17th
Online English for the Struggling Student
Here are some scenarios that might be preventing you from improving English skills:
The Dilemma
While many governments have been fortifying their English curricula for the younger generation, and companies have been integrating online English programs into their systems for the older ones, the generation in between seems to be stuck in a language limbo – having been part of a mediocre curriculum and facing a future where English is a must. This is a problem that students in the higher stages of education are facing, as the demand for English speakers rises in the competitive world of business.
Solutions at Hand
There are available solutions, of course. There’s adding more coursework for the students. They can take more classes at school or in separate institutions. Much like cram schools for college, institutions specifically designed to enhance one’s English skills are continuously growing in number.
Then there’s also studying abroad. Students can apply for exchange student programs or scholarships, to pursue their studies in an English-speaking country. This will allow them to be immersed in an environment that will require them to constantly learn English and make use of it.
Finally, there’s learning English online – a relatively recent solution offered to students with English needs. This allows students to take classes via phone or the internet, at a time and place convenient to them. Students can choose their own teachers and discuss her/his needs with her/him.
Why learn English online?
Of the three options mentioned above, the third is a practical solution, for several different reasons:
(1) Learning English online saves time, effort, and money. Not everyone can study abroad as this requires a length of time to apply for, an enormous amount of effort to pass exams and/or interviews and process papers, and a significant sum of money. Without patience, hard work, and most importantly without money, studying abroad remains an option for the priviledged.
Online English is relatively cheaper, and does not require the student to exert extra effort in going from one building to another as in the case of additional coursework, nor burden the student with processing papers as in the case of studying abroad;
(2) Online classes are flexible and can adapt to the student’s busy schedule. If the student is busy with her/his thesis, or is taking a handful of courses in the university, s/he can opt for online classes that s/he her/himself can schedule. S/he can take classes on the weekends, twice a week, on the way to the university, or before going to bed. Online English boasts flexibility and availability for those with a busy schedule; and
(3) Online classes focus on the student’s needs. While classroom-setting courses have pre-defined syllabuses, learning English online offers the student more access to what s/he wants work on. Most classes employ a 1:1 setup, therefore allowing the teacher to focus solely on the student’s specific needs. The student can request the teacher to work on her/his pronunciation, vocabulary, business English, etc. therefore providing a more direct approach to learn English.
How does one apply for an online English course?
There are many different companies providing this service out there, and all the student needs to do is a simple search engine query. When choosing companies, one must of course consider the credibility of it, the availability in one’s region, the price, and detailed list of services offered. Most companies have sample classes that interested clients can listen to. It is also helpful to talk to a company representative when the student has very specific needs like passing the TOEIC/TOEFL exam, writing a good resume, etc. Some companies specialize in certain areas, while others do not.
Enjoying Good Results
Being part of an online English course is indeed convenient, but that doesn’t mean that the student will acquire the skills s/he needs in a short time, too. Even if taking classes requires less effort from the part of the student, improving skills require hard work just the same. If the student keeps this in mind, then good results might just be a phone call away.
