How English improved my life

“It is never too late and you are never too old to start something new!” says EF English Live student Ellen Rema. Ellen began to learn English at the age of 50, and in just a few years, she has made amazing progress!

Ellen chose to study at EF English Live because no evening classes were offered in the German countryside where she lives. At EF English Live, she joins conversation classes online and speaks with live native English-speaking teachers.

“EF English Live is a wonderful place to study. It’s even open 24/7,” she says. “My son always says, ‘Mom you are a bit crazy’. He cannot understand why I spend so many hours studying, but I love it. I do it for myself.”

In 2001, Ellen began with the first level of EF English Live and quickly progressed. “I spent hours and hours to study,” she said. “Maybe I wanted too much in a short time. I finished all my courses after 2 years, but noticed I still had grammar difficulties.”

Instead of giving up, she chose to press on. After four years at EF English Live, she’s still studying in the online classroom – but now to perfect her already excellent English! She has set new goals and priorities for herself and focuses on understanding grammar points.

“Studying online is never boring, but you need self-discipline, self-motivation and staying-power,” she says. “If you really want to learn, never give up even when you notice difficulties or when you think there is no success. Practice, practice, practice!”

Ellen says studying English isn’t all about hard work. It should also be fun! “I really like the online conversation classrooms,” she says. “I have learned so much about other cultures and traditions. I’m open for all topics.”

Ellen has been able to put her English to use by visiting England five times! “I’m very thankful to EF English Live because most of the English I know now I’ve learned here,” Ellen says. “My life has changed with EF English Live.”