In this interview, you will find out how to recognize which English course is right for you. For the native English-speaking lecturer, it is always a challenge to find out how she can teach English even better to other people. Because every student is different. Some students learn very quickly and others learn more slowly or have more difficulty with certain grammar rules. It is also important for her to convey her own culture.
There are different target groups for English courses. English beginners are often older people who have never had English lessons or have not had any for a long time. However, people who now want to learn English in order to be able to communicate better on vacation, for example. Today, students are taught English very well during compulsory schooling, which is why beginners do not make up the majority of English learners, but rather the B1, B2 and C1 classes. The class participants in these classes vary greatly in age. On the one hand, these are young people who want to obtain a language certificate straight after school. But also older people who want to refresh or maintain their English skills and are interested in a recognized English certificate to confirm their knowledge.
Courses for beginners are available at level A1 or A2. These language levels correspond to the lowest level and are intended for beginners. At level A1 you are an absolute beginner. At A2 level, you can already communicate in simple sentences in English.
The beginner level is followed by the intermediate level with levels B1 to B2 (B2 is the well-known first level) and for advanced learners the C1 advanced and C2 proficiency levels. To correctly measure your language skills and place you in the appropriate level of English course, you can take a test on the homepage of most schools. Such a language test usually lasts two times 25 minutes. The result of this test provides information about the best language level and the best course for learning English.
There are also Business English courses - especially exam courses, i.e. from B1 to C1. These courses are mainly attended by people who need English skills for their job. After these courses, you can also take a recognized exam. At B1, for example, this would be Business English Preliminary (BecP). This is followed by Business Vantage (BecV) at B2 and Business Higher (BECH) at C1.
Nowadays, the easiest way to find the best English courses in your area is to look online. This is very common. Every language school has a homepage where the full range of English courses is listed under English. Schools can also offer private lessons. You can find the course times, scope, costs and duration at the click of a mouse. If you are still unsure, I recommend a personal consultation.
After completing a course at a language school, you usually receive a course certificate. This confirms that you have attended the course. Depending on the English course you have chosen - i.e. exam courses - you may have the opportunity to take the exam at the Cambridge Exam Center in the region. The exams can also be taken without a preparation course; those who attend one are better prepared and often receive a discount on the exam fees.
Cambridge English courses end with exams that are internationally recognized. As you invest a lot of time and money in an English course, it is worth investing in a course with a certificate that is internationally recognized. However, the exam is not a must. At many language schools, you can also attend an exam course without taking the English exam at the end.
In my opinion, online English courses can be useful. For example, if you can't make it to school, an online course is a good way to learn English anyway. However, there are certain disadvantages, such as technical hurdles or difficulties with a computer. It's also not the same as being able to speak to someone in person. Not everything is always perceived equally well on the computer. However, if you can accept this because the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, an online English course is a good alternative.
An English course at the school where I teach costs around CHF 1,200 per semester. This consists of three lessons per week. We recommend attending a course for at least two semesters in order to reach the desired language level.
When choosing a language school to learn English, course participants should pay attention to the following:
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