What questions should you ask yourself before setting out to study a new language?

What language do you want to learn?

The most frequent languages people go for are English, German, and French. Learning tends to reap better rewards, however, if you have some emotional attachment to the target language. For example, if you’re fascinated by everything Japanese and you dream of visiting the country, or even living there one day, then your best choice of language is obvious.

If you’ve set your heart on learning a new language, it’s important to remind yourself where and how often you’ll be using it. If you’re not planning to use the new language at work, during studies, or on your travels, you’ll have to think of more ways to breathe life into it. If you don’t, you risk wasting all the effort you spent acquiring it.

How much time are you able to invest in your daily studies?

Naturally, the sooner you want to master a language, the more intensive your studies will be. Generally, a lesson with a teacher is never enough: most of your progress comes from self-study and your own hard work. For example, it’s essential to keep revising the material you’ve learned. If you think self-study might be difficult for you, you should consider having lessons with a teacher several times a week.

What learning method suits you best?

This question loosely relates to the previous one. Your ideal study plan depends on the time you’re willing to devote to your studies and on what method of learning you find most effective.

Do you prefer face-to-face lessons with the teacher in person? Or are you a fan of) online teaching (currently incredibly popular)? This latter type of learning certainly saves time, since you don’t have to travel to the classroom and you can log in whenever you feel like. Or maybe you want to try out a new method of teaching, so-called blended learning, which combines in-person lessons with a teacher and online work. Depending on the type of lesson, you can review your progress, clear up any difficulties, or practice new material at your own pace.

Perhaps you have been offered language courses as a company benefit, then we can offer you bespoke corporate teaching.

If you have any queries whatsoever regarding language teaching, please contact our teaching co-ordinator. They will happily advise you which course best suits your specific needs.