No, our English as a Second Language (ESL) service is completely free—always.
We do not charge for books, materials, or fees. Redwood ESL is supported by private donations and is staffed mostly by volunteers, so we do not rely on government funding or other organizations.
This service is for adult immigrants living permanently in the United States who have a specific goal, such as supporting a family, working, or succeeding in an existing ESL class.
Applicants should have basic computer skills and be willing to practice English between sessions. We prioritize helping those who cannot afford a private online tutor.
Almost all immigrants face challenges with English, and that is okay. If you can understand this webpage and manage to order food at a restaurant, your English is sufficient for the program. Please note that all tutoring sessions are conducted entirely in English.
We tutor adult immigrants who reside in the US.
Your tutor will be a patient, experienced volunteer, often a lifelong American-English speaker, dedicated to helping you achieve fluency.
They have typically mastered English through teaching or other professional experience.
Yes, working through real-life scenarios is an excellent way to gain fluency and master spoken English.
Many of our tutors are multilingual, but all online tutoring sessions are conducted in English.
We offer flexible scheduling. We will match you with a tutor whose availability aligns with yours, which often means you can find a suitable time and start learning without delay. All meetings are held online. For sessions, you will need a quiet location with a reliable internet connection.
You must have a computer equipped with a functional camera and microphone. Our tutoring methodology requires a computer; a smartphone is not suitable for most sessions. You will also need to be familiar with your computer and the basic operations of Google Meet and Google Docs.
Click the “Apply Today” button to complete and submit your application. A member of the Redwood ESL Team will then contact you to schedule an introductory online meeting.
