How can I improve my English in London?

As a teacher trainer of English as a Foreign Language, this is a question I am often hear asked by foreign nationals after arriving to live in London. They are in England but can’t find a way to meet English people. Here are some ideas to help solve the problem.

1 – Try to find a language exchange partner on the internet. This will be a British person who wants to learn your language. You will then meet up together and spend maybe 30 minutes talking in English and 30 minutes talking  in your own language. Check advertisements on www.gumtree.com

2 - Find a language school which offers free English lessons. Some English language schools in London train new teachers and offer free lessons as a result. One good example is the well thought of ISIS Study Centre Greenwich, which has run TEFL training courses in London for over 10 years. They offer lessons on week days starting at 2.30pm – for more details visit their webpage:

http://www.isistefl.com/free-english-lessons

3 – Visit the pubs, bars and cafes of London. This is where Londoners go to spend free time, read and relax. If you get lucky you’ll have the chance to meet new people and get to practice your English. Sit back, have a coffee or beer, read a newspaper and get chatting!

4 – Attend paid lessons at a language school. This will give your learning structure and enable you to socialise more by meeting other students. The very fact you are learning in a group will give you motivation to work harder. Visit www.isisstudycentres.com for more information.

5 – Get a job. Any job. Whether it’s cleaning or working in a restaurant, f you work hard and make a success of it you never know who you will meet or what opportunities you will get. At the very least you will get the chance to socialise with colleagues from time to time.  

6 – Join a club. Find an activity you enjoy or would like to know more about and contact your local Community College to find out more. The cost is often low and it will give you a chance to meet local people, learn a new skill and enjoy your free time.

Whatever you do, make sure you take every opportunity you can to talk to new people wherever you find them.

Best of luck in London.

Mark Lewis (B.A,CertTESOL, DELTA)

www.isistefl.com