Live and Learn English

Did you know that as well as teaching students, we teach teachers too? We offer CELTA courses in Toronto to people interested in having a career in teaching English as a foreign language. CELTA is the most widely recognised TEFL qualification and it enables holders to work as teachers anywhere around the world. So what’s it like taking a CELTA programme at EC Toronto? Read what the experience is like from Warda, one of our CELTA course students. Where better to obtain your CELTA qualification than in one of the most multicultural cities in the world? The CELTA certification with EC was absolutely a pleasant experience. I was enrolled in the part-time classes and I found the course quite engaging. I was delighted with the support I received throughout the course from the peers, trainers and the management. The trainers made sure to guide us in their best possible ways. They made the CELTA course journey easier than I had expected. During the course, I learned several techniques to overcome the challenges while teaching Upper and Lower level English learners. At first, it used to take significant time, effort and research to plan and execute lessons. However, with the trainers’ continuous guidance, I was able to prepare quality lesson plans efficiently. CELTA has equipped me with different teaching approaches and techniques, and I feel confident to employ them in future. The virtual CELTA course, during pandemic, designed by EC proved to be extremely effective. The close coordination with peers, frequent online classes and use of technology created a real engaging environment for all of us. The virtual course provided me a unique opportunity to enhance my technological skills which can be utilized in online teaching. Warda Our CELTA courses in Toronto are officially approved by Cambridge Assessment English and meet … Read more

    How would you like some good news to start off the year? Well, look no further, as EC Miami is reopening in March 2021 and getting back to what it does best – teaching you English! Miami, Florida has long been a popular destination for travellers and language learners alike. The locals speak over 128 languages. Yes – 128 unique languages! This is all thanks to a long history of people from many countries and backgrounds settling here and it makes Miami an easy place to fit in. This diversity creates a welcoming and comfortable place not only for learning English, but to put the language into practice on a daily basis, with students and locals alike. Warm Spring Weather Let’s jump straight in here and imagine that sunny weather during your stay. The temperature in Miami during March averages 25°C, and around 18°C degrees at night, unlike the chilly climate in most of the northern hemisphere at that time of year. Easy to see why December to May are the most popular months to visit the city. It’s warm without being too hot, and the humidity hasn’t crept in yet either. Oh, and just to put the cherry on top, the water temperature is pretty nice then too so, swimming? Yes please. Surfing? You bet. How about a balmy evening walk on the famous South Beach? Go for it!   School Reopening March 2021 We are so excited for this. On the 1st March, our Miami English school is scheduled to reopen following all the COVID-19 guidelines required and right now, our teachers, and all our staff, are busy behind the scenes to make the return to teaching as safe and memorable as ever. Even with the constraints of social distancing, our academic and social programs have … Read more

What’s it like learning English in Malta at times like these? Sara from Spain talks us through her experience as an EC Malta student. I have been at EC English school for a month and a half and I could not have chosen a better place to improve my level of English. Every day we take our temperature before entering the building and the classes are perfectly equipped to feel safe against the spread of the virus. The teachers use a very effective methodology to teach English and I feel like I am learning faster than ever. Who said you have to stop in times of pandemic? By Sara, studying English at EC Malta Malta is a tiny island surrounded by the glimmering Mediterranean Sea, where you can find some of the oldest temples in the world and a great beach vibe surrounded by gorgeous architecture. EC Malta is located in Malta’s entertainment district, with bus routes going all around the island nearby. At EC English, you, our students, come first. We do not react, and we do not settle for the “easy fix”. We research. We reflect. We make decisions based on the best learning outcomes. We are continuously monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in all of our schools. We will continue to comply with the national advice for each location and do everything possible to secure the safety of our students and staff. Want to know more about taking an English course in Malta? Contact us below, we’re happy to answer your questions

What’s it like learning English in Cambridge during covid and lockdown? EC Cambridge student Lucas shares his experiences of our English school. “My name is Lucas, I was a student of EC Cambridge from February to April before the first lockdown started and I always liked to study English at this school. I’m very happy to be able to study again right here during this new lockdown. I feel safe to study here because the school adopts all the protection measures to maintain the health of the staff and students, such as the use of masks, social distance, gel alcohol in all rooms, among others. In addition, the quality of teaching and functioning remains excellent, the staff and teachers continue to develop the great work they did before the lockdown started. In addition, the school has an excellent teaching structure that enables easy and efficient learning. It’s great to be back!” Contact us here for more information on our Cambridge school or for any questions you have about improving your English with EC.

During EC Virtual classes, we ask all students to have their cameras on. The reasons for having cameras on in live online learning lessons are simple: we make judgments based on facial expressions and body language and we decide if someone understands or if they are confused or if they are bored using those expressions. In the online world we use cameras so we can see you and see that you are engaged and understand as you, the learner, participate in the class. Are Live Online classes right for you? Some students are reluctant to have their cameras on, this is totally fine but it could be that live online classes are not the best learning solution for you. Maybe you should try a distance learning class where you work individually and interaction is with the computer programme. If you want to join live online classes with other students, be prepared to have the camera on. Body Language and facial expressions are important In a traditional classroom environment, the teacher uses students’ facial expressions and body language to monitor the classroom dynamic and to focus attention on those who need more support – even if they have not said it aloud. This is even more important in online live learning sessions as the attention of students is drawn to the teacher and all the other participants because each one is given the same importance on their screen. There is no ‘back of the classroom’ for anyone to hide in; it has become quite intimate and everyone has a responsibility to participate; this is a huge benefit of online learning. Be part of the classroom community Another benefit of seeing each other is that you get to ‘meet’ your classmates and you feel part of the room, part of the community … Read more

EC Virtual, our online English classes, are designed to help you improve your level, interact, and collaborate with international students, and receive assessment, guidance and feedback from your English teacher. Improving your English will give you more opportunities in life. Here’s a review from Jose, from Spain, who wisely decided to learn English online when he was unable to learn in school. I chose EC Virtual because I wanted to take advantage of the lack of face-to-face English classes in my country due to the coronavirus pandemic. So, rather than be in a rut doing nothing, I thought it would be an excellent moment to hone my English skills alongside students of all nationalities. I really learned a lot, particularly I developed my fluency in the language by speaking in public and losing the fear to make mistakes, as well I learned new vocabulary and expressions. The thing I liked most about the lessons was that I found the topics really interesting, pretty up-to-date. In other classes, you have to study arduous and dull topics, but it was not the case with this National Geographic book. Definitely I enjoyed studying this book, not only by its content but also because the teacher did it quite enjoyable. I would definitely recommend EC Virtual to everybody, it´s a good opportunity to learn a language and put it in practice with really professional native teachers. I only have good words to the two teachers I had on my four-week course. The other students were from Ukraine, Belarus, South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Saudi Arabia. From my stay, the stand out thing was the riveting vibe of the course. My advice for future EC students: don´t be afraid of putting your feet in while speaking in other languages and keep on practicising if you … Read more