Learn English @ Brooks Language: HELP / AJUDA

That’s a good question! What is your definition of "learn English"?

To get a British passport, for example, you need level B1, which is intermediate level. At this level, you can have a confident conversation. From Basic/Elementary to Intermediate is about 150-200 hours of study (BBC, Cambridge University, Deutsche Welle, Alliance Française all agree).

With a little dedication, this takes about 12 months. Of course, you can improve fluency much faster, so it depends on your objective.

What is my English level?

Do a test with Nigel or Glauce in SJCampos or by Skype, or try one of the quick tests in the sidebar.

It's so difficult to find time to study...

No one has time, so get organized! Speaking English will change your life. Follow "The Five Moments of English" every week to help you organize your studies.

Moment 1

Class

Moment 2

Homework, recycle, learn new vocabulary

Moment 3

Watch or listen (eg tv show, podcast)

Moment 4

Read (eg an article, a book)

Moment 5

Review and planning

The Five Moments are activities you should do every week, attend class, do homework, watch or listen to English, and review progress. The review is especially important. Learning English is a big project and it will help you stay in control.

How can I improve my fluency faster?

First, find a great private teacher and never miss class. Then, do lots of homework and recycling and always memorize new words. Finally, every week, try to watch tv and listen to podcasts, read a lot, for your job and for pleasure, and write something new. Simple!

What is better, one class a week or two?

In general, more is better, but it depends on how much homework you do, too :-) If you want fast results, we suggest up to four hours of extra study (reading, writing, listening, grammar) every week. We select the material, correct your answers and give feedback. That’s a lot of English!

If you want to do two classes a week, there is a 40% discount for the second class.

I don’t like English. How I still improve?

Usually, if a student doesn’t like English it’s because they are following the wrong method. When you find the right method, English is fun and the more you improve, the more you like it.

Can I learn without a teacher?

Sure! We can send you some great links and tips to improve your English. Go to the contact page to complete your details.

How do I prepare for an interview?

We published a book about interviews last year called Fluency under Pressure (you can see on Amazon). It’s on sale all over the world.

So, how to prepare for an interview? The simple answer is, there are 7 secrets:

Be prepared
Control your nerves
Make a great first impression
Maximize your English
Develop your key topics
Understand and answer difficult questions
Be natural

What is coaching?

There are many definitions because there are many different styles, but it is perfect for 1 to 1 and small groups. The teacher doesn’t “give” the language to the student, the teacher helps the student to improve, to get more confidence, and to learn. The student is 100% involved in the process. Read more >>

ABOUT PRICES

Aren't private classes very expensive?

No. Our private classes are good value compared with English schools because you learn more and you learn faster.

How much do classes cost?

It depends on number of classes per week, your level, and your objectives. Generally, the cost for a private class every week is less than course in an English school. And if you do a second class, there is a 40% discount.

Can you give me an invoice (NF)?

Yes.

What if I cancel my course?

No problem. There is no extra cost or penalty and we will refund 100% of all the classes you didn’t do. As a courtesy, we ask two weeks notice (aviso prévio).

Do you give refunds if I don’t do classes?

Yes. At the end of the year, if you didn’t finish all your classes, there are two options a) 70% refund of all the classes you cancelled or b) include next semester.

How do I pay for classes?

You pay each month by post-dated cheques (pré-datado).

My company will pay, but in a school. Can you help me?

No problem! Ask Human Resources to contact us.

ABOUT CLASSES

What courses do you offer?

See our list here >>

Are private classes better?

In a school, each class the teacher presents the new language from the book, sometimes to 15 or 20 students. Then, the students practice and the teacher observes and corrects, but in a busy class there is not much time for individual problems. A good teacher gives extra homework to help slow students.

In a private class, the teacher can focus on one student. There is always a lot of conversation and opportunities to explore different topics. We say that in a school, the student must adapt to the methodology of the class, in a private class, the methodology adapts to the student. Here is a summary of the differences:

Do you give Skype classes?

Yes. Some of our students are 100% Skype (eg they live in another city or another country) and all our students do Skype classes occasionally because they are late, or travelling, or on holiday, or because it’s raining (!) etc.

Can I study with a colleague or friend?

Yes. There is a 25% discount for 2 students and 35% for 3 students. Bigger groups are possible. Check with Nigel or Glauce.

Where is your school?

We teach from our home near SESI in Bosque, in São José dos Campos, São Paulo. It’s five minutes from Shopping ValeSul Shopping.

Can I have classes in my home or office?

We don't visit individual students, so maybe Skype classes will be your best option. Another possibility, we offer in company training for groups. You can ask HR about this.

I work in a company. Should I do Business English?

There are advantages and disadvantages. Business English classes have less focus on grammar and more on professional vocabulary, but in our classes, you don't have to decide, you can mix both if you want.

How much homework is necessary?

Minimum 1 hour per week, but more is better. It’s also a great idea to watch tv shows and films and listen to podcasts and read news articles or stories every week. You learn English fast when it is part of your life. We always give suggestions and check progress.

How many classes are there each semester?

Our semesters are 50% longer than most schools. In 2017, they are 24 weeks. That’s 48 weeks total.

See our 2017 calendar>>

I want to try classes! What now?

Step 1
Call and chat :-) If you are in São José dos Campos, we will set a time for you to visit us personally. We’ll talk about your experiences, your objectives, the style of class you like, class times, prices, etc, and we’ll evaluate your English level.

Step 2
Pay enrolment R$90 and arrange you first class. We ask for the first month in advance, but if you decide to stop at any time, for any reason, we will refund the classes.

Step 3
Study!

ABOUT SKYPE CLASSES

Are Skype classes cheaper or more expensive than normal classes?

They are the same price.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Skype classes?

Advantages:

Convenient, not necessary to travel
Good to specifically prepare for audio or video conferences
Some shy people find it easier to get talking
It’s possible to record the class and watch later

Disadvantages:

Less personal, some people say it’s not as nice or as motivating
More time in front of the computer, bad for posture
No coffee and cake, no chat with Benji and the other dogs
Some extroverts find it less stimulating

The Same:

In our Skype classes, many things are the same, we use the same course books, we use video, music, online activities and a web whiteboard (like making notes with the teacher). Also, we use the chat option to share words, so you always have a vocabulary list after class finishes. Useful!

ABOUT NIGEL AND GLAUCE

How can I contact you?

Call Nigel or Glauce on +55 (12) 3916 4177 or 99704 4949. Our emails are nigel@brookslanguage.com and glauce@brookslanguage.com. All the details are on the CONTACT page.

Are you English?

Nigel is British and Glauce is Brazilian.

How long have you been teaching?

We have been teaching for s.o. many years that I don’t think I want to say! We have a lot of experience!

Who is Benji?

Benji "the Dog is on the Table" Brooks is our class mascot.

When did you start Brooks Language?

15 years ago.

INFREQUENT QUESTIONS

Will my head explode if I do too much homework?

In general, no, this is a myth. Sometimes, a little smoke may escape from the ears. In these cases, we recommend a cold shower between difficult exercises.

Benji ate my homework. Do I have to do it again?

Yes, you do. Benji is an angel who never does bad things. If he ate your homework, it is because there were many errors.