Learning a second language is essential in today’s world, and finding a good language school is the first step. Consider team credentials, class size, teaching resources, location, and prices when making a choice. Keep your goals in mind and have fun learning.
Learning a second language is no longer considered a luxury. In today’s world, being able to communicate with other cultures has become a highly sought after skill by employers. But no matter why you choose to learn a second language, your first step is finding a good language school.
To find a good language school, start by researching those available locally and making a list of what each one offers. Request brochures, if available, and sit down to compare when you have all the basic information in hand.
Here are some details to help you find a good language school:
Team Credentials. Are the teachers certified? Do they have international experience in the language they teach? Have they lived abroad or are they native speakers of the language? How long have they been teaching?
Class size. A large class can limit the amount of attention you get from your teacher. Look for groups of less than six or eight students, depending on the length of the lesson.
Teaching Resources. In addition to the books you need to buy for class, what else is available to students? If you find a good language school, you will likely have access to technological resources such as DVDs, tapes and CD-ROMs. Many schools also have a small library where students can find books and magazines.
Location. Try to find a good language school that is easily accessible for you. If you have to travel two hours several times a week, you’ll probably get discouraged quickly.
Prices. It is becoming more difficult to find a good language school that is also affordable. Due to the large number of uncertified options out there, real schools are raising their fees. When doing research, consider the pros and cons of paying a higher rate. What does the price include? What is the refund policy? Are there discounts available? Are there hidden charges such as exam fees?
As you do your homework to find a good language school, keep your priorities in mind. Some larger schools may offer cultural resources in addition to classes, but smaller schools generally have a better teacher-to-student ratio. Keep your goals in mind when making a choice, and don’t forget to have fun learning.
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