English course in Singapore for foreigners
Berlitz Singapore teaches English to adults who live, work or study in Singapore. Learn one-on-one or in a small personalised group with native-speaking or native-level instructors, taught in English from day one with the original immersive method. Study at our Orchard Road centre or online.
Who our English course for foreigners is for
You don't need to share a language with your instructor. Lessons are taught in English from day one, in real-life situations, not translation or grammar drills. Every course starts with a needs assessment of your goals, your situation and your current level, so the course fits where you are.
Basic English course for foreigners
For adults starting with little or no English. Greetings, numbers, directions, shopping, food, transport, simple questions and answers. Every lesson is task-based with a specific learning goal, so you use the language right away.
Study English in Singapore as an international student
For students at a Singapore university, polytechnic or private school. Work on the speaking, listening and academic English you need for lectures, group work and daily life. Preparing for a test? We also run an IELTS preparation course.
English for work
For Employment Pass, S Pass and work permit holders who understand English but hesitate to speak it. Meetings, emails, presentations, phone calls, small talk with clients. Your needs assessment covers your job and your goals, and lessons are built around them.
English for daily life
For new arrivals, spouses and dependants settling in. Clinics, banks, schools, HDB and condo life, talking to neighbours and colleagues. Flexible schedules, in person or online.
English when your first language is very different
For speakers of Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and other languages. Lessons are in English only, so no shared language is needed. Your needs assessment sets what to work on first, whether that's pronunciation, listening or sentence structure.
You get by, but want to sound natural
For learners who can hold a conversation but hesitate, translate in their head or get lost when native speakers talk fast. Fluency, accuracy, vocabulary and pronunciation for work and social situations.
What you learn in our English classes
Lessons follow the Berlitz Method. What you cover is set by your needs assessment: your goals, your situation and your current level.
- Immersion. Lessons are taught in English from day one, in real-life situations, not translation or grammar drills.
- Goal-oriented. Every lesson is task-based with a specific learning goal, so you use the language right away.
- Present, practise, perform. The instructor presents new content. You practise it, first guided and then freely. Then you perform it.
- Pronunciation and clarity. Sounds, stress and rhythm that make you easier to understand.
- Listening. Understanding English spoken at normal speed at work, at school and in daily life.
- Everyday conversation. Shops, clinics, transport, housing, socialising, small talk.
- Workplace and academic English. Meetings, presentations, email, phone and video calls, class discussions.
- Reading and writing. Emails, forms, messages and documents, as far as your goals need.
Not sure which format is right? Contact us.
Tell us a little about yourself and a Program Advisor will call you back within one working day for a short placement chat, then recommend a level, a format and available slots. No commitment.
Why foreigners choose Berlitz for an English course in Singapore
Lessons are taught in English from day one, in real-life situations, not translation or grammar drills. You don't need a shared language with your instructor.
Learn one-on-one with a native-speaking or native-level instructor, or in a small personalised group.
Private instruction gives you the instructor's full attention. Semi-private instruction is a small personalised group at a lower price. Intensive classes are also available.
The centre is open Mon–Fri 8:30am–9:15pm and Sat 8:30am–5:30pm. Private and semi-private instruction are also available as live online lessons.
A needs assessment, orientation, progress reviews and a test before each new level. You get a Berlitz certificate when you complete each level.
A global language leader since 1878, with 500+ Berlitz language centres worldwide. In Singapore, you'll find us on the 16th floor of Ngee Ann City Tower B, Orchard Road.
Class format and schedule
Already speak English and want to focus on fluency? See our English speaking course. Want a language other than English? Berlitz Singapore teaches 13 languages. See all language courses.
English course fees
Fees depend on the format you choose. All prices are in SGD. Returning Berlitz students should speak with a Program Advisor about the re-enrolment discount.
At our Orchard Road centre
Live online or self-paced
Also available: the Berlitz assessment test, the Berlitz writing test and an IELTS preparation course.
English classes for foreigners in Singapore: common questions
I have almost no English. Is there a basic English course for me?
Yes. Every course starts with a needs assessment of your goals, your situation and your current level. Lessons are taught in English from day one, in real-life situations rather than translation, and every lesson has a specific learning goal, so you use the language right away.
Do you teach in Mandarin, Japanese or my first language?
No. Lessons are taught in English from day one. That's the Berlitz Method, the original immersive method: real-life situations, not translation or grammar drills. You don't need to share a language with your instructor.
How much does the English course cost?
In person, private instruction is from $1,900, semi-private instruction is $1,000 and intensive classes are from $1,900. Online, live private instruction is from $1,800, live semi-private instruction is $950 and CyberTeachers (self-paced) is from $210. All prices are in SGD.
Can I do lessons online instead?
Yes. Private and semi-private instruction are both available as live online lessons, and CyberTeachers is a self-paced online option.
How long until I can speak confidently?
It depends on your starting level, your goals and how often you have lessons. Your needs assessment sets your goals, progress reviews check you're on track, and you take a test before moving up a level.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. You receive a Berlitz certificate when you complete each level.
Is this the same as an IELTS course?
No. This course builds speaking, listening and everyday English. If you need a band score, see our IELTS preparation course.
Where is Berlitz Singapore and when is it open?
391B Orchard Road, #16-01 Ngee Ann City Tower B, Singapore 238874. That's Tower B, 16th floor, not Tower A where Takashimaya is. The centre is open Mon–Fri 8:30am–9:15pm and Sat 8:30am–5:30pm, and closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Have a different question? Contact us, see our IELTS preparation course, or call +65 6733 7472.