Learning English in Spain
One of the big missions of the Spoken English Practice team is revolutionizing the way Spoken English is taught around the world. This is both an exciting and daungting task given the amount of English Language Schools in the world and the size of the ESL market. Our goal is to make progress, one student as a time. With this in the background, today we wanted to chat with one of our English students from Spain, Albert and learn more about the challenges of improving English while living in Spain . Albert has been a member of Spoken English Practice since May.
What do you see as the biggest challenge for improving English speaking skills living in Spain
The biggest challenge without any doubt is the lack of opportunities to practice with native English speakers. Most English tutors in Spain teach grammar fundamentals well. Learn new English words is also not that hard, especially with the internet. But without the opportunity to practice English speaking with native speakers, it is almost impossible to become fluent.
Have you studied at Spoken English programs in Spain?
There are a few local English schools and they are useful to some level. A lot of English programs in Spain focus on reading and writing and not on Conversational English. I have taken Advanced English speaking classes at two big English training centers in Madrid and Barcelona and I have found their level to be more suitable for elementary level ESL students.
How has Spoken English Practice helped you?
The biggest thing I like about Spoken English Practice is that I speak a lot of the time during lessons. This is what lacks with most English tutors – they try to teach Spoken English, when actually students learn only be doing. My teacher, Paul was also very good at giving detailed feedback on the mistakes I made with grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary.
What have you talked about during sessions?
We have covered a lot of topics – from how to protect whales and sea life to healthy eating, from gun control to abortion. With this training, now I feel I can talk in English effortlessly about many topics.
Why are you learning English
I’m studying for my IELTS exams now. I’m planning to go to the UK for business school. My fiancee is working in London so I would like to spend time between Spain and Britain in the next few years.
