edX Online

Learn English as a second language (ESL)

Find out how learning English through online ESL classes can help you land a job in a field you're passionate about.

Why learn ESL?

English as a second language (ESL) is an educational term that applies to those who desire to learn English but natively speak another language.

Completing a course or program in the English language can open doors for international roles or help you conduct business with English speakers.

ESL job opportunities can be found in a number of sectors and industries, including business, education, healthcare, and government. You can choose your own time commitment and budget by deciding whether to enroll in a course, certificate, or degree program.

What you can learn with an education in ESL

ESL classes teach you how to speak, read, and write in English. Start your English language learning with courses that teach you:

  • English vocabulary and grammar.
  • How and when to use different verb tenses.
  • How to write in informal and formal styles.
  • How to communicate with other English speakers across cultural contexts.
  • How to prepare for job interviews in English.

You can find courses designed to prepare you for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS).

If you've already started learning English, but you'd like to deepen your knowledge in a specific area, look for courses that focus on:

Browse online ESL courses

Show More

Related Topics

Choosing the right ESL program for you

Whether you're just learning conversational English or you need to master it for your business and professional goals, edX courses and certificate programs can help you get there. Find courses in conversational English, academic English, cover letter writing, and TOEFL or IELTS test prep.

TOEFL or IELTS preparation

TOEFL and IELTS verify that you know how to speak, read, and write in the English language. You can use edX courses in TOEFL or IELTS prep to help you prepare to take these exams.

Schools and employers may use scores from these tests to determine whether your English skills meet the requirements of the job or degree program. Check with your potential employer or university to find out which of these tests they prefer or if they will take either.

Courses

ESL classes can be beneficial for beginning and intermediate language learners and those who want to understand the nuances of English. Courses may be offered online. Classes cover the fundamentals of grammar and style for various types of writing, specific topics like communicating clearly with native speakers, test prep for TOEFL or IELTS certification, and academic English and business terminology.

Certificates

ESL certificate programs can help you learn more about the English language than you would in a single course. If you're a beginner English language learner, consider a certificate program that teaches you to speak, read, and write conversational and academic English. If you've already learned the basics of English and need to communicate effectively in the business world, consider a certificate program that teaches English for business, technology, and industry.

Jobs that benefit from English language skills

When you know two languages, you can leverage that knowledge to land roles in many industries and settings, including business, healthcare, education, and government. Below, find jobs that you may qualify for by learning English, including salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Interpreter

Interpreters convert spoken communication from one language to another. You may also consider converting written information as a translator. This role may require you to create glossaries and terminology databases, render messages between languages, and help others interpret nuanced aspects of communication like style and tone.

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree in foreign language, business, or communications
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $59,440
Human resources specialist

As a human resources specialist, you hire and support employees throughout their journey at a company. Responsibilities may include determining hiring needs, recruiting and selecting candidates, onboarding and training new employees, managing payroll and benefits, communicating workplace expectations, and resolving conflicts between employees.

A human resources specialist who can speak multiple languages can communicate more effectively with employees and job applicants from many backgrounds, which is increasingly valuable as the economy becomes more globalized.

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, communications, or a related field
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $72,910
Police officer or detective

Police officers and detectives investigate crimes, make arrests, collect evidence, respond to calls, and patrol their communities. They may interact with people from many different backgrounds who speak various languages.

Knowing English and another language as a police officer could help you foster better communication and relationships with the community you serve. Being able to communicate effectively in two languages helps save time, de-escalate situations, and provide clarity.

Learn ESL online with edX

Learning English can help you expand your professional horizons. Explore English degree programs or sign up for an online course to get started on your journey.

Explore ESL programs

More opportunities for you to learn

We've added 500+ learning opportunities to create one of the world's most comprehensive free-to-degree online learning platforms.