Testimonials - Richmond EAL Friendship Group

With over one thousand current and former learners speaking more than sixty languages, we benefit from a huge network of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Read some of their feedback below.

Vien Shum (LANGUAGE)

'As a former student of the EAL class offered by Richmond Friendship Group, I would like to share my experience and encourage new residents in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames to join the class.

In spring 2022, my husband and I moved from Hong Kong to the UK. Though I visited the country many times before and I never experienced difficulty when communicating with others in English as a tourist in London, I found it difficult to understand what people are speaking in supermarkets, surgery, restaurants and even fast-food joints.

People speak English in different accents and they always speak fast so it is not easy to make a good grasp. Furthermore, I need to talk about subjects that I would not discuss in previous holidays, like property viewing, internet connection and other daily life issues...'

Vien Shum's feedback continues here

MARLENYS (Spanish)

'I came from Cuba alone and have been in the UK for 10 years. Now I get out of the house. These sessions make me more confident, improve my English and I make friends. Meeting other people makes you realise that people are friendly and I changed my ideas now I know about other cultures.’

EDIP (Turkish/Arabic)

‘It’s been really joyful and useful to participate in these lovely EAL meetings. Given that the British are a very reserved and close culture, you would not understand behaviour codes without participating in these groups. The sessions are social meetings and I am surrounded by friends!’

CORNELIA (Romanian)

‘I do believe that the group has a wonderful impact on the lives of speakers of other languages as it encourages us to pursue our dreams, aim for the best and believe in ourselves. It really makes a difference in our lives.’

DURGA (Hindi)

‘Very, very helpful for me because I didn’t know any English at all when I came and I could not read or write at all. Now I can travel and go shopping by myself.’

VEFA (Azeri)

‘I have improved my English. Coming to these sessions stops depression. You get more confidence and learn about college, education and voluntary work.’

ISABELE (Portuguese)

‘This group can clean your heart from bad pre-conceptions about other cultures. It can improve us as humans because when we receive something for free from an inspiring teacher, we want to give something back. We are foreigners and in this class we can learn to behave properly in this culture. We can never learn these things in college.’

SVETLANA (Ukrainian)

'Richmond EAL honoured staff, volunteers and our tutors make enormous efforts and contributions to our socialisation. They help us to improve our English skills in a smooth manner and support us with useful tips on how to struggle through language and communication difficulties.

I have impressive multicultural classmates who motivate me not to give up and move my life further.'

OLGA (Russian)

'I had great time during my learning time which I spent with you and all the other students! Hope I will see you soon again! The classes was warm and friendly! It was very educational and funny!'

SOLMAZ (Farsi / Iran)

'Becoming familiar with people, learning English and learning about other countries.'

MARTINA (Bulgarian)

'It is fun to learn English, we laugh a lot in class.'

CAROLINA (Spanish)

'I like the topics covered in each class and the dynamism of the teacher.'

BINTA (French)

'Margrit is super patient and makes you want to learn. I am with people who also want to learn.'

CATHY (Cantonese)

'The topic is useful, the learning environment makes us feel comfortable and Rebecca is so nice.'

Share your feedback with Ruth Durant (Chief Executive)

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