Learning a foreign language is difficult. Living in a country where you do not understand the language well is difficult. Trying to find a job in a country where you do not speak the language is difficult.
At Langports, we understand the pressures our students are under when they study with us. We also understand that it is tiring when you have to speak in English all day. Of course, we understand. However, you have come to Australia to study English and that means that sometimes you have to take the more difficult path in order to achieve your goals.
So, what is the more difficult path to take? The more difficult path is the one where you decide to make the most of your time and money during your stay here. The more difficult path is the one where you get out of your comfort zone and improve in the areas that are the hardest to improve in, namely the productive language skills or, in other words, writing and speaking.
These skills take longer to improve simply because they require the learner to use grammar and vocabulary skills simultaneously in order to be an effective speaker or writer. It is easier to improve your reading and listening skills, your receptive skills, and everyone will do so simply by living and working in an English-speaking environment. Becoming a confident speaker of English is more difficult to achieve and takes commitment. A commitment to immerse yourself in English and make it your working language. This is the secret of success!
I can continue to write about why it is important to speak English only, and I know that students have heard me say it many times. I want to share something I learned last week.
Last week, I had a long conversation with one of our students. She is currently in the highest class at Langports and is one of the few students who can pride herself at speaking English at all times. It is my understanding, that she even speaks English outside the school environment – what a star student! She said that she has improved tremendously and she can even hear how other students struggle to find words where she has no problem at all. She speaks a lot with her host family and all the people she spends time with speak English only. And I can only agree – her improvement is amazing and her fluency in English outstanding.
Finally, what I would also like to mention is respect. Speaking English when there are people around who do not speak your language is a sign of respect. It is inclusive and not exclusive. It opens doors for others to join your conversation, to get to know you, to become a friend. At Langports, we include everyone, and make everyone a member of our Langports family. We invite you to do the same and speak English only!
Birgit
Director of Studies, Langports Sydney
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