Where to Learn English in Lahore, Pakistan

"Speak English fluent in only one month!" "7 Band on IELTS guaranteed!" "Special discount on spoken English classes!" With signs and banners for English classes everywhere in Lahore, you'd think that opportunities to learn the language abound. Unfortunately, anyone with an empty room can turn it into a 'college' overnight, and many of the so-called English teachers would never be able to communicate with a native speaker. I'd guess that at least 30% of signs for language schools even have misspellings or grammar issues, like the first quote given above where "fluent" should be the adverb "fluently."

Here are some of the places that I can personally recommend for learning English, preparing for IELTS, or getting honest advice about studying and living abroad.

University Connections

The first place I always recommend my friends is University Connections in Phase IV Defence. This language school and consultancy is run by Mr. Tayyib Muqeem, who is committed to giving honest advice and providing quality education. Tayyib has over a decade of experience in the field of education in the U.K., has taught at the British Council and has taught at many prestigious institutions in Pakistan. I know Tayyib and his wife personally, and I can assure you that they will have your best interest in mind when sign up for classes at University Connections.

University Connections offers classes in Business Communication, Spoken English, Women's English, Kids' English, and IELTS Preparation. They also offer student consultancy services and teacher training programs. If you're looking for solid advice from someone who understands both Pakistani and Western culture and societies, this is where I'd send you.

CENTRAL COMMERCIAL AREA, 143 CCA 4, PHASE 4 DHA, LAHORE CANTT (Beneath Café Afrodexiac)

Phone: +92 42 5735069, Cell: 0300-4668174

E-mail: info@university-connections.org

STEP

STEP College, funded by a group in the U.K., is located in New Muslim Town, facing the canal. English courses are only one of the myriad of fields you can pursue at STEP, as they also have departments of Education Management, Business & Management, Arts & Design, and Training and Development. Their English courses are affordable and offered at convenient times. You can sign up for IELTS, business English, kids' programs, spoken English, or even dabble in some German while you're at it.

The campus exudes a funky feel and is full of hip young students and future fashion designers. Some of their teachers are native speakers, and all of the English teachers speak English well.

Address: 4-C New Muslim Town (facing Canal), Lahore, Pakistan

UAN: +92-42-111-020-020

Email: info@step.edu.pk

British Council

The British Council is located in central Lahore and offers a variety of language courses and services for those who want to study or live abroad. The only hang up with the British Council is that you can't just drop by at your own leisure to check it out. You must phone ahead and set up an appointment due to security reasons.

On site you can sign up for IELTS preparation, teacher training courses, English language classes, or even learn about taking English classes in the U.K. The staff at the British Council is very professional, and this is another place you can be sure you won't be scammed.

Telephone: 0800-22000 (within Pakistan only from Mondays to Thursdays 9.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and on Friday 9.30 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.)

Fax: +92 (42) 111 425 425

E-mail: info@britishcouncil.org.pk

Berlitz

Berlitz caters to the business community as their course fees are generally higher than the other establishments mentioned. They have an attractive building near Hussain Chowk and train all of their instructors in the Berlitz method. They don't only offer English, but they also offer courses in other languages including Spanish, French and Chinese. Many of the teachers are native speakers of the target languages. Berlitz also has a center in Karachi.

Address: 37 A/II, Gulberg III

Phone: +92 42 111 237548

Fax: +092 42 58788906

Ali Institute of Education

Ali Institute, located on Ferozepur Road near Gulab Devi Hospital, is an NGO that focuses on teacher training and education development. During summers, they offer the Language Improvement Program (LIP) for both adults and children. The majority of participants are in-service teachers, but anyone is welcome to join. The fees for language courses here are likely to be cheaper than any of the options above. Right now, Ali Institute is working on expanding their Language Improvement Program to offer courses of different levels all year round. In the future, they plan to add advanced modules in Business English and Creative Writing as well.

The institute offers short courses in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for teachers all year round and hosts many festivals and activities for children. A new English Language Teaching (ELT) is due to commence in 2009.

Shahrah-e-Roomi, (Ferozepur Road) Lahore, 54600

Telephone: 5882913, 5885065, 5837080 Fax: 5868525

e-mail: aie@aie.edu.pk web: www.aie.edu.pk