Language Courses in Chicago

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Chicago is the most populous city in the Midwest and it thrives on the harmony and diversity of its neighborhoods,. Its metropolitan area is home to around 10 million people, and the city’s busy cultural scene and flourishing economy has historically attracted immigrants from all over the world. And in a nation of immigrants, few cities reflect our country’s rich melting pot better than Chicago. You only have to take a stroll through Chicago to experience many different cultures in just one city: You can visit Chinatown, Portuguese restaurants, Little India, a small Koreatown, and the Japanese, Greek and Italian neighborhoods. Also, the city is home to expats from Ireland, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Korea, China, India, and many other countries! In fact, over 160 languages are spoken in Chicago, according to the 2011 census, and about 30% of the city’s population speaks a language other than English at home. So, if you are thinking about connecting with these communities on a deeper level, why don’t you sign up to learn one of these languages with us? Doing so will allow you to explore cultural events, broaden your professional horizons, and make new friends in Chicago and beyond!

Where to Practice Foreign Languages in Chicago: Taking language lessons with us will certainly bring about great results, but to master a language and achieve your goals quickly, it is crucial that you practice outside the classroom too, especially your listening and speaking skills. One of the best ways to develop your pronunciation and fluency, for example, is to join a meet-up group where you can meet native speakers and other language students. A popular language exchange group in Chicago is Meet International People, with almost 12,000 members! The founders organize weekly gatherings so members can get to know each other, have some fun, and practice a whole array of languages, such as English, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, French, and more! They welcome people of all ages and levels of proficiency, so you can join them even if you are just starting your course with Language Trainers.

Where to Study Foreign Languages in Chicago: And if you are interested in using your foreign language skills to undertake higher education, you will be happy to know that Chicago is home to very prestigious establishments, like the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, where you can study many different languages. In the University of Chicago, for example, you have can choose to take courses in 50 different languages, from the popular French, Spanish, or Italian to more exotic ones, like Urdu, Syriac, or Swahili. And those who are not interested in enrolling in a university but still want to learn a new language can find many institutions that offer courses. One of them is Language Trainers, and we specialize in preparing tailor-made courses that can help you become fluent in the language of your choosing in no time. Our instructors are native-speaking professionals who will design the lessons to fit your goals and preferences. For example, we can adapt our Exam Preparation course to prepare you for an officially recognized language exam—like the IELTS if you are studying English, which you can take in ELS Language Center Chicago on Division Street.

Language Jobs in Chicago: Chicago has one of the highest GDPs of cities around the world, generating over $680 billion in 2018, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. There is also plenty of job security, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics putting the unemployment rate at only 3.6% in 2018. With one of the most diversified and balanced economies, there is an opportunity for you to expand your skills into different areas, and having a second or even third language will help you stand out when compared to monolingual applicants. Also, Chicago is a well-known international center for business, and learning languages can help you broaden your professional horizons and access the many job opportunities only available to bilingual speakers. For example, several big companies in the city are always looking to hire fluent foreign language speakers, such as Salesforce, Marriott International, Ryan LLC, and CarMax. Give your career a boost and start learning with us today!

Language for Culture in Chicago: Chicago hosts many social activities throughout the year, including famous concerts, screenings, shows, and lively parties, like the annual Chicago Beer Classic and the Millennium Park Summer Music Series, which draw in audiences from around the world. Learning foreign languages, then, will help you enhance your experiences if you decide to take part in one or more of the 30+ annual parades, 30+ film festivals, and 200+ live music venues that take place throughout the year. For example, those studying German will find that the Chicago's Goethe Institut is host to many German events, from showcasing German art and photographic exhibitions to dramatic performances of Grimm's Fairy Tales, there is something for everyone. And if you are studying French, you can participate in cultural celebrations like Bastille Day, which is taken very seriously, with the Alliance Française of Chicago overseeing its organization. No matter the language you are studying, there is something for everyone. Check out the Choose Chicago site to find out about every cultural event happening in the city throughout the year.

Whether you choose to study a new language in Chicago for job opportunities or cultural exploration, Language Trainers offers tailor-made language courses that fit your schedule and meet your specific needs. We offer instruction in small group settings as well as one-on-one sessions, delivered at your convenience. You just need to contact us and we will make all the necessary arrangements for you to study in the comfort of your home or office. Or if you decide to take your lessons in a public space, just let us know and we will be there! Some options where you can learn a foreign language in Chicago are the Harold Washington Library Center on S. State Street, Toni Patisserie & Café on E. Washington Street, or Meli Cafe on S. Dearborn Street.

In case you are living in the outskirts of Chicago, don’t worry; We also have great teachers living in areas like Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Peoria, Elgin, and Naperville.

Already know something of the language you want to learn? Contact us and take one of our language level tests, so we can understand your current language proficiency and offer the best course package for you!