Language Institute

The Language Institute

Welcoming the World through Caring Relationships and English Instruction

Information

For All English Levels

The Language Institute at University Presbyterian Church offers classes to improve your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

We also have opportunities for you to practice your conversational English.

Email Kristine for more info.

Welcoming the world through caring relationships and English instruction! 
2024-2025 Class Dates | Registration for Winter 2025 will open in late November.

Our Classes

New students: email Kristine (kristiner@upc.org) before you register!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • English language-learning adults from beginner to advanced
  • Short and long-term visitors, post-docs, researchers, family members, immigrants, refugees
  • Affordable in-person and zoom classes
  • Personalized instruction, small classes
  • Caring instructors – highly educated professionals
  • Classes are relational, giving plenty of time for conversation and questions
  • No passing or failing – you decide how much and how fast you will learn
  • Choose from academic and unique elective classes and/or one-on-one tutoring

Classes are 8 weeks long.

• 2024 Fall Quarter: September 30 – November 22
• 2025 Winter Quarter: January 13 – March 14
• 2025 Spring Quarter: March 31 – May 23

Most classes cost $60 for eight weeks and one-on-one tutoring costs $200 for eight sessions.

Discounts and scholarships are available for refugees and low-income immigrants.

Please send an email so we can connect and help you start out well.

Please use this document to help you identify your level.

What Students Are Saying

“If it weren’t for Language Institute’s guidance and practice with me, I never would have received the fellowship I applied for. The time my tutor spent with me indeed helped me a lot. Thank you so much for your dedication.”  —University of Washington post-doctoral student

“This is my first time attending this kind of class. It is so different. I am grateful for patient teachers.”

“I don’t want another certificate. I want to experience the culture. I can do that here.”

“I can listen to different opinions in the class and learn from others.”

“The NEWS class forces me to open my horizons.”

“This class helps me think about parenting deeply. I can bring more tools and more strategy to my parenting like how to guide when your child hits somebody. This class is really efficient and important for parents. “

“I was lonely, shy, and afraid to speak English. For the first three months, I spent a lot of time at home alone. Then I joined Language Institute. Now I’ve made a lot of friends and feel much more confident speaking English!”

“At first, I didn’t imagine that I could read an English book until the end but following Valerie’s way is very helpful to me, and I made it. I’m proud of myself, and I would recommend this class.”

“Great teachers, friendly classmates, low student-to-teacher ratio, inexpensive tuition for high-quality classes. I LOVE my classes, and they keep me motivated.”

“Language Institute has been not only a forum where our family learns English but also a support group and a great social network that helps ease life’s hardships.”

“I love all my teachers. They all are supportive, nice, inspiring, patient, enthusiastic, and teach with real passion. I appreciate being part of this lovely community.”

“The parenting class helps me a lot to improve my parenting skills and increase my confidence by sharing my trouble with other moms. I really appreciate your help. I really recommend others to join Language institute.”

“The encouragement and support I get from my class is a priceless present.” 

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