Learning English on your Own
Expectations and Your Time
Many non-English speaking people must work all day, spend time traveling on a bus or train and look after things at home. In addition to this, there are pressures for them to learn English. Sometimes life gets so busy that there aren’t enough hours in the day for English Lessons. All these demands cut into their sleep time, affect their health and make them less efficient.How can we help to ease this pressure?
Let’s consider the pressure encountered by people around the world, to speak, understand, read and write English. In many countries employees are told that they must learn English by a set date. Perhaps they are given two or three years. It sounds like plenty of time but for those living in an area where no English is spoken it can be a challenge. Most people are more comfortable speaking their first language than speaking a foreign one. Even in multi-cultural countries such as Canada, many of the new immigrants prefer to meet with others who speak their first language rather than speak a second language if it isn’t necessary. This means that the prospective English student needs to be committed to learning. Some circumstances will make it easier than others.
Here are some suggestions that might help to solve the conflicts that constantly arise between the time available and the time needed to learn English.
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- Find a conversational English course near your home where you will study with others.
- Try to arrange for your employer to sponsor an English course.
- Find an English course located near to your workplace.
- When choosing the time, be aware of the best learning times for you.
Are you a morning or a night person?
- Look for an interactive course that would allow you to study on your own in your own time.
- If you can read English, look for an interactive English course that promotes listening, speaking and understanding.
Consider the cost and the suitability of the program
The salaries of the people of your country will be a factor for you to consider. If you decide to attend local classes then you will be able to locate the one best suited to your needs and pocketbook. If however, you go to the Internet, it will be more difficult to find the program that is right for you. There are many options that tell you that what is offered is the best. How can you decide?
- -One possibility is to consider only those programs that offer you a sample of a lesson.
-If possible ask an English speaking friend to help you to decide.
As you compare the cost of different programs, check for the amount of material offered as you compare the prices. The number of lessons, the length of those lessons and the likelihood that they will be the ones best suited to meet your needs will help you to make your final decision.
We wish you success with your search!