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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

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!

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.

Students love to learn English at PELA

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.
Jen Feng, Taiwan
Jen Feng, Taiwan
My HOST MOTHER is a good teacher, too! After school, we usually talk to each other. And she is an excellent cook. She always fixes different dinners for me. I feel really fortunate to have such a wonderful homestay experience.
Juliana, Colombia
Juliana, Colombia
The strengths of PELA are many. All the time the teachers in PELA are trying to help us to improve our English. If they heard us saying something wrong they correct us. Every day we are learning something new. It is not easy to learn a new language, but if you want and you have people around you, helping you, you can do it!
Hyeon Jin, South Korea
Hyeon Jin, South Korea
Many interesting places are close to downtown PORTLAND, so I totally enjoyed this city. Also I liked Tri-Met maxes and buses; they were very convenient. The best thing I did was go to the summer music festival at the Oregon Zoo!
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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 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!