Will you need English for your career or your studies?

Do you intend to continue your education abroad? Will you need English for your career or your studies? If so, you could analyze your options for learning or improving your English skills.

The TOEFL test: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a test used by many colleges, universities, government agencies and exchange programs and scholarships in the U.S., UK and Canada as a means of assessing the language skills of a person whose first language is not English.

You can find TOEFL study guides easily online with other recommended resources listed. You may be able to access some sample tests and prepare with personal study. Or you can look for a class with an instructor to help you prepare for the test.

ESL Classes: ESL classes are a common way for students to learn English with a group of classmates. These can take the form of an evening class with various individuals attending or perhaps part of a college program during the day.

The length of the course and the topics differ from one country to another school. Some summer programs are for students to acquire basic knowledge of the language before starting studies in English classes taught in the college or university.

Since the standards change from one course or the course material itself, varies considerably, some students may think that the language skills acquired at the end of the course does not prepare them to handle school work or social interactions adequately.

Some schools offer students and alternative of home stay programs for students. Home stay programs benefit the student by placing them for several weeks or months with a host family that speaks English. The student is then able to immerse himself in the culture and social expression of the English countryside where they live in. There are also ESL programs online that can be adapted to distance education, especially if the programs are not readily available in your area.

Private Tutors: Another popular method for learning English is with private tutors. The materials and methods used by ESL tutors will vary greatly and it is important to establish what material will be used and feel comfortable with the tutor. Ask friends or students of other references can be helpful in finding a good tutor.

A combination of these methods of learning English will also be effective. You can take a summer course while staying with a foster family home stay and then organize private lessons during the school year. Make an effort to use your new language skills regularly in social situations will improve your progress regardless of program or course that you use.

Source:- http://www.articlecity.com/articles/education/article_418.shtml