English Language Learning and Malaysia
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The English language has been widely spoken and used in Malaysia for many years, so much so that it has automatically become the second language of the country. Nearly every household in the city in Malaysia uses English, even if it is not the first language of the house. With the world becoming smaller due to globalisation, the importance of the English language, which has been dubbed the international trading language, is very much evident.
In this Internet and Information Age, in order to achieve international stature, it is important to know the English language as English is the lingua franca of the Internet.For this matter, more and more students (local and international) are equipping themselves with the English language by attending special English courses and programmes in Malaysia. Therefore, it is not surprising to note that this language is being offered by many of the higher educational institutions, not only as a programme by itself but also as a preparatory subject to gain entry into undergraduate programmes offered by the local institutions as well as overseas institutions.
Learning English in Malaysia
Why Choose Malaysia to Study an English Language Improvement Course?
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The Major Language for Study in Schools, Universities and CommunicationMalaysians have been influenced, especially during the British colonisation period, to use English in their daily transactions. The English language is being used extensively in Malaysia, in commercial or social settings, formal or informal situations – in business transactions, internet communication, advertisements and the entertainment industry.
For some homes, it has become the second language, used in everyday conversation among family members and friends. Some Malaysian homes also use this language as their mother tongue.Owing to its place of importance in the new knowledge economy, English, as a second language, continues to be a compulsory subject taught at all levels in every Malaysian school. On top of that, the subjects of mathematics and science are being taught in English in schools at all levels.
At the tertiary level, although the medium of instruction at undergraduate level in the public universities is the National language (Bahasa Melayu), with effect from the year 2005, English is used to teach the science and mathematics-related subjects. All private higher educational institutions use the English language as the medium of instruction.
A Conducive Environment
In a Multi-lingual Society like Malaysia, the advantage for international students to learn English is that they will learn the necessary communications skills to equip them for a successful life. The students will not only acquire the relevant study skills required for college or university entrance, but will also be equipped with knowledge essential in the working world. Whether it is for personal satisfaction or social enrichment, or simply to excel in your academic and work endeavours, you will find it advantageous to learn English in the Malaysian multi-lingual environment.
Apart from the public schools, language centres found in all major cities and towns in Malaysia offer English language courses that cater to the individual needs of the people, whether on a personal or professional basis. As such, there are classes which offer English for academic purposes to help students in their academic programmes that are conducted in English, as well as English language classes for specific purposes to help those who need English for career enhancement or development. Such classes are not only popular among the Malaysians but also among the foreigners (students and expatriates living in the country) who may require the English language during their stay in Malaysia, whether for personal or business reasons.
Therefore, with the English language as a natural second language of the country as well as being spoken by many Malaysians in and outside of their homes, International Students will find that Malaysia has an environment conducive for the studying of English.
Trained Professional Instructors
English instructors in the private educational institutions, whether expatriate or local, are highly-qualified and experienced. Students will be taught by friendly, dedicated and mature professionals who are genuinely concerned for the students' success in learning English.
Effective Teaching Methodology
The Language Centres in Malaysia use creative and dynamic learning activities and the proven ‘Communicative Approach' to language learning for their language programmes. Classes are lively and interactive where students can engage in roleplay activities, problem-solving exercises and small group discussions. Therefore, the students are able to apply their newly-learnt grammatical structures, vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to meaningful, real life situations.
Multimedia Technology
Some Language Centres in the institutions are also equipped with multimedia laboratories that are installed with comprehensive Internet and Networking system. These laboratories will provide a wide variety of interactive computerassisted language learning software, videos and audio tapes. On top of that, you will have supervised Internet access which will enable you to move beyond the classroom and gain exposure to stimulating resources available on the Internet.
Small Class Size
Students are assured of being able to study in anxiety-free, fully air-conditioned rooms. English language classes are normally small and with fewer students per class, individual attention is guaranteed. This would enable students to progress at a rapid pace.
Competitive Fees
The tuition fees for English courses in Malaysia are very competitive. For example, the preparatory courses for TOEFL and IELTS examinations usually take 2 to 6 months and the fees range from RM400 to RM800 per course depending on the duration and course contents.