Foreign Friend News Blog

The Best Language Learning Apps for English Learners: A1 to C2

Ashleigh Spence — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 10:02:00 GMT

Learning English in 2024 offers an abundance of tools, with language learning apps providing flexibility and interactive features that fit around busy schedules. However, apps alone may not be enough to build a strong foundation.

The Future of English Language Learning in the age of AI

Ashleigh Spence — Wed, 22 May 2024 06:35:00 GMT

AI-based platforms and apps are becoming very popular tools for learning English with AI. They offer unique benefits that are changing opportunities within the English learning arena.

English in Wonderland - A Gateway to English Lessons Online

Ashleigh Spence — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:39:00 GMT

English is a key that opens a door to a huge world. It makes me think of that door in Alice in Wonderland – you know the one? She wants so badly to get through that door! That’s how all my students feel too. They want to master their English and enter the world it offers. But what happens to Alice once she goes through that door – it isn’t what she expects, is it?

What’s the time? Understanding How Time Influences the Way we Learn Languages

Ashleigh Spence — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 11:40:00 GMT

Two renowned linguists found that “…people who speak two languages fluently think about time differently depending on the language context in which they are estimating the duration of events.” In this article I use some examples to illustrate the concept of time versus language.

An English learning Taboo: Tenses

Ashleigh Spence — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 11:43:00 GMT

No teacher or student is surprised when tenses become a point of frustration in the learning process. Notorious for being difficult to apply, tenses are dreaded my most ESL learners. The most complicated part is that there are a lot of rules and when we look at all of them in totality, the task of remembering all of them seems impossible.

Break This Habit if You Want to be Fluent in English

Ashleigh Spence — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 07:05:00 GMT

Teaching English to foreigners has been one of my biggest investments of my time for eight years now. I have worked online, and I have worked on the ground in Zimbabwe and Vietnam. Every culture I have encountered as a teacher has been different in the way it affects students’ attitude to studying. However, one habit that permeates all cultures is this: students denigrate and belittle themselves – constantly!

Common Mistakes of French and Spanish Speakers when Speaking English

Ashleigh Spence — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 09:53:00 GMT

This article has been written as a kind of cheat sheet (fiche de revision / hoja de repaso) for your convenience. It has not been written to criticise or belittle anyone. Most of my students are from France or Spain, so I have had a lot of time to observe common mistakes made by speakers from these countries.

Introduction of Common Errors in English – A Discussion

Ashleigh Spence — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 14:09:00 GMT

We all make mistakes, every one of us. These mistakes reveal themselves in all areas of our lives, no matter what language we speak or what country we come from. This is an introduction to common errors made by English second language learners.

What Challenges do English Language Learners Face?

Ashleigh Spence — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 10:06:00 GMT

Anyone who makes the decision to take classes and learn a foreign language deserves admiration. It is not an easy ambition to undertake. Learning a new language demands a lot of your time, determination, and humility. Here is a short discussion of the key areas of English students struggle with the most.

Learning English Online – Why You Should Still Choose Online Teaching

Ashleigh Spence — Tue, 25 May 2021 04:54:00 GMT

Online language schools are everywhere these days. Are they still a viable option that provides the best results? In this article, I will be discussing why you should still choose online teaching (with a reputable company) and what makes Foreign Friend your best option.