Whoever you are and wherever you come from, you can expect a warm welcome at any of the church’s activities. This page has some activities particularly aimed at internationals in Abingdon.
ENGLISH@ABBEY
About our English lesson for internationals:
Who is it for? Anyone who can already speak and understand some English
Can beginners join? No, our lessons aren’t suitable for beginners
Where? At the chapel in Checker Walk, Abingdon. OX14 3JB
When? Tuesday mornings during school term time
What time? 10:00 - 12:00
What is it like? An informal lesson focussed on speaking and listening
What do we do? Lots of speaking together in pairs and small groups. Grammar too!
Who is the teacher? Jean (see below) with helpers from the church
What is the cost? No fee, but donations are welcome to help cover costs
If you have any questions or are interested in joining, please email Jean at english@abbeyonline.org.uk
Meet your teacher
Hi everyone! Let’s meet our teacher, Jean …
What’s your experience of teaching English?
I taught adults at all levels and from many different countries in an Adult Education college in Reading for many years
I also helped other teachers improve their English teaching and trained them
Many students took qualifications to help them get better jobs
Why do you want to teach English here?
It’s so important. It helps people feel more confident and happier living here
It also helps the whole family, for example when they talk to teachers or the doctor
I would like to meet people from other countries who live in Abingdon
What’s your background?
I studied languages in the UK and Europe, then qualified as a teacher
My family and I lived for several years in the Middle East and Africa
I understand it can be hard living in a different culture and learning a language
Why do you love teaching English?
I like explaining how English works and helping students understand it
Working with people from different countries is so interesting
I like making it as interesting and fun as possible!
How do we teach English?
Lots of speaking practice in small groups with a volunteer
Explaining grammar when necessary
Listening to what you say so that we can help you correct your mistakes
What do you do now you’re retired?
Family time with our grown-up children and grandchildren
Walking in the beautiful countryside here
Travelling – when we can!
If you would like more information you can contact us at english@abbeyonline.org.uk