027
November 22, 2027 – December 10, 2027 November 18, 2027

School Holiday Schedule

PELA will be closed on the following holidays and breaks.
PELA is closed on all National Holidays except Veterans Day.

Holiday / School Break No School Days
Winter Break 12/20/2025 - 01/04/2026
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 01/19/2026
Presidents' Day 02/16/2026
Spring Break 03/21/2026 - 03/29/2026
Memorial Day 05/25/2026
Independence Day 07/03/2026
Summer Break 07/18/2026 - 07/26/2026
Labor Day 09/07/2026
Indigenous Peoples' Day 10/12/2026
Thanksgiving Weekend 11/26/2026 - 11/27/2026
Winter Break 12/19/2026 - 01/03/2027
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 01/18/2027
Presidents' Day 02/15/2027
Spring Break 03/20/2027 - 03/28/2027
Memorial Day 05/31/2027
Independence Day 07/05/2027
Summer Break 07/17/2027 - 07/25/2027
Labor Day 09/01/2027
Indigenous Peoples' Day 10/11/2027
Thanksgiving Weekend 11/25/2027 - 11/26/2027
Winter Break 12/18/2027 - 01/03/2028

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the class schedule for the Intensive English program?

PELA’s Intensive English Program includes both required and optional classes, as well as optional activities.

How do I get a Student Visa?

If you are applying for an F-1 student visa, follow our step-by-step guide to get your student visa! Even though the student visa process can be long and difficult, we are here to help you!

Can I join the Intensive English program without a Student Visa?

If you are a refugee, hold a green card, or are a permanent resident in the U.S., you can join our Intensive English program. If you are not using an F-1 Student Visa or cannot study full-time, you can join our Semi-Intensive English program!

What is PELA Tuition Refund Policy?

You can learn about PELA's tuition refund policy on our Program Tuition webpage. On that page, the Refund Policy is listed under the Tuition information. Our Application Fee is non-refundable.

Does PELA provide Health Insurance?

No, PELA does not provide health insurance to students. So, you will need to purchase health insurance on your own. You can find tips on how to purchase health insurance in the U.S. by viewing PELA's Health Insurance for Students" PDF. PELA strongly encourages you to have health insurance while you are living and studying in the U.S.

What will I learn in the Intensive English program?

PELA’s Intensive English Program will help you improve all of your English communication skills, including listening, speaking, writing, grammar, reading, vocabulary, pronunciation, and integrated skills.

What’s covered in our English speaking classes?

PELA’s Intensive English Program includes a Speaking & Listening course that will help you improve the speaking skills used in everyday life. At the lower levels, we focus on basic speaking skills needed for the classroom and beyond. At the higher levels, we prepare you to use your English speaking skills at university or at work. We also offer conversation groups and activities in Portland to give you an opportunity to practice speaking English in a real-world setting.

What’s covered in our English listening classes?

Our Speaking & Listening course also focuses on improving your English comprehension and listening skills. Additionally, PELA’s daily conversation groups are another great place to practice understanding and listening with your peers!

What are the optional English courses for the Intensive English program?

As an Intensive English student, you can join these optional courses in the afternoon, to help you improve specific English skills more!

Academic English Class

This class helps high-intermediate to high level students learn university-level vocabulary and grammar, as well as introduce you to a variety of academic topics.

  • Practice university-level writing and grammar styles.
  • Learn about academic vocabulary and topics.
  • Prepare yourself to use English in academic presentations.

IELTS Preparation Class

In this class, you can learn how to find answers in reading passages, how to organize essays, and how to improve your IELTS score.

  • Improve finding information in IELTS reading passages.
  • Learn how to hear clues in IELTS conversations and lectures.
  • Learn how to clearly organize IELTS writing tasks.
  • Become comfortable with the IELTS speaking section.

What are the optional English-Learning activities?

We offer many optional English-learning activities every afternoon at PELA, including conversation groups (10 hours per week), tutoring center (8 hours per week), or weekly social activities and outings around Portland.

What can you do in PELA's Daily Conversation Group?

Improve your English with free English conversation groups each week! The Portland English Language Academy offers our students free English conversation groups everyday of the week, held in our Student Lounge. During these Conversation Groups, students speak with local Americans and practice and improve their English in a relaxed environment. Students get to use their English, learn about Portland life and culture, and make new friends.

What can you do in PELA's Tutoring Center?

Four days a week, PELA’s teachers host a Tutoring Center, where you can get help with homework, test preparation, or general English questions. You can meet one-on-one or in a student group with a PELA teacher to work on any English with which you need help!

How can you do volunteer activities with PELA?

PELA can help you find volunteer activities around the Portland area, so you can use your English in the real world by participating in local activities such as festivals, sporting events, or charity work. Work side-by-side with Americans, experience Portland culture, and gain confidence speaking English with Americans outside of school!

What kind of school activities are offered each month?

Every week, PELA offers one or two school activities that students are join. Normally, once a week a PELA teacher or staff person will take students to a restaurant or food cart pod, where students can enjoy lunch and conversation out in the real world! Also, once or twice a month, PELA will organize an at-school or out-of-school activity, such as a holiday party, museum tour, city festival, or picnic at a Portland park.

Visit PELA on Instagram or Facebook to see photos of school activities which PELA students have enjoyed over the years!

More About PELA & Our Intensive English Program

About PELA:

No matter your current level of English, PELA offers well-rounded English language programs that will help you communicate in English more clearly and confidently. Studying at PELA, you will be constantly learning and improving your English skills, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Learning Process

PELA provides a more holistic approach to learning English with proven teaching methods, supportive teachers and staff, daily conversation groups, free tutoring, and fun activities. With all of these great opportunities to learn and practice your English skills, you will learn more quickly and easily than you could elsewhere.

Life In Portland, Oregon

PELA is centrally located in the beautiful and vibrant city of Portland, Oregon in the Pacific Northwest, a city where you can truly immerse yourself in English and make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study abroad!

Our Learning Facilities

PELA provides a supportive learning environment with comfortable facilities and well-equipped classrooms. We’re centrally located in the heart of Portland which makes it easy to get to and from your classes and explore the city, even if you don’t have a car. Our helpful teachers and staff will make sure that you have everything you need to learn English as quickly as possible, while having lots of fun in the process!

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!