Language school in China

1. students’  Purpose

In China , people often go to or send their children to the language centre to receive the language training in their spare time which is always arranged in the evenings or O the weekends. They must attend the classes according to the timetable like the curriculums in school. It is not flexible. And maybe you are arranged in a class which is involved the averaged language level students. But it can not be made sure all the students are at the same level. So the teaching maybe is not effective for you. Then , in order to solve the problem, some people will pay more money to get into a small group class, even one- to -one class. With the development of training market, the on- line training course has appeared for several years. It is more popular with most people. Because people can arrange their courses flexiably and they think it is more effective for them to improve their language skills. And the most important point is the teachers almost are the native speakers. The cost, of course, connot be accepted by a small group of people.

2. Students：

age:  (3+)

Most students are Chinese students

3. Teachers

Native speakers from English-speaking countries and also some coutries where |English is spoken as a second language, such as South Afica, Phillipean. Native teachers mostly teach spoken English for children. For kid, usually native english speakers work with a chinese english teacher to help kids know the  instructions

Chinese english teachers often teach students for a range of examinations

4. Courses

Comments: In UK, language schools offer a wide range of both English courses and teacher training courses, suitable for students aged 16+ .They offer something for everybody, from complete beginners to advanced learners, with courses ranging from General English to exam preparation and English for Special Purposes, especially offer a selection of courses for native and non-native speakers who would like to train to teach English.  Students from all over the world can help create a multi-culture commninication atomosphere.

Language schools in China also offer a wide range of English courses for different ages, especially courses for examinations. However, the teacher training courses cannot be found in language schools, because English teachers are mostly got teaching certificate from their university study.  And English courses in China for kids and children are popular in China due to the lack of English speaking atomosphere in China.

Our reflections:  Language schools are really a good choice for Chinese students to be emmersed in a multicultural and Enlish speaking atomosphere. Here you can not only learn english naturally but also explore cultures, which is beneficial for children’s international citizenship.

Q1: Where are you studying now?

A: I’m studying at British Study Centre Brighton now, but I had been studying in Manchester     before I came to Brighton.

Q: Why do you change the place for studying?

A: Without no specific reasons, I just want to experience the study and life in different cities.

Q: What the difference between these two language centres?

A: Each teacher has his or her own teaching style, the two centres belong to the same company which is a mid-size chain Study Centre, they use the same teaching materials.

Q: Where do the students mainly come from in your class?

A: Most of them are from Europe, and I’m the only one student who from China in my class.

Q: Why are so many European students here to join the language course since most of them can speak English?

A: They can speak English but not quite influence, because it’s not their L1, for them it’s also might be the second or the third language just like us.

Q: Why are you here to have this course?

A: I’ve graduated from university since two years ago in Taiwan. And I’m not quite satisfied with my current job, I’d like to work for a foreign trade corporation in the future. That’s the main reason why I came here to study English. Apart from this I’m a big fan of traveling. So I can visit many attractions to get well-known about this country when I’m available.

Q: What have you improved most from the course? Do you think it’s going well as you  expected?

A: Listening and speaking. Classes are divided on the first day from level A1 to level C1, then we’ll be allocated to different class with different levels. Usually we’ll have an exam to test the whole week learning every week, we’ll not always in the same class, we’ll might be upgraded or demoted according to the grades you’ve got and your performance during the class.

Q: I’d like to know in you oral English class how do teachers give lesson to you?

A: We’ll have the handouts with different themes each time then have a group conversation. Sometimes the teacher would look around and see what we were talking about, and offered some help if it’s necessary

Q: Will you get a certificate at the end of the course or something else?

A: There will be a certificate of the absence and your English level after studying. It’s just a certificate from the school.

INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGE SCHOOLS IN UK

There are a wide range of language schools in UK, the birthplace of the English language. You can not only choose courses which suits you best, but also get exposed in an English atmosphere. In Brighton, you can find more than 300 language schools. Most schools focus on various English courses and some offer other language courses, such as Spanish, French.

Classification of English Courses:

1. Courses with different purposes

The English courses offered in language schools can be different, but most of the courses are listed below:

General English:  They are designed to give you the confidence to communicate effectively in real-life situations, such as travel/tourism or for your own pleasure.

Examinations: Schools grade their courses to match the different bands of examinations.

(table from ELC language school)

English for academic study: courses are offered for academic study in colleges or universities

Business English: business courses are designed for experienced business people who need to communicate effectively in English in their work. Our courses are tailored to your specific needs and develop the skills you need for use in your business contexts. All of the courses are taught by trainers specialised in teaching business English and working with professional people.

Courses for English language teachers: Courses usually covers EFL methodology, teaching techniques, intensive general English, UK cultures and etc.

This course is for both native

2. Duration:

Long term study

Summer time

Tailored

3.Class size

Group study: 15-25 people

One -to -one tuition

4. students

age: (most) aged 16+

students from all over the word (especially Europeans)

5. Accomodation options:

• Homestay
• Student Residences
• Hotels
• Renting a flat
• Apartments

Comments: In UK, language schools offer a wide range of both English courses and teacher training courses, suitable for students aged 16+ .They offer something for everybody, from complete beginners to advanced learners, with courses ranging from General English to exam preparation and English for Special Purposes, especially offer a selection of courses for native and non-native speakers who would like to train to teach English.  Students from all over the world can help create a multi-culture commninication atomosphere.

First interview

Q1: How did you know this language center?

A: He was told by his friend who studies here now. 

Q2: Why did you choose the course to learn?

A: To find a better job. 

Q3: Do you know other students’ purpose?

A: Some students have the same reason as his.  However , others are making preparation for further studies in the university. 

Q4: Why ddidn’t you study language  in you country?

A: Because I want to learn the original and local English.  In my country, teachers often speak Arabic accent English.Also, teach us with both English and Arabic.

(The Saudi Arabian student has got poor spoken English with broken sentences and words. Thus we can only guess and then confirm with him. )

Hi, everyone. Want to explore language centers in Brighton? Come with us.

During the  culture  exploration, we will :

1. have an interview with an Saudi Arabian  English learner who is cur renting learning English in a local language center in Brighton.
2. visit a local language center, hoping to dig more about the main purpose  of the English learners here,  course design, teaching methods, assessment, costs and etc.
3. If possible, observe a class.

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