So you recently moved to the United States for work and since the day you arrived, you have been struggling with your English. Perhaps for you, the problem is not the technical language of your professional field. Perhaps the problem is not even giving presentations or participating in meetings. Maybe you feel confident in those situations too.
Topics: English Lessons, English Conversation
The other day I was speaking with a woman who came to the United States from Japan about 7 years ago.
Topics: English Lessons, English Conversation, Vocabulary Workshop, Video Lessons
December is here and that means we are entering the holiday season! Between now and the end of the year, you will probably be invited to a few holiday cocktail parties in the United States.
Topics: English Lessons, Daily Life in the US, English Conversation, Vocabulary Workshop
Read MoreHave you ever met a connector? Are you a connector? Maybe you are a connector in your native language but you don't know how to be one in English.
A connector is the kind of person who knows a lot of people and is always ready to introduce you to someone in his or her network.
Malcolm Gladwell argued in The Tipping Point that connectors are instrumental in facilitating the spread of a new idea.
We know by now that the majority of job opportunities aren't claimed through job listings.
Jobs and other career opportunities are found through connections and the connector is someone who helps others get what they need by making introductions.
Of course, there are many benefits to being a connector, especially when you are living and working in a new country and in a big city like Boston or New York.
What English vocabulary words and phrases do you need for connecting and introducing people in English?
Keep reading to get the answers!
Topics: English Lessons, English Conversation
Are you interested in learning conversational English in Boston? Do you work during the week but rarely have an opportunity to practice your English outside of work? A lot of international professionals are too busy during the week to find a language exchange or attend a language school. If that is your situation, we have some great ideas for you in today's post. There is another way to practice your English while helping people in need and making connections in the community. You can become a volunteer in your free time! Do you have two extra hours a few times per month? If so, keep reading to find out why volunteering can help not only your English skills but also your state of mind!
Today I would like to announce a new opportunity to practice your English! Starting in February of 2012, we will be giving away a free English lesson to one member of our Facebook community every month. How does it work? It's simple, we will announce the free lesson on our Facebook wall and if you are the first one to respond, you get the free lesson! The lessons can be held in person if you are in Boston or on Skype if you are anywhere else in the world! How can you increase your chances of winning? Make sure you "like" our Facebook page, and check back every few days to see if the offer is available.
Topics: English Lessons, English Conversation
Topics: English Lessons, Advice for English Students, How to Learn English, United States Culture, English Conversation, Listening Practice
Today's blog topic is NYC English! What do you know about the New York City subway? If you are thinking about coming to NYC to learn English, this post is a great way for you to get an idea of what it's like to ride the subway in New York. If you are already in New York and you ride the subway every day, you can learn new vocabulary expressions and idioms that New Yorkers use every day! Do you know what it means to be "in the red" or to "get the hang of it" ? If not, listen to the conversation about the subway in New York. Don't forget to take the quiz at the end to test your listening comprehension!
Topics: English Lessons, Daily Life in the US, English Conversation, English Idioms, Life in New York, Listening Practice
To be successful in the United States, you must understand not only the English language but English and American culture.
If you are doing business, taking a class, preparing for a test or just visiting Boston or New York, you will notice that the American culture is reflected in the English language.
One important aspect of communicating with American people is giving feedback or offering criticism.
Different cultures voice criticism in different ways. It is important to know yourself.
How do you express criticism in your home culture?
When you don't agree with someone or you see a problem with their work, how do you tell them? Do you come out and say it directly?
Do you use non-verbal communication and express your feedback indirectly so that you will not offend them?
Topics: English Lessons, United States Culture, English Conversation, Vocabulary Workshop
"My classes with English and Culture have been awesome. I have been taking the classes for almost two months, twice a week and I am really happy about my improvement. Now I feel more comfortable and secure when speaking English and more fluent, too."
-Elkin, Colombia
