Tips and advice to start learning English

Learning English has become an invaluable skill in today's globalized world. Whether for professional, academic reasons, or simply the desire to expand their horizons, many people are looking for effective ways to master this language from the comfort of their homes.

1. Establish Clear and Realistic Goals

The first crucial step in embarking on the journey of learning English from home is to set clear and realistic goals. This process not only provides clear direction, but also serves as a constant driver of motivation along the way.

When defining your goals, it is essential to break them down into specific, achievable objectives. Do you want to improve your conversation skills, reach a level of proficiency for a specific exam, or simply feel more confident communicating in English in everyday situations? Be precise in your aspirations, as this will allow you to adapt your learning approach effectively.

Short-term goals act as intermediate milestones that maintain your momentum and allow you to evaluate your progress on a regular basis. Set weekly or monthly goals that are measurable and realistic, such as learning a specific number of new words, completing a grammar unit, or participating in an English conversation each week.

Long-term goals, on the other hand, give you a broader vision and serve as the beacon that guides your overall trajectory. Ask yourself where you would like to be in your English proficiency in six months, a year or more. Do you aspire to obtain a specific certification, study in an English-speaking country, or use the language fluently in a work environment? These long-term goals will give a broader, more meaningful purpose to your learning.

Once you have set your goals, it is important to remember that the key lies in realism. While ambition is essential, unattainable goals can be demotivating. Assess your current level of English skill and set goals that are challenging but achievable with effort and dedication.

The process of setting goals is not only static; should be reviewed and adjusted as necessary. As you progress in your learning, your goals are likely to evolve. Be flexible and adapt your goals to reflect your changing needs and linguistic growth.

2. Create an English Immersion Environment

Immersion is key to learning any language. Take advantage of opportunities to create an environment where English is constantly present. Change your device settings to English, listen to English music, watch English movies and TV shows, and immerse yourself in English books and magazines. This will help your brain adapt and become familiar with the structure and sounds of English.

3. Use Online Learning Applications and Platforms

In the digital age, there are a variety of apps and online platforms designed specifically for learning English. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone offer interactive lessons and exercises to suit your skill level. Additionally, websites like Khan Academy and BBC Learning English provide free, high-quality educational resources.

4. Participate in Learning Communities

Joining online communities or language exchange groups can be an enriching experience. Platforms like Tandem, HelloTalk or Language Exchange connect people who want to learn a language with native speakers. These interactions enable authentic conversational practices and provide additional cultural insight.

5. Take Online Classes

When you decide to learn English from the comfort of home, the option of taking online classes is presented as a structured and effective way. Numerous educational platforms offer English courses designed to suit various skill levels, providing an organized and targeted approach to language learning.

Coursera: This collaborative platform offers a wide range of online courses, many of which are taught by renowned universities and professionals. English courses on Coursera range from beginner to advanced, and some even provide certificates upon successful completion of lessons.

Udemy: With an impressive variety of online courses, Udemy is known for its accessibility and topical diversity. It offers English classes ranging from basic grammar and vocabulary to specialized modules on business or preparation for certification exams.

edX: This online course platform was created by Harvard and MIT and hosts courses from academic institutions around the world. English courses on edX address different aspects of the language, from grammar to writing and oral communication.

British Council - Learn English: An initiative of the British Council, this platform provides free online courses to learn English. It offers interactive resources, educational videos and activities designed to improve language skills comprehensively.

EF English Live : As one of the largest online language schools in the world, EF English Live provides live classes with native teachers. It offers courses adapted to different levels, from beginner to advanced, and its focus is on effective practice of conversation skills.

Rosetta Stone: Known for its immersion method, Rosetta Stone provides online English courses that focus on intuitive and natural language learning. It uses images, sounds and text to teach in a contextualized way, imitating the process of learning the native language.

Busuu: This platform combines interactive lessons with the opportunity to practice with native speakers. Busuu offers structured and personalized English courses based on your current skill level.

6. Read Regularly in English

Reading is an effective way to improve vocabulary and understand the structure of the language. Start with simpler readings, such as short stories or online articles, and gradually advance to more complex books. Also, keep a dictionary handy to look up new words and reinforce your understanding.

7. Listen and Repeat Audios

Listening practice is essential to improve listening comprehension and accent. Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, news and songs in English. Try to repeat phrases and expressions to perfect your pronunciation. Apps like Audible and Spotify offer a wide variety of listening content in English.

8. Practice Writing Regularly

Writing is an often overlooked skill, but it is essential to expressing yourself clearly. Keep a journal in English, write emails, participate in blogs or online forums. You can also use tools like Grammarly to improve grammar and writing.

9. Make use of Grammar and Vocabulary Resources

There are numerous online resources that can help improve English grammar and vocabulary. Websites like Grammarly, Oxford Online English, and Vocabulary.com offer in-depth lessons, interactive exercises, and practice tests.

10. Schedule Conversation Sessions with Native Speakers

Nothing beats regular practice with native speakers. Use platforms like iTalki, Preply or ConversationExchange to schedule conversation sessions in English. This direct interaction will give you immediate feedback and help you gain confidence in communicating in the language.