A big hello to all new members!

[Torsten]

Hi Aro,

So do you use the word "Abitur" in Polish too? Since Abitur is the term used for school exams in Germany I thought that you took this very exam rather than a Polish equivalent. Now I understand that you did your egzamin dojrzałości in Poland and just called it "Abitur". Is that right?

As for Hastings, yes I was there in the summer of 1999 to attend a course for English teachers and I also lived with a host family so I was in a pretty similar situation like you.

When are you going to England next time?

TOEIC listening, question-response: What did you learn at the seminar last night?

[Aro]

[Torsten]

Hi Aro,

Thanks a lot for clarifying the Abitur/matura question, now I know what you were talking about. It's interesting that you don't want to go to the UK or Ireland because you are afraid of running into too many of your country fellows. Do you think you will meet of them in smaller towns like Hastings?

TOEIC listening, question-response: Excuse me, where can I catch the subway going uptown?

[Aro]

Torsten, I'll bet anything I'll find some in every town in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. I'm telling you - there's been a massive emmigration there. On one hand, it could be nice, because almost everywhere I go, I could feel a bit like home, because I'll be surrounded by my fellow countrymen, but on the other hand - what's the point in going abroad to feel at home? ;)

[Torsten]

Yes Aro, there obviously are a lot of Polish people in the UK and according to a BBC survey the vast majority of them are feeling much happier there than in back home in Poland. People have always been migrating between countries and I think in general this type of exchange is something positive.

I also think that if you want to mix with British people in the UK there will be enough of them and the fact that a few Poles are living there too, won't be an obstacle at all. Just think about it: How many people can keep a closer relationship with? Think about it: Because there has been an influx of Poles into the UK doesn't mean that now the number of British people living in the UK has decreased. So the chances to meet British people in the UK are still almost the same as they were before the Polish immigration wave if you can call it like this.

TOEIC listening, question-response: How about catching a movie after work?

[Teletubby]

Hello everyone,

Nice to meet you all here!

It is really a bit of excited to find this forum where I can enjoy and improve my English skill. I am from china. The reason to select teletubby as ID is I got a 4 years old boy who is in love with "telertubbies" so much. Sometimes I do wish I can live in that wonderland and be one of them as well.

I have learned english for many many years. So far, it is not as fluent as it should be. :P But I made up my decision to refresh it before I am too old to be able to learn.

I like to talk with people and know what's their interest and why they enjoy it. Because it is always amazing to find out new things that you never think of even to have a try. Sometimes, it might stimulate you to explore a new world.

It is a pleasure to share with you of my views later.

[Aro]

Torsten: I'm aware of all that. Still, I don't wanna go there. Too many Poles for me, that's it. My ne aim is still New Zealand

[Pebbles]

hi there, i am pebbles and am hoping to refine my english vocabulary.glad to be here on this forum!

[Nakamura]

Hello to everyone

I am Nakamura from Japan. I want to improve my English for my high studies (say for thesis writing). The most terrible thing I understood in my English was/is using phrases and clauses wrong way. This is a great service and nice place for members like us. I may be very poor in my English but eager to develop. I am very humble to consider all of your comments. I really appreciate whoever of you responds to my requests and even point out my English mistakes in my posts too. I would like to have some good sites or work available online for members like me.

With kindest regards

Nakamura

[Torsten]

Hi Nakamura,

Welcome to our community and sorry for my late response. I wish my Japanese was as good as your English! If you like, we can share ideas and techniques that will help you improve your English on a daily basis.

Please tell me more about your studies. What university are you at and what is the topic of your thesis?

Talk to you soon,
Torsten

TOEIC listening, question-response: Who's the best person to ask about this?

[Gerjek]

hi i'm jessica.. i'm from the philippines.. i'm an esl instructor to koreans.. nice to meet you all!

[Torsten]

Hi Jessica,

Thank you for joining us. Please tell us more about your work as an ESL instructor. Who are your students and how many hours do you work per week?

TOEIC listening, talks: Radio commercial for an invisible dog fencing system

[Gerjek]

i work everyday from 2pm-11pm philippine time of course,.. ^_^
i teach Koreans on line..
i've been teaching for almost a year now..

[Torsten]

Wow,

That's intersting -- so you are an online English trainer? How did you start your career and what do you like most about your job?

TOEIC listening, talks: Giving a weather update and forecast on a private radio station

[Gerjek]

hi,

well, my University course is Secondary Education maj. Communication Arts in English and i am really wanting to be a professional teacher someday.. actually i'm still studying and my current job helps me a lot.. i started this job when i was 19 years old.. at first, i thought this job is difficult but i soon realized it's way too difficult than what i expected.. *laughs* just kidding..
so far, everything about this job is great! i even got new friends because of this..

how about you? i can see that you're the site admin.. what's interesting about your current job?

i'm happy to be in this forum.. Thank you! ^_^

jessica