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Study English for Free in California

  • Writer: teresa ctw
    teresa ctw
  • Nov 5
  • 2 min read
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If I hadn’t come to California, I would never have known this — the California state government offers free language schools through local community colleges. These schools provide ESL (English as a Second Language) programs for people who are not on an F1 student visa.

The ESL departments offer both free non-credit courses and paid academic courses, and you can start with the free classes before moving into the paid ones later if you wish. The teachers in the free programs are incredibly kind and professional.


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How to Find Free ESL Classes

To find free English courses, simply go online and search for “Non-Credit ESL” along with your area name. You’ll see that almost every region in California has several community colleges offering these programs.

You can choose the college closest to where you live. As long as you are not on an F1 visa — even if you are just visiting California — you can join these classes right away.

I chose Santa Monica College, which is about a 30-minute walk from where I live. When you first arrive, you’ll need to take a placement test because the program is divided into seven levels.


The test is simple, roughly at a junior-high level. Results are available immediately, and you’ll be placed in the class that matches your English ability. In the past, the test was on paper, but now it’s all done on a computer.

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The seven levels are:

  1. Literacy

  2. Low Beginning

  3. High Beginning

  4. Low Intermediate

  5. High Intermediate

  6. Low Advanced

  7. High Advanced


I was placed in the Advanced Class, and the staff provided my schedule, class information, and an enrollment confirmation. You can use that confirmation to apply for a student ID card.

If you take the Blue Bus Line to class, students can ride for free. You can also buy used textbooks on Amazon to save money.



My Experience

At Santa Monica College, I met students from around the world, including Iran, Russia, Japan, and South America. Classes are free but very professional, with homework, discussions, and presentations. Free tutoring is also available to help with essays and pronunciation.


Common Questions:

  • Are free classes any good? Yes, teachers have 20+ years of experience, and classes focus on real-life English, not just grammar.

  • Do teachers give homework? Yes, and optional tutoring is offered. Attendance is important.

  • Are there many Chinese students? Classrooms are diverse, and you can choose who to practice with.

  • Can short-term visitors join? Yes, anyone not on an F1 visa can start after a placement test.


Important: Courses are free, but you must be a non-F1 visa holder. Tourist visas allow up to 90 days. Living expenses are extra, but this is a great way to improve English, meet people, and experience California.

 
 
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