Why learn English in Washington DC?

Despite being the nation’s capital, Washington DC can sometimes be overlooked by visitors, who are often more drawn to hotspots like New York, Las Vegas and Chicago.

It is certainly very different to New York and Las Vegas, which, in fairness, are unique the world over, but when it comes to history, culture and green spaces it certainly proves a worthy rival to Chicago.

So, why should you choose Washington DC as a place to learn English?

1. Easily accessible with good transport links

Washington DC is unique among American cities because it was established by the Constitution of the United States expressly to serve as the nation’s capital. It was built around the Potomac River, which was considered a natural midpoint between the northern and southern states. Its location means that many other cities in America are easily accessible from Washington DC, and its status as capital city of America means that its airports are really well served internationally. There are three airports in the Washington DC area – Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).

2. Full of history and culture

Washington DC was officially founded on July 16, 1790. It was designed by French-born architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant as a bold new capital with sweeping boulevards and ceremonial spaces reminiscent of those in Paris. During the War of 1812, many of the city’s buildings, including the White House, were burned down by British forces in retaliation for an attack on York, now known as Toronto. However, the British left the residential areas untouched and also spared the home of the Commandant of the Marines, located on Marine Barracks, as a sign of respect and is now the oldest government building in continuous use in the nation’s capital.

After more than two hundred years as the capital of America, Washington has been the backdrop for many a momentous event. It has also developed into a fascinating city, with a unique personality that continues to attract people from a variety of states and countries, who come for a variety of reasons.

3. Easy to get around

Washington DC city centre is actually relatively small, and can certainly be easily explored on foot. There is a good range of public transport options though, so anyone who prefers to get around this way can easily do so – the city boasts a great metro system, plenty of bus routes and lots of taxis.

4. Clean and spacious feel

Visitors to Washington DC often comment on its spacious feel, and how clean it is. Unlike many American cities, there are relatively few high buildings as Washington has prohibited tall buildings for nearly 100 years, since the Building Heights Act was passed in 1910. The act stated that no building can surpass the Washington Monument in height – it currently stands at just over 550 feet.

There are lots of parks in Washington, which prides itself on being a very green city, both literally, and in terms of looking after the environment too.

5. Cosmopolitan and welcoming of foreign visitors

Washington DC is a very cosmopolitan city and is home to many nationalities. Some of the foreigners who live in ‘DC’ are there to work – Washington has more embassies than any other city in the world and is also home to international organisations such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. Others, however, are there to study at one of the many universities in the area. Included in the list are Georgetown University, George Mason University and the George Washington University.

6. Vibrant nightlife and entertainment options

Washington has an enviable selection of nightlife options, many of which cater for the thousands of students in the city. There are over 40 performing arts venues and theatres, and over 100 restaurants in downtown Washington.

The city is also home to four major sporting venues and eight major professional teams including the Redskins (football), Mystics (basketball) and Capitals (hockey).

Currently, Cactus offers General English, Intensive English and TOEFL courses in Washington DC. For full details, and information on other US destinations, please visit the Cactus Language website.