Improve Your English in Knoxville!
We offer in-person short courses for students, professionals, and community members looking to build their English skills. Open to the public, these English for Specific Purposes (ESP) classes focus on real-world goalsâwhether you’re aiming to advance in Business, improve Academic Speaking, or succeed on tests like TOEFL or OPIc.
Academic Listening & Speaking
Focus: Improve listening and speaking for academic and professional settings. Practice active listening, understanding complex topics, and speaking clearly in discussions and presentations.
Schedule: Thursdays, 6:30 â 8:00 PM
Term: January 22â March 19 2026
Duration: 8 weeks | Total Hours: 12 hours
Cost: $325
Status: Open for enrollment (click here to apply now)
Business English
Focus: Improve speaking and listening for meetings, presentations, and workplace discussions, as well as writing skills for emails, reports, and other workplace communication.
Schedule: Saturdays, 9:00 â 11:00 AM
Term: February 7- April 4 2026
Duration: 8 weeks | Total Hours: 16 hours
Cost: $475
Status: Open for enrollment (click here to apply now)
English Language Test Prep: TOEFL, IELTS, DET
Focus:Â Learn test strategies to improve your English proficiency exam scores.
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:45pm-2:30pm
Term: April 7- May 12 2026
Duration: 6 weeks | Hours: 10 hours
Cost: $250
Status: Open for enrollment (click here to apply now)
This course is also offered online: Click here to learn more about online.Â
OPIc Speaking Test Prep
Focus: This course offers specialized OPIc test preparation through targeted spoken English practice, personalized feedback, and self-paced online modules, and includes one in-person group session plus three one-on-one tutoring sessions to build fluency, confidence, and test-taking strategies.
Format: 4 Zoom sessions + 4 self-paced modules
Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Cost: $300 (non-UTK students)
We offer short courses year-round. Donât see dates that work for you? Contact us for more info!
Ready to Join?
To apply for these courses, click “Apply now” to complete the application form and submit a one-time $50 application fee. This fee is valid for one year, so you can explore all our course offerings without needing to reapply.
Apply now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Click on questions to view answers
Who can enroll in these courses?Our short courses are open to anyone interested in improving their English skills, including students, professionals, and community members. Each course is designed for specific proficiency levels, so check the course descriptions for guidance.
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How do I register for a course?Simply click on the âApply Nowâ button to fill out the application form and pay a one-time $50 application fee, which is valid for one year.
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When do the courses start and how long do they last?Course start dates and durations vary by class. Each course description includes specific dates and the number of weeks the course will run.
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What is the cost of each course?Prices vary per course and are listed in each course description. Discounts may be available if you sign up for multiple courses at once.
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What happens if a course has fewer than 5 students?If a course has fewer than five students, we may cancel the course. You will be notified by email if this happens, and we will discuss alternative options or a refund.
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Do you offer online classes that fit around my work schedule?Yes! We offer flexible online classes, including asynchronous courses that allow you to learn at your own pace. For live classes, we also have evening and weekend options to accommodate busy work schedules. Click here to learn more about our online program.
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Are there discounts available?We occasionally offer discounts for early registration or group enrollments. Check our website or contact us for details on current promotions.
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