Speaking about such a subject as courses of spoken English , it is difficult to say something new: the topic is how common because now the whole world seems to be learning English in one way or another. At least, this statement applies to the most ambitious people who want to live life to the fullest, to achieve success in the international arena. English is necessary for a businessman, flight attendant, journalist, waiter, teacher, of course, a scientist and university teacher. Almost everyone who is associated with communication with people from different countries, at least occasionally.
As soon as you come to the courses of spoken English, the question immediately arises (especially if you have already learned the language, and you urgently need to correct your forgotten knowledge) - where to go? For an intensive course or a standard course? Or maybe even choose an overseas intensive, a kind of "landing" in an English-speaking country, in which there simply would be no chance to speak Russian? It would be an ideal option, no jokes, but, unfortunately, not available to everyone, not only because of the agreement, but also due to lack of time, inability to leave family and work.
The intensive has its plus: it's fast, immersive learning. No matter how modest your success at English language courses (St. Petersburg) in the learning process, all the same something in my head to be deposited. Still, this kind of accelerated learning with serious immersion is stressful. And it is better to remember the basics for a start, get used to the courses, and only then, say, in the summer, take an intensive course - both to test yourself, and to strengthen and improve your skills and abilities. Still, on an intensive course it is better not to study, but to consolidate the results. Two big differences, two completely different processes, to be honest.
Conversational English courses: individually or in a group
The group is, of course, cheaper. It is often very perceptible. But here it is important to understand what you want from the courses and how it will be convenient for you to study. And, of course, weigh your chances of a stable and regular payment, otherwise it will be a shame to start practicing and then quit due to a banal lack of funds. It makes sense to try to study in a group of 3-4 people to 6 - no more. This, according to the conclusions of the methodologists, is the most optimal number of students in a group, when there is an opportunity to give everyone an opportunity to speak, and at the same time everyone will be heard. And the purely psychological situation in these groups, according to the experience of a number of students, is much better than in groups on a spoken English course, which includes 10-12 people.
Try different schools and options, but the main thing is a clear system of motivation and learning: a constant desire to read, write in English, speak. It is good if conversational meetings are held at school, reinforced by a specific topic and appropriate entertainment, when in an informal setting you can communicate with a large number of language learners and teachers.
