Part-time English Program in Northampton, Massachusetts
The Part-Time English Program at ILI is perfect for anyone living in or visiting the Northampton area who wants high-quality English instruction without a full-time schedule.
Our friendly teachers, supportive environment, and small classes help you build confidence while becoming part of ILI’s vibrant community.
Program Details
Welcome to the Part-time English Program
ILI’s Part-Time English Program is designed for students who want to make real progress in English with fewer hours per week than our Intensive English Program. It’s a great option for visitors studying on a tourist visa, as well as current U.S. residents who need a schedule that fits around work, family responsibilities, or travel.
Held in friendly Northampton, MA, the program offers high-quality, interactive instruction in small classes—giving you the benefits of intensive learning in a weekly format that supports your life.
For details on start dates and program fees, please click on the Dates & Fees tab.
Program Info
Tuition FeesAbout $245/week
Language levelsA1 (Beginner) and up
Location
?
X
In-person
In-person lessons take place at our campus in downtown Northampton, MA and require your physical attendance.
In‑person
Minimum age16
FrequencyStarts every 4 weeks
Group Size
Average6
Maximum13
Course Timings
DurationFrom 4 weeks up
Study time15 hours per week
Meet our English teachers
Three of ILI’s English teachers.
Our teachers are professionals with Master’s Degrees or TESOL certificates and a minimum of one year teaching experience in creative and student-centered teaching. ILI has been teaching languages and training teachers since 1984, bringing students the best learning experiences.
ILI instructors are skilled at collaborating with each other to create dynamic and engaging curriculum and materials based on student feedback and goals. Our teachers stay current with innovative teaching techniques and methodologies through professional development and conferences.
“I have only positive impressions of the program, in the three months that I studied there, I have greatly improved my English, learned a lot of new and interesting things. I especially remember the lessons on communication styles in different countries, as well as the study of verb tenses on the example of timeline. I am grateful to them that they are always ready to patiently and intelligibly explain the material to students, and repeat complex topics in simple words.”
Sergei
from Russia studied English at ILI
Part-time English program schedule
Our Part-time English Program runs Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., giving you a clear, consistent morning schedule. You’ll study 15 hours per week (60 hours per month) in focused, high-quality classes that fit easily around work, family responsibilities, and afternoon plans. Each 4-week session allows you to progress steadily while still enjoying the flexibility you need for life outside the classroom.
Days and TimeMonday to Friday (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Total Number of Hours15hr per week (60 per month)
Session Lengthminimum of 4 weeks
We encourage you to set aside a bit of time each day for personal study—just enough to review and strengthen the skills you practiced in class.
Why choose our Part-time English Program?
Choosing ILI means choosing high-quality instruction, a supportive community, and a proven approach to building real English fluency. Here’s what sets our Part-Time English Program apart:
Student-centered, communicative TESOL approach that gets you speaking and interacting.
High student talk time (70–80%) to build real fluency and confidence.
Small classes (maximum 13 students) for personalized attention and feedback.
Fully compliant for tourist visa holders and ideal for current U.S. residents.
Warm, welcoming learning community with skilled, supportive instructors.
Certificate of completion with CEFR level to document your progress.
Opportunities for extra practice, including free conversation time with volunteer tutors.
Maedeh’s experience learning English at ILI. This video was filmed and produced by Disquiet Dog as a donation to ILI.
Who are these part-time English courses for?
The Part-time English Program is an excellent choice for anyone who needs to improve their English in fewer hours each week. It is ideal for students visiting the U.S. on a tourist visa, or anyone whose visa type limits full-time study. It is also a great fit for current U.S. residents balancing work, family, or academic commitments who want steady progress without the full-time schedule.
Students who want to strengthen speaking and listening skills quickly—while studying in an interactive, supportive environment—will benefit most. With levels from A1 (Beginner) to C2 (Proficiency), the program welcomes learners at every stage and helps them move confidently toward their goals.
Benefits of our Part-time Intensive English classes
Students in the Part-time English Program make noticeable progress in a short time, especially in speaking and listening fluency for everyday conversations, academic situations, and professional interactions. The daily, morning-only schedule creates a steady rhythm that supports rapid improvement while still fitting easily into your life. Through constant peer collaboration, role-plays, discussions, and presentations, you build real confidence using English in meaningful ways.
Because lessons draw on real-world topics, multi-sensory activities, and student-selected themes, the skills you develop feel relevant and immediately useful. Whether your goal is clearer communication at work, smoother interactions in daily life, or stronger academic preparation, this program gives you the practical tools—and the confidence—to use English successfully beyond the classroom.
Program Info
Tuition FeesAbout $245/week
Language levelsA1 (Beginner) and up
Location
?
X
In-person
In-person lessons take place at our campus in downtown Northampton, MA and require your physical attendance.
You’re welcome to study for as long as you like, but all students must begin on one of our official program start dates. This ensures proper placement, a smooth first week, and the best possible learning experience.
Jan 05 to 30, 20264 weeksNo class Jan. 19︱Martin L. King, Jr. Day
Feb 02 to 27, 20264 weeksNo class Feb. 16︱Presidents’ Day
Mar 02 to 27, 20264 weeksNo classes Mar 30-April 03 | Vacation week
April 06 to May 01, 20264 weeksNo class April 20 | Patriots’ Day
May 04 to 29, 20264 weeksNo class May 25 | Memorial Day
June 01 to 26, 20264 weeksNo class June 19 | Juneteenth No classes June 29 to July 03 | Vacation week
July 06 to 31, 20264 weeks
August 03 to 28, 20264 weeksAugust 31 to September 04 | Vacation week
September 08 to October 02, 2026 4 weeks
October 05 to 30, 20264 weeksNo class October 12 | Indigenous Peoples’ Day
November 02 to December 18, 20267 weeksNo class Nov. 11, 26, 27 | Veterans’ Day & Thanksgiving
Program fees
Non-refundable Tuition Deposit: (Due with application)$75Deposit is applied toward your first month of tuition.
Tuition fees:$97515 hours per week x 4 weeks
Materials fees $150(a one-time fee)
Accommodation fees
Homestay placement fee:$125(non-refundable)
Homestay without meals:$165 per week
Homestay with meals:$290 per week
Excursions & activities
Optional day, weekend and evening activities may be offered for an additional fee:From $5/activity
Airport transportation
Hartford airport transportation: $85one-time, one-way from Bradley International, Hartford, CT
Boston airport transportation: $200one-time, one-way from Logan International, Boston, MA
Other options and fees
Once paid the following fees are generally non-refundable:
Wire transfer fee:$25(when you pay by bank wire)
Health insurance:$65 per month(this is required if you do not have a policy)
*Students must register for a minimum of one 4-week session, and may continue for as many 4-week sessions as they wish or as their visa allows. (Note: November and December run as a single 7-week session.)
When you arrive at our English school in Massachusetts, we will give you an assessment test to place you in the best class for your level.
You will find yourself in a class with other students of a level similar to yours, with everybody working together to reach individual English goals.
Our English language level system at ILI
The six Part-time English Program levels are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The learning goals of your English classes help you reach proficiency in your current level so that you can move on to the next level.
Tier 1: Basic English in Use
A1 Beginner Level : English classes teach you basic vocabulary and short phrases for survival in everyday situations. You learn the fundamentals of building sentences and questions and naming important objects, places, people, and activities.
A2 Elementary Level: English classes help you engage in simple conversations, give short presentations, make longer sentences, and write short paragraphs about familiar topics. You improve basic grammatical structures, pronunciation, and vocabulary to communicate about travel, school, and daily life using general English.
Tier 2: Intermediate English in Use
B1 Intermediate: English classes teach you how to communicate appropriately and clearly in most social, work, and school situations with greater ease. You work on correcting grammatical errors, using some academic and business English, and revising longer pieces of writing. You expand your knowledge of most common grammatical structures, while incorporating some idiomatic language into presentations and texts.
B2 Upper Intermediate: English classes help you communicate effectively about both familiar and unexpected topics in most social, business, and university situations with less strain and greater detail. You expand your academic and business English skills while reading authentic articles, composing essays, and conversing with a large degree of independence.
Tier 3: Advanced English in Use
C1 Advanced: Classes prepare you to speak, write, read, and listen in collaboration with native speakers in most professional and academic situations with relative ease. You enhance interpersonal skills to advance your career in an English speaking country, fixing minor grammatical errors and incorporating a wide range of grammatical structures, idioms and nuanced expressions to persuade, clarify, and elaborate.
C2 Proficiency: Classes support you as you master the ability to understand, synthesize, and analyze virtually everything heard or read. You enhance your knowledge of slang and jargon, perfect complex grammar and idiomatic language, and polish your communication skills for any professional or academic setting with consistent ease.
Students who show satisfactory progress and attend at least 80% of classes receive a Certificate of Completion, which states your CEFR English proficiency level (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) and number of weeks you studied. Your Certificate of Completion enhances your resume, CV, and college application. Plus, your Certificate of Completion travels home with you as a souvenir of your amazing experience!
Your Progress in English
One big question you might have is how long you need to study English until you reach your goals. The answer is not simple. Many factors affect the rate of your progress in English, such as:
Your start level in English.
Your learning pace and style of learning.
Your commitment to homework, self-study, and using English outside of school.
How well you cope with English-only instruction in the classroom and how comfortable you are joining in with classroom activities.
Your native language. It’s a fact that native speakers of some languages, like Spanish or French, may make progress faster than speakers of other languages, such as Arabic or Chinese.
Here is an approximation of how long it takes to go from Beginner level to each of the following levels:
A0 – A1 | Beginner to Elementary2-3 monthsThe learning journey from Beginner to Elementary takes about 2 to 3 months on average. Elementary is TOEFL iBT 0 – 20 | IELTS 0 – 2
A1 – A2 | Elementary to Upper Elementary3-5 monthsIt takes about 3 to 5 months to go from Beginner to Upper Elementary. Upper Elementary level is TOEFL iBT 20 – 40 | IELTS 2 – 4
A2 – B1 | Upper Elementary to Intermediate 6-8 monthsIt takes about 6 to 8 months to go from Beginner to Intermediate level in English. Intermediate is TOEFL iBT 40 – 60 | IELTS 4 – 6
B1 – B2 | Intermediate to Upper Intermediate8-9 monthsIt takes approximately 8 to 9 months of lessons and language immersion to go from Beginner to Upper Intermediate English. Upper Intermediate is TOEFL iBT 70 – 95 | IELTS 6 – 7
B2 – C1 | Upper Intermediate to Advanced9-10 monthsIt will take around 9 to 10 months to go from Beginner to an Advanced level of English. Advanced is TOEFL iBT 95 – 110 | IELTS 7 – 8
C1 – C2 | Advanced to Proficiency11 months +It will take at least 11 months to go from Beginner to Proficiency, with a considerable amount of time and effort in and out of class. Proficiency is TOEFL iBT 110 – 120 | IELTS 8 – 9
Northampton is a safe, walkable small city surrounded by nature — with a lively arts and dining scene, independent shops, five nearby colleges, and easy access to Boston and New York. Students enjoy afternoon exploration, museums, music, local hikes, farm stands, bookstores, and community events. It’s also an exceptionally friendly town where English learners can easily practice with native speakers in cafés, shops, and everyday interactions.
This is an English learning experience rooted in real American culture.
ILI can help you identify short-term housing options such as local rentals, homestays, and furnished rooms. Housing availability varies by season.
Airport transportation
We’ll help you get from your point of arrival in the United States, safely through to your new home in Northampton, Massachusetts. We can arrange an airport transfer from Bradley International Airport in Hartford, and Logan International Airport in Boston. You can book your transfer when you complete your application form.
We’re here to help make it as easy as possible for you to get from where you are now, to studying English in Massachusetts with ILI.
Here are some questions other students have asked us:
Selected FAQs
Absolutely. Many students decide to continue studying once they see their progress. As long as there is space available, you can extend your program month by month. Just speak with our staff, and we’ll be happy to help.
You’ll receive ongoing, personalized feedback during class as you participate in activities, discussions, and role-plays. Teachers also provide regular check-ins and short evaluations to show you what you’re improving and what to focus on next. You’ll always know exactly how you’re progressing and what steps will help you reach your goals. At the end of each session, students take an test to put in practice what they learned that month.
Yes. All classes in the Part-Time English Program take place in person at ILI’s welcoming campus in downtown Northampton, MA. This format helps you practice English naturally and build real connections with your classmates and teachers.
Yes. The Part-Time Program focuses on speaking and listening to help you communicate confidently in real-life situations. If you want additional reading and writing practice, you can add afternoon classes from our Intensive English Program to create a full-skill learning package tailored to your goals.
When you arrive at our English school in Massachusetts, you’ll take a short assessment test and have a friendly check-in with our team. This helps us place you in the class that best matches your level—from A1 (Beginner) to C2 (Proficiency). You’ll join a group of students with similar skills, all working together toward their individual English goals in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Yes —You can study English at ILI while you are here as a short-term visitor to the United States.
(If you have questions about visa requirements for your specific country, please contact your local U.S. consulate or embassy.)
Yes — arrival and departure flexibility is possible depending on your travel plans.
Yes — additional afternoon study options may be available once you are enrolled.
Yes — we offer start dates at the beginning of each month, year-round based on class availability.
No. We welcome all levels — students take a placement test and join a class that fits their level.
Part-time English Program Cancellation & Refund Policy
If you withdraw prior to the start of class, we will refund any tuition and any refundable fees paid in advance. However, nonrefundable fees including, but not limited to, the registration, homestay placement, wire transfer and express mail fees will be retained by ILI. (See list of non-refundable fees here.) Your refund will be processed within 30 days of your cancellation date
In case of rejection of applicant, same as above (refund will be issued within 30 days of notification.) However, non-refundable fees will be retained by ILI.
If you postpone your course, you must notify us at least two weeks in advance of the starting date. If you cancel your course after you have postponed it, ILI will retain all non-refundable fees including, but not limited to, the registration, home-stay placement, wire transfer and express mail fees. However, any tuition paid will be refunded. A new application with full payments and a new set of non-refundable registration, homestay placement, wire transfer and express mail fees must be completed if you need to postpone for more than three months.
If you cancel prior to the course start date but after arrival in the US, ILI will charge (or retain) tuition and accommodation charges equal to the first 4 weeks. In addition, ILI will keep all non-refundable fees (including registration, and homestay placement)
If you withdraw at anytime during the program, ILI will keep the first four weeks of tuition and the above-mentioned non-refundable fees. ILI will refund any additional tuition paid, minus the first four weeks, minus additional weeks during which you attended, and minus any partial week during which you attended at least one day. Refunds will be issued within 30 days of notification (or the date which ILI withdraws the student administratively due to failure to meet attendance, academic, behavioral or financial requirements).
If you leave due to a personal emergency, but plan to return to ILI within 12 months time, the unused portion of that month’s tuition will be credited toward your returning to the school. However, a new application with a new set of non-refundable registration, homestay placement, wire transfer and express mail fees must be completed if you need to postpone for more than three months.
If course is cancelled by ILI, all fees (including non-refundable charges) will be refunded.
If you withdraw from the home-stay program before the agreed upon departure date and do not give two weeks notice, ILI will retain 2 additional weeks of housing fees and refund any remaining balance you paid.
There is no monetary compensation made for instruction lost because of emergencies or bad weather occurring during the program. Assignments and lessons will be provided through Google Classroom for students to complete at home.
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, English students should contact the Director of English Programs, Macey Faiella 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.
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
Sergei from Russia studied English at ILI
