Understanding Common U.S. Slang

If you’re new to the U.S. or studying English through an ESL F-1 visa program or ESOL F-1 visa program, one thing you’ll quickly notice is that Americans love their slang! Slang can be confusing but also a lot of fun once you start picking it up. It’s a casual, conversational language that doesn’t always…

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Best Destinations in Atlanta for ESL Students

If you’re interested or currently studying English as a Second Language (ESL) in Atlanta, there’s no shortage of exciting places to explore while improving your language skills. If you’re actively enrolled in an ESL F-1 visa program or an F-1 intensive English program in Atlanta, these destinations are great for practicing English in real-world situations.…

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How Traveling Abroad Can Affect Language Learning

Whether you’re dreaming of trying new local coffee shops, navigating the bustling streets of Atlanta, riding the famous adrenaline-packed roller coasters, soaking up the sun at a waterpark, or trying some delicious southern food in Atlanta, GA, traveling abroad offers more than just beautiful sights. It’s a way to immerse yourself in a new language,…

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Technology In ESL Classrooms

Technology has grown into a critical component of English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms. Schools like The English Island, located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, use technology to enhance learning outcomes for F-1 visa students in intensive English courses. While there is a wealth of information and research indicating that technology has advantages for learning…

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Differences Between American and British English

British English and American English are two dialects of English with subtle differences between them. At The English Island, located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, highly qualified and proficient instructors teach American English in the general English as a second language (ESOL) course. Therefore, many students who study in the USA find it surprising to encounter…

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Culture Shock: What it is and How to Manage it

What is “Culture Shock?” “Culture shock” is the experience of feeling anxious, confused, homesick or lost while living in a foreign culture. These feelings arise when the host culture creates unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable experiences as a part of daily life. This is a common experience for international students who come to study in the…

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English Words with Spanish Roots

The English Island, located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, offers the highest quality English as a second language (ESOL) courses in Atlanta, Georgia. Many of our students come from Spanish speaking countries seeking English as a second language lessons (ESL), and they are often surprised by the abundance of words used in English that are derived…

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Four Benefits of Learning a New Language

Learning a new language provides a multitude of benefits for students of all ages. Some of the benefits include increased levels of concentration, positive changes in brain structure, higher degrees of creativity and cultural enrichment.  While there are many great reasons to learn a language, perhaps some of these benefits will provide a good reason…

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Holiday Vocabulary: Christmas and New Year’s Eve

Holiday A holiday is a special day of celebration or a day when most people do not have to work. In American English, the holiday season refers to the time from November until the beginning of January. Wishing someone a “happy holidays” is a polite and inclusive way of expressing seasonal greetings. If you want…

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English Grammar Myths

The English language has many rules that must be adhered to, along with a number of guidelines that are typically true for constructing sentences. In this lesson, we’re going to explore three myths about English grammar and reveal the truth behind each. The first two myths take what are essentially guidelines and turn them into…

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