You've Got Questions - We've Got The Answers Most Others Won't Dare Talk About!

Not everyone is tech-savvy, and technical difficulties can be a source of stress for online learners.

Helpful Tips:

• Invest time in learning the necessary software, tools, and platforms used by WIOS.

• Seek assistance from WIOS's technical support team to troubleshoot issues.

• Ensure that you have a reliable internet connection and up-to-date equipment.

Online learners might worry that they're missing out on the quintessential school experience that their peers in traditional settings enjoy.

Helpful Tips:

• Focus on the advantages of online learning, such as flexibility, personalised learning, and potential cost savings.

• Engage in extracurricular activities and internships to enrich your study experience.

• Stay connected with your local community and participate in events that interest you.

Some students may feel uncertain about the availability and quality of academic support in an online environment.

Helpful Tips:

• Familiarise yourself with WIOS's support services, such as tutoring and academic counselling.

• Reach out to instructors and teaching assistants for guidance and clarification.

• Connect with peers to form study groups and learn from one another.

One of the most common fears among online students is the feeling of isolation. At WIOS, we understand that community is essential for academic success and personal well-being.

Helpful Tips:

• Engage in virtual clubs and social events organised by WIOS to foster connections.

• Actively participate in online discussion boards and group projects.

• Reach out to classmates and teachers for support, collaboration, and networking.

When it comes to education, the distinction between cost and investment is crucial. While the cost implies a monetary expense, an investment signifies the long-term value derived from engaging in the learning process. 

Education becomes an investment when you actively participate, acquire new skills, and achieve tangible results. By immersing yourself in the learning experience, you unlock endless opportunities for personal growth and career advancement. As you evolve and reap the rewards of your dedication, the initial financial outlay transforms into a priceless asset – knowledge. 

Choose to invest in education, and watch as it pays dividends throughout your life.

At Winford International Online School, we don't shy away from addressing the white elephant in the room. By acknowledging and addressing the fears, worries, and concerns of our students, we empower them to confront and overcome these challenges. 

Our commitment to transparency, support, and innovation ensures that our students have the tools and resources necessary to succeed in their educational journey. 

So, take a deep breath, embrace the elephant, and embark on an exciting and rewarding online education with WIOS!

Studying online with a tutor can offer the convenience and flexibility of being able to study from anywhere with an internet connection. It can also allow for personalised attention and one-on-one instruction tailored to your individual needs and goals. 

Additionally, online tutoring may offer more scheduling options to fit your busy lifestyle.

On the other hand, studying in a local language centre can provide a more structured and immersive learning experience. It may also offer opportunities for social interaction with other students, which can be helpful for practising conversation skills and building a community of language learners. Additionally, a language centre may have more resources, such as textbooks and other learning materials, readily available.

Sofia – Moscow

I have been preparing for IELTS with Carl for 3 months. Progress is felt. The teacher is punctual, always ready to help and meet halfway if any problems arise. A large number of different textbooks specialised for exam preparation. Classes are very exciting and educational. 

Many thanks to the teacher for their professionalism. I am very glad that I am preparing with him.

The fear of making mistakes is a significant hurdle for many language learners. This fear can be crippling and lead to a lack of confidence in speaking or writing the target language.

Strategies to overcome:

• Embrace mistakes as a natural part of the learning process.

• Practise speaking and writing without the fear of being perfect.

• Focus on the progress made rather than dwelling on errors.

Students often worry that their accent, pronunciation, or grammatical errors may make it difficult for others to understand them. This fear can lead to a reluctance to engage in conversation.

Strategies to overcome:

• Practise pronunciation and accent reduction exercises regularly.

• Ask for clarification or feedback from native speakers or teachers.

• Remember that communication is a two-way process, and most people will appreciate your effort to learn their language.

Language students commonly fear that they will forget the vocabulary and grammar rules they have learned, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

Strategies to overcome:

• Develop a consistent study routine to reinforce learning.

• Use flashcards, spaced repetition systems, or apps to aid memory retention.

• Engage in conversation or writing exercises to apply the learned material actively.

The idea of reaching fluency can seem daunting, and many students fear that they may never achieve their desired level of proficiency in the target language.

Strategies to overcome:

• Set realistic and achievable short-term goals to measure progress.

• Find a language exchange partner or conversation group to practise regularly.

• Be patient and recognise that fluency takes time and effort to achieve.

Language learning often involves navigating unfamiliar cultural norms and customs, which can lead to the fear of unintentionally offending or misunderstanding others.

Strategies to overcome:

• Learn about the target culture and its customs.

• Approach cultural differences with curiosity and an open mind.

• Be prepared to ask questions and seek clarification when unsure about cultural norms.

Maintaining motivation throughout the language learning journey is essential, but it can be challenging when progress seems slow or obstacles arise.

Tips for staying motivated:

• Set realistic, achievable goals and track your progress.

• Immerse yourself in the language by consuming media, such as movies, music, and books.

• Reward yourself for reaching milestones, like completing a chapter in a textbook or passing a language exam.

Many language students are afraid of making mistakes, especially when speaking. This fear often stems from the pressure to be perfect, whether imposed by oneself or others.

Tip: Embrace your mistakes as part of the learning process. When you make a mistake, treat it as a valuable learning opportunity rather than a failure. Keep practising and remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes when learning something new.

When beginning to learn a new language, understanding native speakers can be a significant challenge. Students may feel overwhelmed by the speed and use of colloquial expressions, which can be discouraging.

Tip: Expose yourself to different accents and dialects by watching movies, TV shows, or listening to podcasts in your target language. Practise active listening and try to pick up on context clues to better understand the speaker's meaning. Over time, your comprehension skills will improve.

Language students often worry about having a noticeable accent or struggling with the pronunciation of unfamiliar sounds. This can lead to a lack of confidence when speaking.

Tip: Focus on improving your pronunciation by practising regularly. Try mimicking native speakers through listening exercises and consider using apps or websites that provide feedback on your pronunciation. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your teacher or language partner, as they can offer guidance and tips for improvement.

Cambridge English

Cambridge Maths

Cambridge Science

Cambridge Global Perspectives

Cambridge iGCSE

IELTS Exam Preparation

OET Exam Preparation

Business English

Communication & Presentation Skills Coaching

Usually around 30 - 45 minutes, depending on how the assessment unfolds.

A student may be assessed in one or two subjects during the assessment.

This differs from student to student. When we do an evaluation after 12 weeks, we anticipate that a child/student will have made significant improvement. 

The majority of our students stay between 6 and 12 months. However, many continue for several years due to the confidence - and achievement - boosting effects of our teaching and learning.

Usually no unless requested by parent, student or company.

However, we do ask for at least 2 weeks' notice to terminate classes.

The amount of time it takes to improve your IELTS score from a band 4 to a band 7 depends on various factors such as your language proficiency, the quality of the lessons, the amount of self-study, and individual learning ability. Assuming you take 2 lessons per week, here's a general outline of how long it might take.

At a band 4 level, you have limited proficiency in English, while a band 7 level is indicative of a more advanced level of fluency. To make this leap, you will need to invest a significant amount of time and effort in studying.

As a rough estimate, with 2 lessons per week and regular self-study, it could take you anywhere from 12 to 18 months to improve your IELTS score from band 4 to band 7. However, this timeframe could be shorter or longer depending on your dedication, the quality of the lessons, and your natural language-learning ability.

To accelerate your progress, consider increasing the frequency of your lessons, dedicating more time to self-study, and immersing yourself in English-language environments, such as conversation clubs or language exchanges. Practice is key, so focus on all four skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) to ensure a well-rounded improvement.

If you have any further questions that has not been addressed here, kindly do ask - otherwise we hope very much to see you in class soon!