The advantage of studying languages on the Web

Web-based training is cost-effective, accessible and gives you new classmates without having to leave home or the office. Today you can train by e-learning in most areas but language is particularly appropriate for training online and encourages self-study.

EF is the market leader in language training for business and they are also the world's largest private training providers with training and cultural exchanges for all ages in 16 different business areas. EF's focus on teacher-led training through the online school ' English Town ' is a unique combination of teacher-led classes, self-study exercises, writing exercises and coaching by phone.

Peter Burman, president worldwide for EF Corporate Language Training explains their concept.

- We offer companies the opportunity to train their employees with traditional learning, through intensive courses abroad and online, but online courses are most in demand.

The Web - a real school

EF is a leading player and was first to market with online language courses. But progress has been far from straightforward.

- We've probably made every mistake you can make, but we have also learned during the journey. Today we train over 1 000 companies with students from 135 countries. The training is scalable and easy to follow up, says Burman.

Enthusiasm is important and the training must be relevant. The latter is particularly important in business. EF's online language courses begin with a general level, which is then specialised according to the demands and skills of the student.

- We have an enormous variety. A student goes through maximum 10 per cent of our training material in a regular course and all course material is available online, says Peter Burman.

Requires commitment

E-learning is interesting, modern and exciting but requires commitment. The programmes are seldom technically complex but to sit in front of your computer can sometimes be perceived as dull. However, the students rarely drop out of EF's online courses.

- Those who get started with our online training courses usually complete them. It’s not so complicated to study online and the training is rewarding when a course significantly improves your ability to communicate, concludes Peter.