English School in New York City | PALS NYC | Professional ESL Classes in Accent Reduction, Speaking, and Writing

Q: What is PALS? Is it a language school or a college program?
Originally established by The King's College in 2000, the Program for American Language Studies, Inc (PALS) is now an independently incorporated intensive English language school.

Q: Where is PALS located?
PALS subleases space from The King's College campus in the Empire State Building in New York City. Our mailing address is 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1500, New York, NY 10118. All classes are held on the college's beautiful and modern facilities in the Lower Lobby of the Empire State Building.

Q: Can you please describe your school facilities?
The college facilities used by PALS are beautiful, modern, and wireless. Students enjoy use of the library, cafe, and student lounge, and the computer lab is also available for use for certain hours each day. PALS students enjoy very close proximity to American college students, providing great opportunities for friendships to develop.

Q: Why should I choose PALS?
Because you will receive personal, professional and effective English training. We'll help you speak and write English more like a native-speaker and give you personal attention from friendly and professional teachers.

Q: How many terms are there and how long are they?
PALS has six terms: fall and spring terms each have two 7-week terms; summer terms have two 6-week terms. Visit www.palsnyc.org/dates.htm for more information.

Q: Do I have to study for a full term or is just a few weeks ok?
You may study for a full term or for just a few weeks if you wish.

Q: How many levels are there in your program? How many can I complete in one term?
There are 4 curricular levels in our program (1 - 4). Levels may be adjusted (up or down) depending upon student enrollment. Most students complete one level of English in two 7-week terms (or one 14-week term). You will be placed in the appropriate level for each class.

Q: What is the average number of students per class and the maximum number of students per class?
The average number of students per class is 13. The maximum number for all content classes is 15. Content classes are Listening & Speaking, Accent Reduction, Composition & Grammar, and Reading & Vocabulary. English conversation groups typically have 3-6 students led by a native speaker.

Q: Which countries do your students come from?
We currently have students from countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. We also have local students from New York City.

Q: Can I apply for classes online?
Yes. Visit the Apply Today section for online applications in English, Chinese, Spanish, Korean, or Japanese. PDF applications can also be printed from this page. For more information please email info@palsnyc.org.

Q: Can new students choose the courses they want to take?
Click English Courses for our course options. F-1 students take the full Core Curriculum and part-time students may choose any of the course options.

Q: Does your school offer financial assistance or scholarships?
There are a limited number of scholarships for qualified students. Group discounts are available for groups of 5 or more. Please contact the Director by email for more information: info@palsnyc.org.

Q: Is PALS open to all students?
Yes. Although established as a Christian non-profit language school, PALS welcomes students of all nationalities and religious backgrounds.

Q: What can I do if I find that my class is too easy or too difficult?
First speak with your teacher, then the Assistant Director. We work hard to avoid this problem by placing students in the appropriate classes, but adjustments can be made if your teacher and the Assistant Director find it necessary.

Q: What should I do if I cannot continue to attend my classes?
Immediately inform all of your teachers and the Assistant Director or Director that you will not continue to attend classes. If you have a student visa (F-1), you must speak with the Assistant Director (PDSO) before you drop any of your classes.

Q: Can I receive a refund for the classes I did not take?
Please see our Refund Policy for details.

Q: What can I do if I have a problem with my class, another student or a teacher?
First, speak with the student or teacher directly. If the problem continues or you feel unable to speak with the student or teacher directly, please speak with the Assistant Director or the Director. We will do our best to resolve the situation to your satisfaction.

Q: What is an F-1 Student Visa, and do I need one?
In order to gain access to the United States of America as a student, you will need to obtain an F-1 student visa. This gives you the freedom to pass to and from U.S. customs and to live in the U.S. for the time allotted on the visa. If you do not possess a U.S. passport or green card then you will need this visa, regardless of other documentation you may currently possess.

Q: How do I obtain an F-1 visa? What is an I-20?
The F-1 visa can be obtained by submitting an "I-20 Certificate of Eligibility" to the local embassy or consulate in your country. This I-20 is a national computerized certificate that proves that you intend to come to the U.S. as a student of a particular school. It is a school statement which acknowledges that a student is accepted and is capable of paying tuition, fees, and all living expenses for the entire stay in the United States. Please click I-20 Necessary Documents to see the steps you'll need to follow.

Q: Can I convert a different visa to an F-1 visa?
Yes. The process of converting a visa is almost the same as obtaining a new visa. In almost every case you must set up an interview for the F-1 from your home country embassy, where you will be asked to submit an I-20.

Q: Can I transfer my I-20 to the PALS program?
Yes. Please contact info@palsnyc.org for assistance.

Q: I have more questions. What should I do?
Please email info@palsnyc.org or call 212-659-7213 ext. 1. We will respond as quickly as possible.

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