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First of all there are basically two types of ESL schools in the U.S. One is on university campuses and students live in the dormitories with American students and have access to the library, athletic facilities and social events planned on campus. The other is a proprietary school which provide instruction and activities for their students. Some proprietary schools are located on university campuses. Both university public and private as well as proprietary schools are located in huge cities, as well as suburbs and rural areas. You must think about what type of environment you want. Do you want the hustle and bustle of the big city or the peace and quite of the suburbs or rural areas?

Next think about where in the U.S. you want to study. Do you want to study in the Northeast - New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania or in the Southeast such as Florida or Georgia; in the West - California, or in the Southwest - Texas or Arizona. consider the weather in the various parts of the country. Do you like four seasons? Do you enjoy the cold or the heat?

No matter what part of the U.S. you choose geographically, you will find that there are many fine schools from which to make your selection.

It is important to have high standards when determining which school to attend. Compare programs, facilities, teacher credentials, etc. To help you, I have prepared a list of things to consider.

When choosing a school look for the following:

1. At least 20 hours per week of classroom instruction
2. Language lab
3. Housing accommodations - Does the school provide housing? Is it near the school? Can you walk? Is there a shuttle bus? How long it will take? How much does it cost?
4. Membership of the school in either the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP) or the University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP). Schools must demonstrate that they meet the high standards set by these organizations in order to be members.
5. Teachers who have a master's degree in TESOL or in a related field such as linguistics
6. Small classes - no more than 15 students in a class
7. Several levels of instruction - beginning, intermediate and advanced.
8. Advisors who assist students with problems and provide academic advising - help with applying to colleges and universities.
9. Field trips and social and cultural events.
10. Facilities such as access to a library, athletic and sports facilities, i.e. tennis courts, swimming ppol, weight room, etc.
11. A diverse student population - you can practice English more if there are only a few students who speak your language

Most good English Language Schools will have all of the above.

If your goal is to be accepted into an American college or university, it is important to know that it takes a long time to become proficient in English. Most students with limited English can expect to study English for one year before beginning academic classes at a university. Admission to an ESL program on a university campus does not mean that you have been admitted to the university. At most universities ESL students must apply to the Admissions Office of the university when they are ready to begin their academic program.

U.S. English Language Schools welcome thousands of students from throughout the world. They create an environment for learning English and enjoying American culture. Choose your program carefully and you will have a wonderful experience.

Rhona Genzel is Director of the English Language Center at the Rochester Institute of Technology, a university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, business, art, computer science and photography among other. She is the author of several ESL textbooks including "Culturally Speaking" and "Getting the Hang of Idioms".