Good English opens doors here: better jobs, easier doctor visits, new friends. Classes are a good start, but most learning happens between classes, when you practice. Almost all of it can be free. For free ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, see Free English classes, community college and the GED.
Start with two free things
Get a library card. It is free with proof of address. Ask at the desk: "Do you have conversation groups, tutors or language apps?"
Call or text 211, a free local helpline. Say: "I want to practice English. What is near me?"
A conversation group is a free, friendly meeting where people practice speaking. You talk about daily life, food or news. Libraries, community colleges, refugee agencies, churches, mosques and temples host them. Some libraries also match you with a free volunteer tutor for one-to-one practice.
Go every week. Speaking with people is the fastest way to lose fear.
Some programs teach workplace English: phone calls, emails, safety words and job interviews. Some also teach English for a job field, like health care, child care or driving. Ask: "Do you have English for work, or job training with English?" Your local American Job Center (a free government job office) can also help.
Library apps: many libraries give free language learning apps, e-books and audiobooks with your card.
Free language apps on your phone. Ten minutes a day is better than two hours once a week.
TV and podcasts with English subtitles. Children's shows use slow, clear English.
Read with your children: library children's books are a gentle start for parents too.
Americans speak fast and join words: "gonna" (going to), "wanna" (want to), "lemme" (let me). Accents differ by region, and you will meet English speakers from all over the world. That is normal.
It is fine to say: "Sorry, could you say that more slowly?"
Your accent is not a problem. Clear, slow speech matters more than sounding American.
Repeat short lines from shows out loud. This trains your ear and mouth together.
One or two classes a week.
Ten minutes on an app every day.
Use English for one real task each week: order food, ask a store clerk a question, make a phone call.
Waiting until your English is "good enough" to talk. Talk now; mistakes are how you learn.
Stopping when classes pause for summer. Keep the app and conversation group going.