Where can newcomers find free English classes, libraries and community programs?

Phoenix Public Library gives free cards to Phoenix residents, and the other cities run their own systems on the same model: branches with English-as-a-second-language conversation groups, citizenship classes, homework help, story times in several languages, free Wi-Fi and computers, and often a “new to the country” resource desk [1]. The library is also where you learn what else is happening in the neighbourhood.

For structured English, the Maricopa Community Colleges’ adult education programmes teach ESL and high-school-equivalency preparation at little or no cost across the Valley, alongside the credit courses that many newcomers use to re-credential or retrain [2]. The Department of Economic Security’s ARIZONA@WORK centres help with job search, résumés in the US format and training funds [3].

Cities run parks-and-recreation programmes for children and adults, community centres and senior centres, usually listed on the city site; Phoenix’s is the largest [4]. Cultural associations and places of worship for most communities are active in the East Valley and central Phoenix and are quick ways to meet people who made the same move.