For many new students of EF English Live, their first introduction to our school is through a trial period. We hope that this introduction to our school will get you hooked on our learning method and keen to continue your studies with us. However, with some serious commitment, your 30-day trial can actually give your English language skills a big boost.
If you really want to see what you can accomplish in just a short period of time with EF English Live, then use the guide below to get you started with a 30-day crash course to better English.
Day 1
It’s simple to begin your online studies at EF English Live. You’ll first need to create an account and supply some identity and payment information to get started. We’ll process this information securely and give you instant access to the school. Remember, if you sign up for a trial of EF English Live, there is no obligation and you can cancel at any time.
Once you’ve begun your trial, we’ll ask you a few questions about your current English level, motivation for learning, and available study time each week. If you’re unsure of your current level, you can take a short online assessment, which will place you at the correct level in our school.
While our flexible course is designed to suit your own schedule and study pace, for the purposes of this 30-day “crash course”, you should select the intensive study pace of 5+ hours weekly.
This first day in the school in a great opportunity to explore our course and study tools and familiarise yourself with how EF English Live works. We recommend watching the short video tutorial, which will help you to navigate your new course.
Days 2 and 3
This is when the learning really begins. Each level in our school is made up of 6 units, divided into 4 lessons. While everyone learns at a slightly different pace, we estimate that each unit will take around 4 to 6 hours to complete.
By selecting a study pace of 5+ hours weekly, with a little dedication, you have set yourself up to progress one full EF English Live level over the course of your first 30 days in the school. To continue to make steady progress, you’ll want to try and dedicate one hour or more to learning each day.
Our course is designed to be user-friendly, and it will guide you through each lesson step by step. You’ll learn new English vocabulary and practice your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills.
On days two and three, aim to complete one full lesson each day.
Day 4
Once you’ve familiarised yourself with your new school and completed your first two lessons, you’ll be ready to join your first teacher-led Conversation Class. Classes last for 45-minutes and are available every 30 minutes, 24/7. A quick video tutorial in the school will show you how it works.
Many students are nervous before their first Conversation Class, but as soon as you meet one of our friendly teachers and the other students who are studying at the same level as you are, you will quickly feel at ease.
After each Conversation Class, your teacher will provide feedback in your Progress Report to help you improve. During your 30-day crash course, we recommend taking at least one Group Conversation Class each week.
Days 5–9
For day five through day nine, it’s time to get serious about your course lessons. If you have a busy schedule and are struggling to find study time, the EF English Live app for iPhone and Android is the perfect way to keep up with your studies on the go.
Aim to complete four additional lessons by day nine. This means that you will have now completed one full unit and are now halfway through unit two. Congratulations!
Day 10
You’ve worked hard to make it to this point, so reward yourself by taking a break from your mobile or computer screen. Don’t neglect your English though! Why not test your new skills by watching a film in English or reading an English newspaper?
Days 11–14
By now, you should now have established a good rhythm with your studies and you’re making great progress. To keep up the pace, aim to attend one more Group Conversation Class and complete three additional lessons between day 11 and day 14.
Day 15
You’ve made it to the half-way point! Feeling confident? Challenge yourself on day 15 by completing another lesson and checking your progress by taking the Assessment Test. You’ll find this test in the Apps & Tools section of the school.
This is the same test you may have taken on day one. How much have you improved in just two weeks?
Day 16****–19
Hopefully you’re feeling inspired by a real sense of progress by day 16. Over the next four days, aim to complete an additional three lessons and one Group Conversation Class.
Now is a great time to challenge yourself in your Conversation Class. Make a point to review the feedback you received from your first two classes and take any tips on board. Make a point to speak up and ask questions in class!
Day 20
By day 20, you will have completed three full units and just begun unit four. This is a tremendous accomplishment! Celebrate will a well-earned day off from serious studies in preparation for an intensive ten days ahead.
Most of our trial periods come with one free 40-minute Private Class. You will need to schedule this class at least 24 hours in advance, so plan ahead and get yours booked in today for a time that suits you on day 25.
Days 21–24
The next ten days will be full of a few “courseware cram sessions”. The first half will start on day 21.
Over the next four days, you’ll want to dedicate some serious time to your studies to reinforce what you’ve learned and continue making progress. Your focus will be on completing five additional lessons, finishing unit four and making a strong start on unit 5.
If you find the time to fit in an extra Conversation Class over these four days, even better!
Day 25
If you remembered to book in advance, today is the day for your 40-minute Private Class. You’ll find this one of the most exciting and rewarding sessions you’ll have, and the perfect opportunity to put your new English skills to the test.
You can choose from a range of practical class topics or even select your own class topic. Your teacher is there to support and guide you and he or she will be happy to offer words of advice and motivation as you come to the final stretch of these intensive 30-days.
Days 26–29
Inspired by yesterday’s Private Class, now is the time to really push yourself. Starting on day 26, you will need to put in some extra study time to complete six lessons over four days.
You can do it!
Day 30
This is it. Day 30.
If you’ve really pushed yourself, you will now have completed each lesson for all six units in your level. Now it’s time to prove what you’ve learned by taking the end of level test.
Allow yourself at least 40 minutes to complete this test. Once successfully completed, you will have earned a CEFR-aligned English level certificate, which can be shared with employers and universities around the world to prove your accomplishment. You can even add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Congratulations! Can you believe how much you’ve learned in just one month?
While this 30-day crash course was designed to be intensive, EF English Live is flexible and allows you to study and progress at whatever pace is comfortable for you. Just like exercise, the best way to continue to improve your English is by studying consistently for a few hours each week. We hope that after your first 30 days, you will be inspired to continue to do just that.
What is your English level?
Take our short English test to find out. Start now