FAST TRACK TO SUCCESS
Why study English in Britain

In today's competitive world, students need skills that will equip them for a changing work environment. Technical and communication skills are highly desired by companies yet proficiency in English is essential for many posts.

With 80 per cent of international business communications written in English and most of the world's trade and financial business transacted in the language, companies worldwide acknowledge the necessity of having an English speaking workforce.

Aspiring professionals, too, recognise that English can open the door to numerous opportunities. An effective option for those wishing to perfect their language skills is to take an English language course. Britain is an obvious provider and has a lot more to offer than well known poets and authors. This land of many contrasts - contemporary and traditional - is one of the most dynamic and upbeat places to study and boasts a great range of attractions that are hard to beat.

Where else can you find a culture and way of life that is so unique, a fascinating history of tradition and pageantry, the greatest range of theatre productions and other forms of entertainment, excellent shopping facilities, and great design and architecture? Britain is an ideal base from which to explore the rest of Europe and often students combine their course with a visit to several countries.

Despite the strong pound, Britain still offers good value for money. Many galleries and museums - including the British Museum, the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery - offer free admission. Students can also get good food from as little as £5 from our pubs which are a great place to meet people.

Britain's thriving English language teaching industry is continually setting world standards and with more than a hundred years'experience behind it can confidently claim to be a world leader. Standards have significantly improved over the years with students benefitting the most. That's because our universities and English language schools are continually researching new teaching methods. There are also numerous award schemes which encourage teachers to produce innovative teaching materials and books. And, of course, there are associations and bodies such as The Association of Recognised English Language Services (ARELS) and The British Council that strive to raise standards within the industry even further.

What really puts English Language Teaching in Britain at the cutting edge is the continual quest for devising innovative and effective ways of teaching different types of learners with diverse needs. Nowadays, learning need no longer be a chore but a fun way of learning in a relaxed and stimulating environment. In addition to good teaching, ARELS member schools and centres excel in looking after their students and in providing an exciting programme of social activities and excursions.

The range of courses on offer in Britain is extensive so you need to have a clear idea of your objectives and expectations. Choose from General English courses, courses with a business or vocational option, English for Academic Purposes, intensive courses, examination courses and many others.

Intensive courses: Intensive courses are an ideal way of making rapid progress in a very short time. Comprising at least 30 lessons per week, the course can be as long or as short as you wish and can be taken at any time of the year.

Students can expect to improve their listening, reading and writing skills through practical exercises, projects, case studies, free discussion and self study at the school's language laboratory. Specific attention is given to grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary.

English for Academic Purposes Study and writing skills are of considerable importance to students embarking on a degree course or post-graduate studies at a British university. An Academic for Purposes course is a great confidence booster. In addition to focusing on lecture listening, note-taking, seminar/tutorial participation, report and essay writing and using reference sources - all the skills that a student needs - some courses include options in specific academic subjects.

Examination courses There are a variety of examination courses that students can take to demonstrate their level of proficiency in English to prospective employers or academic institutions. Examinations such as the British Council IELTS (international English language testing system) preparation course or the UCLES Certificate in Advance English and Certificate of Proficiency in English are often a prerequisite for further study.

Vocation courses Business and communication courses are in great demand as students seek to obtain skills that will prepare them for the workplace. These days you can take specialised course that combine English language studies with business, management, marketing or tourism. Diploma courses provide a good grounding covering a comprehensive range of topics and skills needed in the business environment. Courses vary in length from 3 to 9 months.

Whatever your interests and needs, there will always be a course to meet them. And as with most things, the secret of a successful language course is careful planning and preparation.

The Author

Oksana Higglesden is the Public Relations Manager for the Association of Recognised English Language Services, the representative body for accredited private English language schools in Britain. All members are rigorously inspected by the British Council and offer a broad range of courses for all types of learners.

Further information can be obtained from the ARELS website http://www.arels.org.uk or by contacting ARELS at 56 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AG.
Tel: +44 207 802 9200
Fax: +44 207 802 9201
e-mail: enquiries@arels.org.uk

This article first appeared in Educational Courses in Britain