How to Find a Suitable English Course in Singapore?

• Daily Life and Confidence: You want to express yourself freely in scenarios such as chatting with colleagues, shopping at supermarkets, and handling banking transactions.
• Work and Career Advancement: You aim to master business English, including email writing, presentation creation, and meeting negotiations.
• Exams and Further Studies: You are preparing for IELTS/TOEFL to pave the way for university admission or immigration.
• Speed and Flexibility: You seek a learning mode and schedule that aligns with your personal routine.

Understanding Your Starting Point: CEFR Level Assessment

• Quick Placement Test: A brief diagnostic test combined with a speaking sample to quickly determine your level.
• Self-Assessment: Make a preliminary judgment of your level based on your daily communication abilities.
• Avoid Skipping Levels: Ensure a solid foundation is laid for subsequent learning.

Choosing a Learning Mode: Classroom, Online, or Blended

• Classroom Learning: Real-time interaction and immediate feedback enhance a sense of responsibility.
• Online Learning (Live Streaming): Saves commuting time and allows for flexible participation with small-class interaction.
• Blended Learning: Combines campus instruction with live online sessions, enabling seamless switching between modes.

Time and Budget: Balancing Input and Output

• Investing 2-4 hours per week in classroom learning, plus 2 hours of personal practice, can enable you to advance by one CEFR sub-level per semester.
• Short-term intensive courses can accelerate progress, but be cautious not to overextend yourself.

• Compare the price per hour of instructor-guided time rather than just looking at the semester fee.
• Focus on value factors such as group size, teacher qualifications, and structured feedback.
• Singapore citizens/permanent residents can use the SkillsFuture Credit to offset part of the course fees.

Course Quality: Five Key Documents

1. Level Overview: A description of your abilities after completing the semester, clearly outlining the learning outcomes.
2. Weekly plan: Process design from grammar to tasks, such as email → phone → presentation.
3. Assessment Criteria: The scoring methods for speaking and writing, focusing on task completion, range of expression, accuracy, etc.
4. Example material: Real course lecture notes or slides to visually experience the course content.
5. Progression Policy: Clear conditions and timelines for moving up to the next level, helping you plan your learning path.

Teacher Quality and Class Size: Dual Guarantees

• Teacher Qualifications: Hold TEFL/TESOL/CELTA or degree-level language teaching certificates. Some teachers have corporate training experience in business English.
• Class Size: An ideal class size of 8-14 students ensures that each student has sufficient speaking opportunities.
• Feedback Loop: Regular and specific feedback helps students continuously improve.

Comparison of Teaching Modes: Classroom vs. Online

• Online Learning: Suitable for students with long commutes or those who need flexible scheduling. It can improve attendance rates and learning energy.
• Classroom Learning: Provides a structured learning environment, enhances social pressure, and encourages speaking up.
• Blended Mode: Ideal for students who frequently travel for work or have rotating shifts, allowing for seamless switching between learning modes.

Try Before You Commit: Reducing Risk and Building Momentum

• Whether the number of speaking opportunities meets the standard (at least 6-10 times).
• Whether the feedback is specific and useful.
• Whether the pace is appropriately challenging and manageable.

For Corporate Learners: Task-Oriented Training

• Email Responses
• Meeting Language (clarifying, summarizing, questioning)
• Presentation Flow and Q&A Sessions
• Communication Skills with International Clients

1. Week 1: Diagnostic speaking sample + baseline email.
2. Week 2: Focus on improving clarity.
3. Week 3: Strengthen cohesion skills.
4. Week 4: Redo the speaking sample and email to compare progress.

Flowchart: Steps to Choose an English Course in Singapore

Conclusion

• CBD Campus: 10 Anson Road, #24-15 International Plaza, Singapore 079903 (Green Line, Tanjong Pagar Station)
• Orchard Road Campus: 111 Somerset Road, #10-19, Singapore 238164 (Red Line, Somerset Station)

FAQ

Q1: What are the differences between Singapore English and standard English?

A1: Singapore English incorporates elements from Malay, Chinese dialects, and other languages, featuring unique vocabulary and grammatical structures. It is more closely aligned with daily communication in Singapore's multicultural context.

Q2: Are iworld learning's courses suitable for beginners?

A2: Yes, iworld learning offers courses at all levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient), catering to students of different proficiency levels.

Q3: How can I apply for the SkillsFuture Credit?

A3: Visit the official SkillsFuture Credit website to learn about the application process and eligibility criteria. iworld learning's courses are marked to indicate whether they qualify.

Q4: Are the course trials free?

A4: Yes, iworld learning offers free course trials, allowing you to fully understand the course content and teaching methods before deciding to enroll.

Q5: How can I assess my learning progress?

A5: Through the regular assessments, feedback, and the "Progress Certificate" plan provided by iworld learning, you can clearly understand your learning achievements and progress.