Why I Don’t Find Language Schools Efficient

Today, you went out for two meals: lunch at Burger King, followed by a fine dinner at an upscale restaurant. Which one are you more likely to remember next year? Naturally, the dinner—because with desserts, appetizers, and conversations, it can stretch into the night. The other? Just 15-20 minutes. You eat quickly and leave because someone else needs your spot.

We all know that living in a country like the U.S. or the U.K. is the fastest way to learn English. Let’s think logically: If someone with no English went to America today, it would take at least two months to reach the beginner level (A1). Would enrolling in a language school there shorten this time? Of course not. So why do language schools here (in your home country) finish each level in two months? Simple: They need you to complete the level quickly so you’ll pay for the next one—and if you won’t, they need you gone.

You can see this in almost every business around us, from food to fashion. When companies first enter the market, their success attracts big investments, and they expand rapidly with massive revenues. But as costs rise, they hire underqualified staff for low wages and compromise on quality.

A language school having a curriculum aligned with international standards or employing native teachers is certainly a plus—but it’s not the main factor for success. What truly makes a school successful is happy, passionate teachers who feel valued (both financially and emotionally) and an education system that isn’t rushed.

If you’ve read the text on the site about exposure, you can assume every teacher knows this. Yet, for them to convey it to students with enthusiasm, they first need a fulfilling work life. Unfortunately, most language schools overload even the most skilled, motivated teachers with back-to-back classes, draining their passion for the job.