[one_second]Spoken English Practice is lucky to work with some wonderful English teachers (Conversation Partners, as we like to call them) around the world. Today, we are interviewing Susan, one of the most popular Conversation Partners in our team. Susan joined the Spoken English Practice team is March and has worked with students all round the world – from India to Italy, from Russia to China. Let’s talk to Susan and get some first hand insights on how it is to work as a English Conversation Partner and how she users her Skype lessons to help students improve their English communication skills.

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How would you describe a typical English lesson at Spoken English Practice?

 

The student and I talk about everyday topics. These topics include work, family events, hobbies and travel. The student during the session will ask me about a specific situation they had or a conversation they had asking clarification on how they should have said something in English better. Many times there is a better word they should use or a better way to say what they are trying to get across.

 

What are some conversation topics you talk about in class?

 

I customize my topics based on my students. For one of my students, who is preparing to take the TOFEL test, we go over answers he might say during the talking portion of the test. Another student is in the process of going on job interviews, so we practice the interviewing process. Another student, a businessman, was preparing for a business trip. He is going to have an appointment with a Dutch official. We went over what he is going to say, and how to say it so that he gets his point across in the right formal way.

 

In your view, what area in English do students need the most help? Grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation or something else? How do you address this in your classes?

 

I would definitely say pronunciation and using the correct tense of a verb. I also find that some students have trouble with three syllable words. For pronunciation we address this by practicing the word. I type the word as it is spelled and then I type the word to mimic the way it sounds. For verb tense I go over how it is used and when you would use a particular tense. For words that the student is having a difficult time with we practice saying it during the session as well as later in the session for repetition.

 

What are your top 3 tips to ESL students around the world?

 

To practice speaking English at every opportunity. Do not worry that you will make mistakes. We learn from our mistakes and learn to speak better.

Try to listen to an English radio station or and English TV channel. If you get a chance watch an English movie once a week or try to read a book in English. I have had students pick up books that would be easy for them to read.

Make the time to practice and continue to learn to speak English. You will never regret it.

 

What do you enjoy most about working at Spoken English Practice?

 

I enjoy my students very much. I have a variety of students from all over the world. It is exciting to learn about their culture and what they like to do. Spoken English Practice has given me a window to the world, to experience people from all over and their cultures. It gives me a chance to travel and still work.

 

A little bit about what you like to do when you are not teaching English. Where do you like to travel?

 

I have dual citizenship, American and British. I spent last summer living in England. This summer I will live one month in Florence Italy and two weeks in Scotland to experience the Fringe Festival that takes place every year in Edinburgh. I plan to continue to explore Europe in the coming years. I would also like to buy an RV and travel across the United States. When I travel I embrace the people and the culture and can’t get enough of where I am at that moment.

Thanks you Susan for taking the time. We wish you the best of luck with your plans.