How to Choose a Good ESL School

By
James Rice

Studying English as a Second Language is a life-long process. It can be difficult and frustrating at times. However, a knowledgeable and friendly language school can give you the confidence and the skills you need to improve your English quickly.

Throughout the world, new language schools areng all the time. There is more and more choice for you as a consumer. Many students of English are forced due to time, finances or work to study in their own country. Of course, it is good to study English as much as possible but the best way to improve quickly is to travel, live and study in a foreign country.

Common Characteristics in Language Schools

Language schools try many things to make themselves different from each other. Nevertheless, they all do the same thing: teach English. Therefore, many common traits can be seen in successful language schools.

• Communicative Method – This term is used to describe the style of lessons. This approach to language training is very popular as it focuses on students speaking as much as possible.
   
• Qualified Instructors – Most reputable language schools will only hire teachers who have an ESL certificate or diploma and experience overseas.
  
• Social Program – It is commonly accepted that students learn a lot through activities and friendships made outside the school. Schools will offer trips and programs to promote interaction.

At every successful, modern language school, you will find these common traits. If they are not mentioned or not used, then be very careful and ask some questions as to why not.

What Makes Language Schools Different

At the core, language schools teach English and they do it in a similar way. But there are some very big differences between language schools that you need to be aware of.

Class Size:

Each school offers various class sizes. Always try and find the maximum class size in the advertisement. Language schools vary from a maximum of 8 to a maximum of 20! University and College class sizes are sometimes much larger. If you are traveling during the busy season (i.e. July/August for U.S. and Canada) then the classes will be at their maximum.

Value of Speaking

Each school looks at the rate improvement for each student very seriously. A school’s job is to make sure everyone is studying and improving their English. As a student you need to find a school that makes your improvement their first priority. How do you find a school like that? Check their class size. Smaller class size means the teacher can spend more time with you and you get more chances to speak.

Personality of the School

Each school, like each person, has a different character. Some are more business-like in their approach. Some are more family-oriented. Every school is original. Find a school that matches your personality and makes you comfortable. What type of school do you like? Don’t judge the school by the brochure or the web-site. Call them on the telephone. Speak to them directly. If you can visit, please do. You will learn a lot about the school by the way it treats you before you join.

These are some of the major points that make schools different or unique. Deciding what is important for you should be the first step in deciding what type of school you want. Ask yourself these 3 questions:

- How fast do I want to improve?

- How much speaking-time do I want?

- What kind of people do I want to learn from?

When you answer these three questions, then you can begin looking for the language school of your choice.

Buyer Beware!

Like all businesses, there are some ESL schools that don’t care about you or your education. They simply want your money. They are businesses with very intelligent business people and marketing people running the school.

Here are some warning signals to help you avoid disasters:

1. A school does not tell you their maximum class size. If they don’t say then they probably don’t have one. Their are schools who will put as many students as possible in a class. Sometimes these students don’t have chairs or desks!

2. A school that is part of a large chain. Although you may feel safe knowing that a school has locations all over the world, you will soon discover that your money is being spent on advertising and marketing. Chain schools care very little about you and often have to have many students in a class to support a large marketing budget. If you do a little research, you can find independent schools that offer a better education for a lower price.

3. A school in an expensive building and an expensive location. Many schools spend thousands of dollars on their buildings and pay a very high rent to stay in downtown locations. Therefore, your money is not going to your education needs but to the school’s rent. A nice building does not mean you will get a good education. Be careful of schools who talk more about their buildings then their education.

4. Poor quality or cheap information packages. Many new or smaller schools save money by advertising with small brochures or photocopies of material. These schools may care about you and offer a good program but they may not be financially stable. A good school will spend money on telling you about themselves. A small, paper brochure may mean a school does not have a lot to offer you.

5. Old is not necessarily better. There are many schools that advertise that they have been around for many years and have a lot of experience. While this may be true, great improvements of ESL teaching techniques have been made in the last ten years. Older schools are often trapped in out-dated methods, old teaching materials or an inability to change. Don’t let the age of the school be the only factor in your decision.



6. Be careful of Private Language School Associations. Many private language schools are joining together to create an association that they insist is to help the students. In actual fact, these are older schools who are afraid to change, who fear the rise of new schools or who want to make themselves look better. Many schools belong to associations that focus on the educational needs of students and are run by people concerned about education. Private Language School Associations are run by business-people focused on making money.

The Last Word

Choosing a good language school can be a difficult decision. Do as much research as possible. Ask questions. Contact the school directly. Learn as much as you can before registering.

A good school will be happy to answer your questions.
 

A Word About the Author

James Rice is the Vice-President of Canada House. He has been involved with ESL schools and ESL instruction for almost 10 years. He has helped thousands improve their English and realize their dreams of studying abroad. Mr. Rice has been involved with many different types of language schools both in Canada and abroad. He has been a language instructor, Academic Director, Marketing Director and a student himself! He has a thorough knowledge of the ESL industry from both a student and a school’s point of view.