Annika

Germany

🅠 What is your favourite thing about studying at The Language Academy?

Ⓐ “The atmosphere I would say. Of course, the people… the people create this atmosphere. It makes you feel that you’re welcome; everybody cares about you. Studying here is about more than just learning English, it’s about building up different relationships.”

🅠 What has been your biggest challenge while studying English?

Ⓐ “Hmm, I think the preparation for my CAE exam. When I came here, I finally decided to do it. This was definitely something that challenged me, but I could take so much more out of it. I was so lucky because I had one-on-one classes, even though it was frustrating at times.

And I was so lucky because I love all of the teachers; Rhyle is this typical Aussie, and he talks with an Aussie accent. Nick is also your typical Aussie, but he talks very articulately; and then Sarah, who speaks with a British English accent. So I had three different influences.”

🅠 What has improved the most?

Ⓐ “Everything [laughing]. My English flows better. My pronunciation has changed, and still is changing after three months. What I’ve learned has been the perfect foundation, it was exciting to experience. I wouldn’t say I’m fluent by now, but I’m feeling more confident. I’ve made good foundations to become more fluent throughout the next few months.”

🅠 What was it like studying in Australia?

Ⓐ “I’ve been learning English for 11 years, since the third grade in primary school, as it was compulsory. And I’m so thankful that it was compulsory. So, I think the main difference was that it was a completely different situation in class. Here in my classes it was one-on-one. Back in Germany it was not.

One of the reasons it’s different is the relationships. Here I wouldn’t consider teachers ‘teachers’, but more so friends. For a lot of people it sounds weird or strange, but I’m so grateful that they entered my life.”

🅠 How has this course prepared you for the future?

Ⓐ “This course prepared me for writing, listening, speaking, and, what is the other one? Reading! [laughing]. Every single area was taught, and because of that I can take so much from it. Since I will be studying international communications in the Netherlands next year, it will definitely prepare me for that. Even though I make mistakes, I feel so much better, and I learned a lot about the English language. Learning about a foreign language, you learn about your own.

I got to learn about Aussie culture, things like the Melbourne cup and it’s just as much a cultural exchange.

I’ve been in Aus for three months, and my entire stay for will be for six months. I will travel around Aus for six weeks, and then try to extend my stay. If not, home.”