5 Tips for Choosing the Right English Course for You | ILC

Want to learn English but not sure which course is right for you? Here are five questions to help you choose.

1. In person or online?

Think about whether you prefer to study face to face in a classroom or online from home. Both work well, but one may suit your lifestyle and learning style better.

2. Group classes or one-to-one?

Group classes are sociable and fun, and you learn a lot from your classmates. One-to-one lessons are built entirely around your needs, so they are ideal if you have a specific goal, such as passing an exam, writing academic essays or improving your pronunciation, although they cost more.

3. Exam preparation or General English?

Exam courses focus on the skills and strategies you need to pass a particular test, such as IELTS or Cambridge. If your main goal is to improve your overall English, a General English course is usually the better choice, even if you plan to take an exam later.

4. How much time can you give?

Learning a language takes time, including homework and practice outside class. Be realistic. A part-time evening course may suit you better, or you could choose an intensive course for a few weeks.

5. What else do you want from your course?

Many schools in English-speaking countries offer a social programme alongside lessons, so you can have fun, meet people and enjoy the culture.

Find your course at ILC

At ILC International Language Centres there is something for everyone, in five great cities: Birmingham, Britain's second biggest city; historic, friendly Colchester; the famous university city of Cambridge; creative, lively Bristol; and seaside Portsmouth. Explore our English courses, including General English, one-to-one lessons, online courses and exam preparation, or take our free level test.