English Language Support

Free or low cost English lessons or conversation

Portland area

Multnomah County Library

Multnomah County Library offers a wide range of classes, conversation groups and learning materials based on both speaking and writing. Whether you're trying to learn English for the first time or you're working to improve your existing skills, this is a great first step. These classes are located in several locations around the Portland area and are free of charge.

View class listing for descriptions, schedules and, locations

Portland ESL Network

Portland ESL Network sharing resources for English language learners. This website helps find resources at local churches, public schools, non-profits, social services, community colleges & universities, businesses, and libraries.

Downtown Portland

English in Action

A program for English conversation practice. First Congregational Church, 1137 SW Broadway.

  • (BACK DOOR, at corner of Broadway and Madison). Free, no registration required, Saturdays, 9am, academic year only.
  • Contact: Wendy Shaw, 503 227-8191, .

North and Northeast Portland

IRCO

Offers a variety of ESL services to qualified refugee families through referral only.

  • Website: IRCO
  • Address: 10301 NE Glisan St, Portland.
  • Tel: 503 234-1541

Multnomah University

Multilevel ESL classes, free, open-entry.

  • Address: 8435 NE Glisan St, Portland. Mitchell Library Classroom L110.
  • Contact:
  • Tel: 503 251-6412

PCC MAP (Multicultural Academic Program)

Trinity Lutheran Church

Beginners and intermediate ESL classes. Free, open-entry. Child care available. Thursdays, 7-8:30pm, mid-Sept–May.
  • Address: 5520 NE Killingsworth, Portland
  • Contact:

Southeast Portland

Goodwill Services

Separated ESL class levels. Visit administrative offices and take a placement test to register.

  • Website: Goodwill Services
  • Address: 1943 SE 6th Ave, Portland
  • Contacts: David Cassaday: 503 238-6173, Aaron Schwartz: 503 238-6196.

PCC Southeast Volunteer Literacy Tutor Program

Volunteer Literacy Tutor Program. ABE/GED/ESL. One-to-one & small group tutoring.

  • Address: 2850 SE 82nd Ave, Library 218, Portland.
  • Contact: Kathleen Holloway
  • Tel: 971 722-6280

Russian Oregon Social Services

ESL and self-sufficiency classes for women Russian speakers. Serves the Russian-speaking community. Classes ongoing throughout the year.

  • Address: 4033 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland
  • Tel: 503 777-3437

Southwest and Northwest Portland and Tigard

PCC Sylvania Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program

Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program. One-to-one and small group ESL tutoring.

  • Contact: Kay Talbot, 971 722-4903

St Anthony's Middle School

Multilevel ESL classes, free, no childcare, Tues. & Thurs. eves, 10-week terms.

  • Address: 9905 SW McKenzie, Tigard
  • Contact: Derene Meurisse: 503 590-5582, or Marco Espinoza (Español): 503 639-4179 ext.129

Tigard Senior Center

ESL classes and citizenship tutoring. Separated levels, free, open entry.

  • Tel: 503 620-4613
  • Address: 8815 SW O'Mara St, Tigard.
  • Contact:

Tigard United Methodist Church

Free ESL classes, 3 levels, open-entry, 10 week terms. Free childcare.

  • Address: 9845 SW Walnut Pl, Tigard.
  • Contact: Paul Colligan at 971 275-3775 (English), Rosemary Carleson at 503 635-6505 (Español)

Accredited English learner programs

ESL Directory

Click here to search for English as a second language programs in Portland and across Oregon.

Portland Community College

Portland Community College offers affordable classes for people who want to improve or learn English for the first time.

Get more information about classes and how to register

Portland State University Intensive English Language Program (IELP)

Whether you want to improve your English to pursue a degree at an American university or want to study English for personal or professional reason, the IELP can help you.

Get more information about other intensive English programs in the region

Disclaimer: This list is provided as an information service only. It is not an exhaustive list of services or companies and is not an endorsement by OHSU of any company listed.