As I’ve been an English teacher for over 25 years, from time to time I get asked this question: Where should I study English? Well, in my experience, there’s no clear-cut answer that works for everyone. First off, there are many factors we have to consider to get a workable and customized answer. Let’s have a look at them:
1. Age
2. Availability for studying
3. Objectives
4. Deadlines
5. Learning Styles
6. Budget
7. Commuting
8. Technological skills
9. Language Level
Yes, we do have to consider all this in order to answer this question and suit each client’s needs. So let’s see each factor in some detail and try to give a satisfactory answer.
1. Age of the prospective student
This is one of the most important factors as it will determine most of the others. However, we all know that schoolers and young people up to the age of 16 enjoy an active social life and are only happy to go to language schools. Most of them are already familiar with some English especially because of the technology they handle themselves. Besides, they are so engaged with social media and let’s be honest, these are the people who would benefit the most from going places to study.
2. Time availabity to study
Here too, the young usually have more time to study with less pressure, though times have changed so much. It’s true that both young and older have busy lives, but it’s also true that older people often have more family and work obligations. Studying a language becomes then something you really don’t want to do unless you must, and we tend to put it at the end of the list. And they’re right because studying a language as easy as English would require at least two to three lessons per week to kick in, not to mention, out-of-class practice for reinforcement; only then can we see results.
3. Objectives
We want to have clear objectives that justify so much effort, don’t we? I couldn’t agree more. Grown-ups find it very hard to get to do what we really want because we are absorbed by the thousands things we have to do. However that doesn’t mean we enjoy doing them, chances are we don’t. So if we are to study English, we’d better enjoy it. Suffice to say it’s essential that we get to enjoy what we do or else we will drop it pretty soon. Objectives can be and are many and they are related to our dreams, careers, current jobs, promotions, studies and so forth. They could be so different in nature like: passing an international exam, having an interview, getting a promotion where a higher and competent level of English is paramount, being able to hold conference calls.
4. Deadlines
Whatever your age, if you have an international exam to sit, you have tight deadlines. Same applies to interviews and academic needs. You objectives are super clear and you have no time to waste. On the other hand, you can have no urge to study, you can take your time, not that you don’t have an objective but you just manage your time and it all depends on you setting the deadlines, then yes, you have way more options and it’ll mainly depend on you learning style, which we’ll discuss now.
5. Learning Styles
From experience, the younger you are, the more flexible and techie you’ll be. Learning English or any language for that matter is the perfect opportunity to embark on such an adventure. If you’re like me, surely you hate being caught up in traffic as you go places, do errands and so on. Wouldn’t it be just great if you didn’t have to go anywhere and do all from home or anywhere you are? Yes, just like your banking or online shopping! You CAN learn English using whatever means you prefer: your smartphone, iPhone, tablet, laptop or desktop. In fact, you can be anywhere, literally, ANYWHERE: home, ANY part of your home, the park, your favourite coffee bar, on the bus, the metro, waiting at the doctor’s office, at the airport and the list is endless. It does take an open mind and patience with yourself as YOU get used to these new methods. You can choose among using apps with customized learning materials; interactive games, tests, videos, PDFs, podcasts, and customized audios. You can check your progress and get better every time by repetition.
6. Budget
We would be worried about how expensive education is, and indeed it could be. However, today we have plenty of free resources and websites from the best institutions and universities in the world you and me have access to today. We’ll find something for all budgets though. It’s true that the more specific and personalised the courses are, the more expensive they would tend to be. You can choose to attend a popular language school with affordable prices and the usual digital educational technologies, only to find you can only access them through its Self Access Centre or be enrolled in a current course. Also, schedules might not be as flexible especially because the shortest study period is a 90-minute class. Besides, it’s 6 to 12 cycles for every level depending on class frequency.
7. Commuting to language centres
Honestly, would you? If you live in a big capital like me, you wouldn’t if you can help it. Especially if you leave work at rush hour. Getting to class all frantic, smashed and angry at the world is not exactly the best attitude to promote learning. Again, you know what I mean. Just make numbers among the time wasted on the traffic each class day; the fact that you just couldn’t finish homework because you had a million things do to. You’re soooo tired, so fed up with traffic, noise, rude people.
8. Are you a techie?
As mentioned before, the more ‘computer-friendly’ you are, the more benefits you’ll reap from both traditional and online lessons. Anyway, the rudiments of technological tools can be a part of your English learning. Each day new educational platforms and tools are created and they are simpler and appealing both for teachers and students.
9. Language level
Another aspect to consider is your background knowledge of the language. Sitting a placement exam will give you a clear idea of where all your skills are standing. The higher your level, the less guided training you’ll need, you’ll lead the way. This might not be so easy for English for specific purposes where you’ll need to rely on expert training in order to succeed.
In the next article we’ll analyse some case studies which will finally make you see clearly what decision to make.