Q&A: Learning English in Brazil

[one_second] As a global English language training institute, we are always curious to find out more about how English is taught around the world. What unique challenges are faced by ESL students in different parts of the world? Today we speak to one of out students from Brazil, Leticia, to get her perspective. Leticia works as a Business Manager for a manufacturing company in Sao Paulo and has been student at Spoken English Practice for more than 6 months. So let’s find out how it is like Learning English in Brazil!

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Tell us a little bit about why you want to improve your English Speaking?

I just love learning English. English is actually my favorite language. Lot of people in Brazil thinks it is hard to speak English fluently but I disagree with this. I believe that if you practice English speaking with natives for at least 6 months, you will see a clear improvement. I want to speak English like Gisele Bundchen!

What do you think is the biggest challenge for Learning English in Brazil?

The biggest barrier to Learning English in Brazil is we do not get chances to practice speaking English. We always speak Portuguese at our homes and or in the workplace. I have started speaking in English with my husband but it is hard to do it continuously. Same thing with schools – we learn English writing, grammar etc but speaking is not given a priority.

Have you taken at any local English courses in Brazil? Do they work?

They are ok if you are learning basic grammar and vocabulary. Most English classes for adults in Sao Paulo are for people who want to improve writing and reading. I have friends who have taken English classes in Rio de Janeiro who have the same experience. So, if you are an adult looking for a more advanced English program with a focus on improving fluency, accent etc, you have to look for online programs like www.spokenenglishpractice.com

How have you benefited from the lessons at Spoken English Practice?

I joined the program because I wanted a real English speaking class. A class where I can have real conversations with native speakers. Spoken English Practice is perfect for that.

My conversation partners have been Marcus, Julie and Naomi and all 3 of them have been great. I love talking with Marcus about traveling the world. Also Naomi who is from England is a great resource for British English. All 3 of them ask a lot of questions so I get a lot of chances to speak. And they help me a lot with pronunciation as that is an area I want to really improve.

What kind of topics do you talk about?

Anything. We have talked about the Super Bowl, ISIS, plans for summer, Astrology… tons of very interesting topics. I think the Spoken English Practice method has helped me expand my vocabulary a lot within the last 6 months.

Thanks Leticia! Best of luck with everything.