In this 21^st era, education has been advancing vastly. In Indonesia, people recognize the importance of education and start to consider it as an investment, both for academic or professional merit. Thus, English proficiency test has been embodied in academic or professional requirements. People massively engage this idea by learning English in out of classroom context. Along the phenomenon, another question is emerged. Choosing the right English course institution becomes a highlight. People assure themselves that their money, effort and mind are not wasteful investment. Hence, several tips below possibly help you in choosing the suitable institution.

1. Know what you need

Prior deciding what programme you would like to take, know well what you need. If you plan to pursue higher education, pay attention to your academic programme or course requirement, specifically what type of English proficiency test they ask. In general, universities in Europe, Australia and New Zealand request IELTS (International English Language Test System). On the other hand, American and Canadian universities need your TOEFL score.

However, learning English for professional consideration may lead to different programme. It is wise to check institution which provide tailor-made programme. It will be certainly suitable to your condition when you need to master and apply English for your job. Nevertheless, it also possible neither academic nor professional reason is your need. Then, you may go ahead with General English and Academic English. Again, it depends on you. While General English is an introduction to the basic of English, Academic English is generally taught to meet education at school or university needs.

2. Discuss your needs and inquiry with the right person

Some English courses offer student advisor to help you understand the suitable English programme they have to meet your situation. Make sure you communicate your condition and inquiry, including previous English proficiency test that you took. Never worry to ask and assure yourself that your result is warranted by them.

Several institutions provide guarantee so that you will be able to achieve the target you need. It seems promising. However, it is good to remember there an effort from both learners and tutors to achieve that. On the other hand, there is a more realistic word by ensuring you are going to perform better in the post test compare to pre test.

3. Be keen with your tutor choice, schedule and the study frequency

Ask further regarding the tutors. Know well that the tutors are them who are experienced in English language field. This type of tutor will understand well about the students needs. However, there is still stigma that native teacher is better than local teacher. In fact, it is the time to get rid of that paradigm.

Not all native teachers are competent in what they do. It is possible that some of them are travelers who spend their spare time by teaching whilst filling up their pocket from that. Do not forget also that old fashioned tutors tend to result slow progress in learning. It is because they likely implement teaching methodology from their era.

Conversely, the competent and experienced local teachers will understand the learners’ condition well. They will help their best in the learning process. Aside from that, they possibly bridge a casual relation between learners and tutor. Hence, learners feel free to communicate challenge they encounter in learning to the tutor.

4. Be courageous

There is nothing can defeat courage and strong willingness in learning. Believe in yourself that you can and never be afraid in making mistake. A quote said if you make mistake makes you make progress and put your effort on it while if you never make mistake meaning you never do anything. In addition, do not underestimate yourself, appreciate every single result. It is worth to do.

As you read the long suggestion, hopefully you get a bigger picture to consider based on your learning needs. Now the question is how about Surabaya? In Surabaya, we have several English course institutions. They provide various programme, from English test preparation to teacher training workshop.

One addition in deciding the course is also about the place. If you are typical person who is easily tempted to shopping, it is certainly better not to choose institutions placed in a mall. Instead of studying, you probably will end up busy carrying your shopping bag. The list below is some of Surabaya renowned English course institutions.