American English Language School

 At American English Language School (AELS) Los Angeles , building confidence is just as important as learning grammar or vocabulary. Many students understand English but hesitate to speak. Our daily classroom structure is designed to change that—step by step. One key reason this is possible at AELS Los Angeles is our small group class format , with an average of 5–7 students per class . This allows instructors to provide individualized attention while maintaining a supportive group environment. In small classes, students participate more actively. They speak more often, ask questions freely, and receive immediate feedback from instructors. Daily practice includes conversation exercises, idioms, listening activities, and real-life scenarios students encounter outside the classroom. Because students see familiar classmates every day, they become more comfortable making mistakes and trying again. This consistency reduces anxiety and supports steady improvement in speaking and liste...

The TOEFL iBT® test is changing in 2026 , and students planning to study at universities in the U.S. should begin preparing early. At American English Language School (AELS) Irvine , we not only help students prepare for the new TOEFL format — we are also an ETS-approved TOEFL iBT Test Center , offering a unique advantage for serious test-takers. What Is Changing in TOEFL 2026? The updated TOEFL focuses more on real academic English , not just test strategies. Students can expect: More practical reading and listening tasks Updated speaking and writing questions Greater focus on communication skills used in university classrooms This means students must develop strong academic vocabulary, listening, speaking, and writing skills . New TOEFL Scoring System TOEFL will move from the traditional 0–120 score to a new 1.0–6.0 band scale . In general: 5.0–6.0 = Strong university-level English 4.0–4.5 = Intermediate academic English Universities will update their adm...

Many students in the United States decide they would like to stay longer to study English seriously and improve their future opportunities. Applying for a Change of Status to F-1 Student Visa can be an excellent option, but it is also a process that requires careful attention. At American English Language School, we work with many students who successfully change their status to F-1, and we have seen some common mistakes that students can avoid. Not Choosing a Serious, SEVP-Approved School One of the most important parts of the Change of Status application is showing that you are enrolling in a real, structured, and meaningful program. Choosing a school that does not provide strong academics or proper guidance can negatively affect your application. American English Language School is SEVP-approved and offers structured ESL programs that demonstrate true educational purpose, which is important when applying. Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Documents Another common mistake is submitt...

Many students living in the United States discover that they want to continue their education here. If you are currently in the U.S. under another visa—such as B1/B2 (tourist), H-4, or another non-immigrant status—you may be eligible to change your status to F-1 to study full-time at American English Language School (AELS). At AELS, we regularly assist students through this process and provide guidance every step of the way. What Does “Change of Status” Mean? A Change of Status allows students already inside the U.S. to switch their current visa status to F-1 Student Visa without leaving the country. Once approved, you may legally stay in the U.S. and study full-time at an SEVP-approved school like AELS. Why Choose AELS for Your Change of Status? ✔️ Experienced staff familiar with USCIS and SEVIS requirements ✔️ Professional guidance and documentation support ✔️ Strong approval success history ✔️ High-quality ESL programs designed for academic success ✔️ Supportiv...

 The holiday season at American English Language School (AELS) Irvine is a time of both celebration and focus. While many take a break, our students continue building their English skills and preparing for the upcoming academic term with dedication and determination. Recently, students gathered at our Irvine campus for placement testing and ESL classes in a warm, supportive environment. These sessions help ensure that each student is placed at the appropriate level and receives instruction tailored to their goals—whether for academic study, professional growth, or maintaining valid F-1 student status. At AELS, we believe consistency is key to language success. Even during the holidays, our instructors remain committed to providing structured lessons, clear guidance, and individualized support. Students benefit not only from English instruction, but also from a strong academic community where learning continues year-round. As we look ahead to the new year, we are excited to welco...

Learning English is not only about grammar and vocabulary. To sound natural and confident, students must also understand idioms —expressions that native speakers use daily but that often do not make sense word-for-word. At American English Language School, we regularly teach idioms as part of our ESL curriculum so students can better understand real conversations at school, work, and in daily life. Below are three common English idioms ESL students hear all the time, along with simple explanations and examples. 1. Spill the Beans Meaning: To reveal a secret or share information that was supposed to be private. Native speakers use this idiom frequently in casual conversation. It does not involve beans—it simply means telling the truth or revealing information. Example: She spilled the beans about the surprise party. This idiom helps students understand informal conversations, especially among friends or coworkers. 2. Time Flies Meaning: Time passes very quickly. This express...