Congratulations! You have made the decision to learn to speak English fluently. This skill will serve you well in the future.
Now that you know you want to learn, you have to decide how you want to learn English. You can download all the apps in the world, but if you don’t actually spend time speaking the language, you will never learn how to use it fluently. This is why attending an English language school is so important!
But, finding the right English language school for you may feel a bit overwhelming. A quick Google search will show you language schools all over the world. So how do you know which one is the best fit for you? Today, we are sharing several tips for choosing an English language school to help you with your language learning journey.
The School Should Use More Than Computer-Based Learning
First, you want to look for a language school that does not rely solely on technology. If you are attending classes where you are just sitting in front of a computer wearing headphones, how is that any different from what you could do at home on your own? Unfortunately, there are language schools that do just that. Instead, you should look for schools with trained teachers and a clear curriculum that involves you using the language in classes.
Study Abroad in a Country Where English is Widely Spoken
The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. That’s why you should look for an English language school in a country where English is widely spoken like the United States. In the US, English is the most commonly spoken language, so students who choose to study English in Washington DC will be surrounded by people speaking the language every day!
Look for Schools in Big Cities
Along those lines, it is also important to narrow down your search within the country where you hope to study. For example, there are several places in the US where you could attend a language school. However, it’s important to look for locations that offer many things to do and plenty of people to interact with. For example, students taking English courses in Washington DC will never run out of places to explore or fun things to try around the area. Plus, they will be in the heart of the US!
Pay Attention to Your Budget
Your budget matters. Before you fall in love with any language school, you need to look at the overall cost of attending the school, as well as what other expenses you will need to pay to go to the school. For example, inlingua offers very competitive rates, as well as different housing options, offering more students the opportunity to attend this distinguished Washington language school.
Check the Accreditations
Sadly, some schools want to take advantage of students hoping to learn English. These schools often do not hire trained teachers, and they are not accredited. You can avoid falling for one of these scam schools by making sure the language schools you are researching have accreditations from credible organizations.
The Washington language institute, inlingua is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA), which is a national accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the US. To maintain this accreditation, inlingua must uphold the CEA standards.
Read Reviews
Many times, the best way to get a feel for the school you are interested in is to read the reviews. What do the current students say about the school? What do past students say about their learning experiences at the school? Ask around and look online for reviews.
Juliana, an inlingua student from Columbia, says, “My experience has been excellent. I met interesting people who came to study English from all over the world and learned the English language very quickly. The facilities and location are incredible. I have had so much fun.”
Opt for a School That Teaches the Way You Want to Learn
There are many different types of learners. Some people learn best through listening, and others learn best by using visuals. Consider your learning style as you review the school’s teaching methodology. For instance, some language schools are more textbook-based. Other schools focus a large amount of time on mastering English grammar.
At inlingua, students speak in English for 80% of the class time. The inlingua method is a communicative method, which means language trainers and students are constantly communicating in English.
See What Student Services Are Available
If you choose to study abroad to learn English, then it is important to look for a school that offers a variety of student services. While living in a foreign country, even for a short time, you want to be sure there is a support system.
For example, inlingua offers accommodation services to help students find a safe place to live while taking an English class in DC. Additionally, they have an awesome social activities program that helps students get to know another while getting to know the DC area and the English language.
Consider the School’s Success Rate
When a school like inlingua has been helping students from over 60 different countries learn English for more than thirty years, it’s a great sign! This means the school has built a solid reputation as a trusted and respected language school.
Choose the School That Will Help You Reach Your Goals
Finally, look for a school that will help you reach your unique goals. Why do you want to learn English? Do you want to attend a university where you will be required to use English? If so, inlingua has several university partnerships. Do you need to take an English language test? If you attend inlingua, not only will you be prepared to earn a high score on the IELTS or TOEFL, but you will also be able to take the test at their English test center!
