English classes for native Thai speaker?

[symbiosis 0]

My fiancee's English is pretty good. She'll have no trouble with basic communication, save for an accent that could be slightly difficult for the uninitiated her in the states.

Do you think English classes at the local community college are a good idea or is she likely to pick up things just from being emersed in an English-only environment?

[rin and john 71]

My fiancee's English is pretty good. She'll have no trouble with basic communication, save for an accent that could be slightly difficult for the uninitiated her in the states.

Do you think English classes at the local community college are a good idea or is she likely to pick up things just from being emersed in an English-only environment?

If she has the time, it wouldn't hurt. Rin's children have been in ESL classes (at school and over the summer) and are doing much better having been here 10 months. Rin has not gone to any classes. Her english is improving, but not at the same rate as her children. Check with the local school system. As an example, Shelby County TN offers ESL for adults free of charge.

http://www.scsk12.org/SCS/subject-areas/ES...ParentFlyer.pdf

It is too far from our house for Rin to attend, but your local school system may offer something similar.

Goodluck!

John

[antda 13]

Hi Symbiosis,

Yes, English classes are always a good idea for non-native English speakers. By learning at a class, your fiancee can improve on her formal basic English skills and learn even more advanced English skills. As well, she can meet people who are learning English too, which would make her feel less lonely and more welcomed here. Definately, you should check out a local community college or other local program that do offer English classes, especially for immigrants. Usually these classes offer worksheets, workbooks, lessons, converstion practice, assignments, computer programs, etc.

Immersion in an English-only environment is good too, for learning non-formal English skills. For example, through talking with others, newspapers, television, magazines, etc.

So I think a combination of both formal and informal language skills are needed in order to be fully integrated into any society. There's no such thing as learning too much of a language either!

Good luck with your fiance learning English and good luck with your immigration journey.

Ant (A former part-time volunteer English teacher...)

My fiancee's English is pretty good. She'll have no trouble with basic communication, save for an accent that could be slightly difficult for the uninitiated her in the states.

Do you think English classes at the local community college are a good idea or is she likely to pick up things just from being emersed in an English-only environment?

Edited September 2, 2008 by AntandD

[antda 13]

Oops...I meant "conversation" not "converstion", "fiancee" not "fiance", and "definitely" not "definately" in my post....Sorry for the spelling errors...

Hi Symbiosis,

Yes, English classes are always a good idea for non-native English speakers. By learning at a class, your fiancee can improve on her formal basic English skills and learn even more advanced English skills. As well, she can meet people who are learning English too, which would make her feel less lonely and more welcomed here. Definately, you should check out a local community college or other local program that do offer English classes, especially for immigrants. Usually these classes offer worksheets, workbooks, lessons, converstion practice, assignments, computer programs, etc.

Immersion in an English-only environment is good too, for learning non-formal English skills. For example, through talking with others, newspapers, television, magazines, etc.

So I think a combination of both formal and informal language skills are needed in order to be fully integrated into any society. There's no such thing as learning too much of a language either!

Good luck with your fiance learning English and good luck with your immigration journey.

Ant (A former part-time volunteer English teacher...)

My fiancee's English is pretty good. She'll have no trouble with basic communication, save for an accent that could be slightly difficult for the uninitiated her in the states.

Do you think English classes at the local community college are a good idea or is she likely to pick up things just from being emersed in an English-only environment?

Edited September 2, 2008 by AntandD

[CJ&Jum 0]

Consider the www.ed2go.com ESL courses. These are online computer classes. Most community colleges have "distance learning" programs that they make you believe are local online courses but they direct to this site, cost is around $50 for each section, they have grammar, writing, speaking, and many other skills that have ESL based classes. Check your local community college for Ed2go or distance learning ESL classes. While they are not face to face, in classroom courses, with her experience, she may learn a thing or two.

Good luck!

C.J.