Program Details
Small-Group English lessons in Northampton and Online
Build confidence using English for work, community, and everyday life.
ILI’s small-group English classes are designed for adult learners who want to strengthen their communication skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Our classes are ideal for adults living in the U.S. who want more opportunities to practice speaking English confidently in real-life situations, while our online classes are open to learners anywhere here and abroad.
At this time, classes are geared toward intermediate and advanced English learners who already have a foundation in the language and want to improve fluency, expand vocabulary, and communicate more naturally and comfortably.
Classes are live, interactive, and taught by experienced English instructors. Because groups are small, students have many opportunities to participate in discussions, ask questions, receive personalized feedback, and connect with other learners.
Program Info
Online
Taking classes online means receiving live lessons with your ILI teacher via a video call at a pre-scheduled time.
In-person
In-person lessons take place at our campus in downtown Northampton, MA and require your physical attendance.
Group Size
Course Timings
Schedule
Our online and in-person English classes run throughout the year, with schedules that vary depending on the season and course offering.
We have two options which run on different dates throughout the year.
- 10 and 12-week program, with one class of 1.5 hours per week
- 6-week intensive program, with two classes of 1.5 hours per week
Class times and days vary by course. Instructors may do an informal assessment on the first day to make sure students are placed in the right level. You will receive a confirmation email the week before class begins.
For details on start dates and cost, please click on the Schedule & Cost tab.
Benefits
Small-group English classes are a great way to:
- Build confidence speaking English in everyday situations
- Practice communicating in social, community, and professional settings
- Improve fluency, listening skills, vocabulary, and pronunciation
- Participate in meaningful conversations and interactive activities
- Receive support and feedback from an experienced instructor
- Connect with other adult learners in a welcoming learning community
- Continue developing your English skills in a structured yet relaxed environment
Our teachers
ILI’s English instructors are experienced, thoughtful teachers who create engaging lessons for adult learners. They understand that students bring different goals to the classroom, from feeling more confident in everyday conversations to communicating more effectively at work, in the community, or in academic settings.
Our teachers use student input, real-life situations, and their professional experience to design classes that are practical, interactive, and supportive. ILI’s teaching staff also participate in professional development to continue strengthening their curriculum, classroom practices, and student-centered approach.
Feedback
“I’ll definitely recommend ILI because the content and the way to learn English is more practical, helpful, and the material from what we’ve learned were close to daily life. I really wish I had come here earlier! I really like the atmosphere and learning techniques that I experienced. The writing materials were so helpful and memorable for not only new ideas for writing but also having great skills for improving English.”
Li from Taiwan studied English at ILI
Program Info
Online
Taking classes online means receiving live lessons with your ILI teacher via a video call at a pre-scheduled time.
In-person
In-person lessons take place at our campus in downtown Northampton, MA and require your physical attendance.
Group Size
Course Timings
Schedule & Cost
Course fees
We offer group English programs four times a year, both ONLINE and IN-PERSON:
- Summer Program
July 13 – August 21, 2026$469 until June 8 then $499Two classes per week, 6 week intensive Summer program - Fall Program
Sept. 14 – Dec. 17, 2026$469 until Aug. 10 then $499One class per week for 12-weeks (No Classes Oct. 12, Nov. 11, 25, 26 & 27) - Winter Program
January 11 – March 19, 2027$395 until Dec. 15 then $425One class per week, 10-week Winter term (No classes 1/18 & 2/15) - Spring Program
March 29 – June 25, 2027$469 until Feb. 23 then $499One class per week, 12-week Spring term (No classes 4/20, 5/25 & 6/19)
SUMMER English Program levels, days and times
Below you’ll find details of all the class times and days for both our ONLINE option and the IN-PERSON English classes in the World Language Program.
Register by June 8 and save!
| SUMMER: July 13 – August 21, 2026 | 6 Weeks | 6 Weeks |
| Level | In-person | Online |
| Level 6-8: From Small Talk to Big Discussions | Tuesday and Thursday 5:30pm – 7:00pm | Tuesday and Thursday 6:00pm – 7:30pm |
Course Description: From Small Talk to Big Discussions
In this course, you will practice making small talk, discussing everyday topics, and talking about personal interests while expanding your vocabulary and learning common English expressions. You’ll focus on U.S. conversational style, including how to start and continue conversations, ask follow-up questions, respond naturally, and use appropriate etiquette in social and professional settings. This course is perfect if you want to feel more comfortable speaking English with classmates, coworkers, neighbors, and new acquaintances.
Find out as soon as new dates are posted
More days, dates and class times will be published later in the year. Please sign up to our newsletter below or follow us on Instagram and we’ll update you as soon as the new dates are released.
Levels
Formats
In-person, or Online?
Our group English lessons at ILI are available as:
- face-to-face group classes you attend in our school in Northampton, or
- live online group classes which take place on Zoom.
In-person, Face-to-Face Group English classes in Northampton, Massachusetts
Come into our school in downtown Northampton for your English class, and you’ll soon be a part of our friendly community of language learners and teachers.
We’re just a few minutes’ walk from the Roundhouse parking lot and the Peter Pan Bus Terminal (Peter Pan line, R42, R44).
Online Group English classes with ILI
Our online classes will also be with a real humans, in real time. The lessons will work in just the same way as with the in-person option, and we’ll make sure you progress just the same too.
One big benefit of online classes is that it saves you the logistical hassle of getting to and from the school each lesson. If you’re a very busy person, you also save time by just logging in and out for your lesson.
Northampton, Massachusetts is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET) and observes daylight saving time (DST). You can join our online group Spanish lessons from anywhere in the world, so long as you’re comfortable with the regular times the classes run. You can check out the compatibility of your time zone here.
If you’re not sure which option is best for you, please contact us and we can discuss this with you.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Selected FAQs
We assign optional homework as many of our students are working adults with very busy schedules. However, we encourage our students to practice outside of class as much as possible.
Some of our teachers are native speakers and others have native and near native fluency.
Yes! ILI is an approved provider of Professional Development Points for Massachusetts.
We do not allow this as we have found that it is disruptive to the class as they build a trusting community that enables students to take risks in learning. It’s also difficult for teachers to have students come and go.
We do not currently offer scholarships in the World Language program.
No, there is no financial aid for language classes. However, Career counselors at MassHire Career Centers can help you apply for an Individual Training Account (ITA), which provides financial support to job seekers who need occupational skills training in order to successfully re-enter the workforce. Eligible individuals choose from a pre-approved list of training courses, which include English teacher training courses and TESOL course distance learning, and tuition costs are paid directly out of the ITA. To find out if you are eligible for an ITA for your TESOL Certificate cost, please contact a MassHire Career Center.
Our students in the World Language Program tend to be aged anywhere between 17 and 88 years old.
- Having a hard copy of your class book can be a real help. You can pick one up at our school in Northampton. Just give us a heads up when you can drop by so that we have one ready for you.
- Take a little time before class to get your online learning environment ready. We recommend having good lighting and being within 2-3 feet of your computer camera. This way the teacher and other students can have a more visual feel for how students are reacting to lessons and activities. Have a notebook and something to write with.
- Read the 7 Strategies for Success in your ILI workbook.
- We always recommend that students take a little time before and or after your class to review the lessons.
Yes, we are happy to help you to enroll in the class that’s best for your level. Assessment are painless and are done via phone and take about 10-15 minutes. Simply fill out the assessment request form and we will be in touch shortly.
View our Staff page to learn about our teachers.
View all our Frequently Asked Questions >
Still got an unanswered question?
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch with us.
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Refund Policy
Courses Refund Policy
Policy applies to classes that are paid in full. In case the class is cancelled a full refund will be issued within 30 days.
- If you withdraw…Refund
- Before class begins100%
- Before midpoint of your class50%
- After midpoint of your classno refund
Complaint Procedure
Students are encouraged to voice their opinions during feedback in class and directly to the instructor. If a student has further concerns about the class or program, World Language students should contact the World Language Coordinator, Heather Hall, by email. Further concerns should be brought to the attention of the Executive Director, Caroline Gear. Contact information is below. Students will receive a confirmation of receipt of complaint within 7 days. The final step in resolving a complaint is to contact ACCET, the agency that accredits the school. You can find the ACCET complaint procedure here.
Heather Hall: heather@ili.edu
Caroline Gear: caroline@ili.edu
ILI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical handicap, political belief or affiliation, membership or non-membership in any organization, or veteran status in any aspect of the administration or treatment of students or in employment. ILI is committed to ensure that all of its services are accessible to qualified persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
ILI is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training and the International Association of Language Centres and a member of the American Association on Intensive English Programs
Ready to get started with our Face-to-face or online English lessons?
Registering for face-to-face Italian lesson couldn’t be easier! Simply follow the steps below to get started:
- Confirm your program choice & quantity
- Choose any available extras
- Enter your details
- Register and pay!
Register
Still not sure?
Not a problem! If you are searching for more information you can:
- View our frequently asked questions and ask us a question
- Check our group class start dates and fees
- Request a language level assessment or check out the level descriptions
Other ways to learn English
21-hour-per-week English course
Our intensive English program delivers 21 hours of class time per week with intakes every four weeks. It’s friendly and fun and you’re welcome.
15-hour-per-week English course
Study English in Northampton with ILI’s 15-hour/week classes for tourist-visa visitors and residents. Small classes and expert teachers support weekly progress.
Private English Lessons
Choose Private English Classes for exclusive one-on-one time with your teacher, or add them to your Intensive English Program for an extra boost.
The ILI Promise
At ILI, we believe that all our actions should stem from grace and loving kindness.
- We operate as an equal opportunity organization.
- We nurture relationships beyond the classroom.
- We are committed to providing the highest quality language instruction and teacher training.
- We promote intercultural understanding and celebrate the diversity in our local communities.
- We work collaboratively to build and sustain the communities we serve.
- We believe in life-changing teaching and learning.