I was speaking at a conference earlier this year and I was given the graveyard shift, the last session on the last day. It’s always a tough shift as people are understandably conferenced out. Everyone’s far too tired to take notes, nobody wants to do a mingle activity or break any ice. They’ve got one eye on a nice refreshing post-conference beverage, and the other on their train home.

This particular talk was going to be even trickier than usual, however. Because this talk was about Artificial Intelligence and there had already been about twenty talks on AI before me. Those twenty talks had mostly focused on two areas:

• How AI can personalise assessment and practice for our learners.
• Interesting tips for teachers on using AI to create activities for students.

I began my talk with a general disclaimer: I will not be talking about either of these two areas. Not because they’re not worthwhile but because they exist already—in countless blogs, videos and more.

Using AI tools: Changing our approach from ‘why’ to ‘how’

Instead, I realised that we need to be speaking more about how our students will use AI tools—and what skills they need to learn in order to use these tools effectively. In essence, I wanted to know if AI tools could be used to improve student writing.

Over the past few months I’ve had more and more discussions with teachers, academic managers, and learning technologists on this topic. They are concerned that students are ‘cheating,’ by submitting texts that are clearly AI-generated as homework assignments or assessments. But what if this isn’t the actual crux of the issue? What if the issue is that assessment hasn’t caught up with the tools our students have at their disposal? What if how we teach and assess writing needs to change?

Writing with AI: A new kind of course for a new digital age

These questions led me to develop EC’s Writing with AI course, in which students learn to begin with an AI-generated text, as a tool for learning. They learn how to take this text and develop it into something that is undeniably their own work with their voice apparent throughout.

At the conference, I learnt that educators are very interested in AI and are ready to move past surface-level discussions—they just need a way forward. In my old maths lessons, my teacher told me I needed to be able to do sums in my head because I’d never have a calculator in my pocket. Well, he was wrong, I do. And I also have a tool that can create texts in seconds…maybe it’s time for our guidance to students to change.

Learn more about EC’s Writing with AI course

ChatGPT. Google Bard. Gemini. As informed students, you already know AI tools are changing the way we live, work and communicate. Just ask ChatGPT, and you’ll instantly see how AI has revolutionised learning—from research to organization, creative ideation to content development.

At EC English, we’ve added writing skills to that list with Writing with AI, a pioneering course designed to help you effectively use AI to improve your written English. Instead of just teaching you how to become a passive user of these tools, we’ll show you how to use them to find your voice, articulate your unique point of view and create texts that are undeniably your own.

Take your AI literacy to the next level

The first course of its kind, Writing with AI was developed to help business professionals and University students use AI to enhance their writing style. You can book from 1 to 4 weeks at EC Malta, EC London or EC Vancouver schools on a rolling admissions basis (an INTERMEDIATE B1 is required). Each week, in 90-minute daily sessions, you’ll focus on a different text type, gradually improving your writing skills. You’ll learn how to:

• Create effective prompts—and use AI to sharpen your strategic thinking
• Analyse AI-generated responses—and use AI to refine your point of view
• Draft content—and use AI to integrate your own unique voice and tone

You’ll also study key vocabulary, learn how to organise texts, consider audience and formality issues and discuss how to use AI ethically. Each week ends with an exercise in which students create their own texts, compare them with their classmates’ work, and share feedback.

Prepare fast with real-life applications

Like all EC English courses, Writing with AI is designed to be practical and immediately usable. Launching with classes for business professionals, the course will eventually be tailored to meet the diverse needs of students on two distinct tracks:

• Business professionals: Writing with AI in the Workplace is ideal for professionals looking to hone their business writing skills. Classes focus on writing emails, blogs, LinkedIn posts, reports and proposals.

• Students: Writing with AI at University is designed for students who are looking to excel at school or in their career search. Classes will focus on essay writing, storytelling, blogging, social media posting, and preparing job application materials like CVs and cover letters.

No matter what track you’re on, you’ll learn how to use  a variety of AI tools, and you’ll learn how to make at least four different text types your own.

Succeed in the global community

At EC English, our mission is to prepare students to succeed in the global community‚ and our innovative Writing with AI course represents one more way we’re helping you do just that. Together, we can lean in to this exciting technology, and use it to build stronger, more thoughtful and more unique voices throughout the world.

You already know that all EC English schools offer the highest quality academics, expert instructors and unique immersive learning programs. But for those of you looking to learn English in the USA, how do you choose a location? This may help: for the 7^th year in a row, California is the highest-ranked destination in the world for foreign students. That’s because this state has it all: amazing weather, great beaches, super-fresh cuisine, celebrity vibes, diverse cultures and every kind of natural landscape you could imagine—from redwood forests to mystic deserts, stunning mountains to gorgeous beaches.

Come with us on a virtual road trip down the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, as we stop at 3 amazing EC language school locations: EC San Francisco, EC Los Angeles and EC San Diego. We’ll take a closer look at each town—and help you find your vibe.

Top reasons to choose EC San Francisco

• The vibe
• The weather
• The culture
• The great outdoors
• The food

Top reasons to choose EC Los Angeles

• The vibe
• The weather
• The culture
• The great outdoors
• The food

Top reasons to choose EC San Diego

• The vibe
• The weather
• The culture
• The great outdoors
• The food

Top reasons to learn English at EC San Francisco

First stop: EC San Francisco. You’ll find EC San Francisco located right in the heart of this vibrant city, just steps from public transportation, 3 blocks from Union Square and 10 minutes from the waterfront. It’s perfectly situated for getting out and practicing your English skills.

The vibe

If you want to study in one of the coolest cities in the US, EC San Francisco is for you.  A unique blend of tech innovation and historical charm, it’s home to Google, Meta, Instagram and tons of other tech companies. But this area is also known for its quirky cultural vibe. Famously the centre of San Francisco’s hippie counterculture, it offers graffiti covered alleyways, colourful Victorian houses and a creative scene that has captured the imagination of artists, writers and filmmakers for generations.

The weather

The city has a Mediterranean climate, with wet winters and dry summers—never too hot. You’ll often  experience its characteristic fog as cool ocean air mixes with and the heat of the Californian peninsula.

The culture

In addition to having an internationally recognized symphony, world-class ballet and art museums, San Francisco is full of amazing student-friendly things to do. Hop on a cable car to explore the Fisherman’s Wharf marketplace. Feel the love in Haight-Ashbury, once the home of the Grateful Dead, score great vintage vintage finds and check out the world-class street art. And be sure to take a boat ride to Alcatraz—the notorious former prison made famous in countless movies.

The great outdoors

San Francisco is one of the country’s greenest cities—and you’re never far from an incredible park. Spend some time on the biking through Golden Gate Park. Or hike through the spectacular Muir Woods, marvelling at forests of ancient redwoods.

The food

Simply put, this is a foodie’s paradise. In addition to providing an incredibly diverse food scene, California grows its own produce—and this city has the freshest, best produce in all of the US. There’s no shortage of healthy, creative options for students on a budget. What’s more, San Francisco has an incredibly strong coffee culture–so you can count on staying well-caffeinated for your English lessons.

Top reasons to learn English at EC Los Angeles

Next on our tour of EC English language schools in California: EC Los Angeles, located in one of the most exciting and multicultural cities in the US. EC Los Angeles is in the beautiful Santa Monica section, right on the California coastline. Two minutes from all the dining, shopping and nightlife of the Third Street Promenade, it’s also close to everything the rest of LA has to offer, with zillions of opportunities to try out your English. Learn more.

The vibe

If you want to experience all the glamour, excitement and international presence LA has to offer—from the comfort of a classic, Southern California oasis—EC Los Angeles is the right choice. The most visited beach town in Southern California, Santa Monica is committed to sustainability, has a bike-friendly, walkable infrastructure, and offers the perfect place to soak up the sun between English lessons.  

The weather

With sun all year round, the weather is pretty great. LA gets about 284 sunny days each year—far above the US national average.

The culture

From the iconic Hollywood sign to sprawling villas and the palm trees that line Venice Beach, Los Angeles personifies Hollywood glamour. Find your favourite celebs on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Visit Universal Studios. Or view stars from another angle, from the famous Griffith Observatory. Back in Santa Monica, explore the Pier and ride the 9-storey Ferris Wheel.

The great outdoors

Santa Monica offers the perfect antidote to city life and studying. Bike along the coast. Roller skate to Long Beach. Hike the Santa Monica Mountains. Take in a beach yoga class. if you’re an outdoor fitness enthusiast, you’ll love EC Lost Angeles in Santa Monica.

The food

Downtown LA is one of the world’s great spots for foodies—but Santa Monica has a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines too. It’s also known for its top-rated farmer’s market, where you can buy groceries alongside top chefs and A-list celebs. You’ll find organic fruits, veggies and pastries, as well as lots of other year-round and seasonal farm favourites.

Top reasons to learn English at EC San Diego

Our final stop: EC San Diego, where the English is always improving, the sun’s always shining and the surf’s always up.  Located in the beautiful neighbourhood of La Jolla (“the Jewel of San Diego”), our school is just minutes from stunning beaches, trendy cafes, and exciting nightlife. You’ll have lots of fun using your English while exploring everything this chill city has to offer. Learn more.

The vibe

If you’re looking to learn English in a town with the ultimate laid-back California vibe, this is it. A super friendly city,  San Diego is known as a big small town, so there are plenty of opportunities to chat with the locals and practice your English.

The weather

Leave all your winter clothes behind; with low humidity in summer and year-round sunshine, San Diego has the best weather in all of  the continental US. There’s only one word for it: spectacular.

The culture

San Diego is brimming with fun activities for students, from the  famous San Diego Zoo to Balboa Park, which hosts an amazing array of cultural offerings, including 17 museums and performing arts venues. Take a walk along the San Diego Waterfront and grab a bite in Seaport Village. Check out the famous Hotel del Coronado. And if you’re taking classes at EC San Diego in the summer, don’t miss Comicon, the coolest week-long convention ever, when the city is transformed into an action-hero fantasyland.

The great outdoors

San Diego is a true outdoor playground where you can hike, bike, learn to surf at Pacific Beach, kayak with sea lions in La Jolla cove, go kite surfing or just take in the views from Sunset Cliffs. You’ll see the most Instagrammable sunsets imaginable from Ocean Pier, Crystal Pier and Coronado Beach.

The food

Great restaurants and cafes abound in San Diego; you’ll find delicious Asian, Middle Eastern, and Italian food. But with Mexico just 15 miles away, San Diego has a strong Mexican food scene. Be sure to sample the fish tacos, carne asada, mole, menudo—all at prices that won’t break the bank.

All in all, if you want to learn English abroad, you can’t go wrong with an EC English school in California: the right choice simply depends on the kind of vibe you’re looking for. Whichever school you pick, you’re sure to make California dreaming a reality—with new skills, new friends and an unforgettable journey.

If you’re looking to learn English in Boston, you made the right choice. You probably already know that EC Boston is located in one of the world’s most popular places. And you definitely know that this city is steeped in American history, tradition and culture. But here’s something you may not know: Boston also has a lively food scene. We’ll help you navigate it, neighbourhood by neighbourhood—and share tips for students on a budget.

7 best Boston foods (EC Boston students weigh in)

In a diverse city like Boston—with over 250,000 students—you’ll find every dish imaginable. But this seaport city is best known for its OG ‘comfort food’ classics.  Here’ a run-down of foods that get top marks from EC Boston students:

• Clam chowder—After a day by the water, there’s nothing like a bowl of hearty “chowda.”
• Raw oysters—lots of places sell $1 oysters, so it’s easy to get a taste of the sea on a budget. 
• Lobster rolls—A Boston staple, often drizzled with butter and accompanied by crispy fries.
• Baked beans and brown bread—Mmm, baked beans slow-cooked with molasses and pork.
• Boston cream pie—Invented in Boston in 1856, this chocolaty pie is the official state dessert.
• Fenway Franks—A fan favourite at every Red Sox baseball game. You don’t want to miss it.
• Cannolis—These yummy fried pastries are filled with cream, pistachios or chocolate chips.

Practice your English on a neighbourhood food crawl

From pastries on the Freedom Trail to Pizza at the Quincy Market Food Halls, a good meal makes every journey better—and connecting with locals is a great way to improve your English.

“Students get to make a deeper connection with (Boston), and feel like they’re part of the city”.

–Sarah, Centre Director, EC Boston

Pastry in the North End

Start in the charming North End—Boston’s oldest neighbourhood, inhabited since the 1600s! This Italian community is filled with hidden gems—and you’ll find even more all along the Freedom Trail (an easy 2.5 mile walk through historic American Revolutionary sites). Be sure to pick up a world-famous cannoli for the trip at Mike’s Pastry for under $10.

EC Boston student tip: Check for regular online coupons for Mikes Pastry to get $15% off.

Seafood at Quincy Market

Just steps from the EC Boston English school is Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall. This is where you’ll find some of the oldest restaurants in the city—like Union Oyster House, which has been serving Boston classics since 1826.  You’ll also find amazing food halls showcasing Boston’s best new cuisine.EC Boston student tip:  On Wednesdays, hit the International Food Festival and try foods at stalls labelled ‘The Taste of Quincy Market’ for free.

English in the City

Immerse yourself in Boston with a unique English language course. Learn More

Franks at Fenway Park

Photo by Clark Van Der Beken

If you’re taking classes at EC Boston in the summer, you’ll definitely want to take in a Red Sox game in historic Fenway Park. Step up to the plate and try a famous Fenway frank when you’re there—with mustard, onions, pickle relish—all the “fixings” for just $6.

EC Boston student tip: Sign up for Student9s on the Red Sox website for a student discount on Sox tickets.

Burgers on Beacon Hill

Remember that TV show, Cheers? It’s a real place, located on the Freedom Trail just across the street from Boston Common. It looks just like the TV show set—and it’s just as friendly.

EC Boston student tip: The burgers here aren’t cheap, but they’re also not small. Share a Giant ‘Norm Burger’ (about $20) with a few friends from school.

Clam Chowder at Fort Point

Tucked between the Seaport and South Boston is Fort Point Channel, one of Boston’s largest artist communities. Here, on a rustic deck overlooking the water, you’ll find the Barking Crab—where you can get some of the best clam chowder in Boston for under $10.

EC Boston student tip: After that cup of chowder, take a walk along the waterfront, the Boston Harbourwalk. Pretty spectacular—and it’s free.

Pho in Chinatown

Photo by Ethan Hansen

Boston’s Chinatown is an epic foodie spot. Try Shojo for fusion dishes. Visit Hei La Moon for weekend dim sum. But Chinatown has some awesome Vietnamese pho and banh mi spots, too—and these inexpensive, veggie-based dishes have become student favourites.

EC Boston student tip: Try Pho Pasteur’s heaping noodle bowls. Super fresh and under $10.

Cinnamon rolls in the South End

At Flour Bakery & Café in Boston’s trendy South End, James Beard award winner Joanne Chang makes amazing pastries. Who knew delicacies this good could be so inexpensive—but they are.

EC Boston student tip: The buttery cinnamon roll alone is worth the trip—and costs less than $10.

Burritos in Back Bay

Known for its Victorian brownstones, the Boston Public Library, and chic boutiques, Back Bay is also home to Annas Taqueria—arguably the best (and most affordable) Mexican food in the city. Burritos are under $10 and packed with your favourite fillings.

EC Boston student tip: Check for promo codes from Hotdeals.com; you could get $1 off an Anna’s burrito.

Food trucks—just about everywhere

Boston Chowda trucks. Wicked Good Cupcakes trucks. Chicken & Rice Guy Trucks. For students on a budget, food trucks roaming the city are a great option. You’ll be able to sample a huge variety of foods without breaking the bank.

EC Boston student tip: Keep an eye out for Roxy’s Grilled Cheese truck , and grab a yummy $5 grilled cheese sandwich.

Hungry yet? Bring your appetite—and some of your new EC Boston friends—and explore this city’s dynamic food scene together. You’ll all agree: it’s one more great reason to learn English in the USA—at EC Boston.

South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, and offers a unique environment to practice English with adventurers from all over the world. Choosing somewhere like this gives you an unparalleled view of different cultures and perspectives.

Cape Town is rich in culture but will not break the bank; food and everyday expenses are low and so if you are on a budget, it’s a great choice. The time zone is also conveniently the same as Berlin – so for students from Europe that want to discover this incredible place and easily stay in touch with friends and family.

The school is conveniently located for you to enjoy beautiful beaches, the markets and vibrant city life, and breathtaking landscapes; Table Mountain ever present, and itself more than just a rock to climb. Picnics, parties and concerts all take place around her – so you can see her as the heart of the city!

The school also organises a variety of social and cultural activities that allow you to practice English outside the classroom and can line up safaris to wine tasting tours and hikes, and bike rides too; there’s always something exciting to do. Close by is the Cape Town International Convention Centre which hosts major events throughout the year, from corporate exhibitions to sports events to dinks festivals.

Like all our locations, you will receive a welcoming environment. We have an Award-Winning process called The Orange Carpet Experience, which guides students from pre-booking to post-departure, breaking down all the steps, to ensure a smooth language learning experience. You’ll find a supportive community of staff ready to help you adjust and thrive. We have support teams for all sectors from academic, accommodation and student services – so you don’t have to worry at all! Choosing to learn English in South Africa gives you the opportunity of a lifetime to combine high-quality education with an enriching cultural experience in an affordable yet exotic location, making it a memorable experience!

Don’t rush to the dictionary yet  

So don’t rush to a dictionary when you encounter unfamiliar words; instead, analyse the context. Stopping at every unfamiliar word disrupts the reading flow and diminishes enjoyment.  

Remember, the pace of progress in reading a second language varies from person to person, depending on factors like the time devoted to reading, previous language experience, and linguistic similarity to your native language. Consistency, a positive mindset, and perseverance are crucial to improving your second-language reading skills. By embracing these strategies, you can significantly enhance your language proficiency, opening up a world of new literature and cultural understanding.  

Some tips  

To enhance your reading skills in a second language, consider the following tips:  

1. Start Simple: Begin with materials suited to a beginner or intermediate level. Children’s books, graded readers, or simplified versions of classic novels are excellent starting points. They help you understand the basics and build confidence.  

2. Contextual Learning: When encountering new words, try deducing their meanings from the context before resorting to a dictionary. This practice speeds up reading and enhances your intuitive understanding of the language.  

3. Consistent Practice: Regular reading is crucial. Allocate specific times each day or week for this activity. Consistency will cement your learning and accelerate your progress.  

4. Diverse Materials: Engage with various genres and subjects to maintain interest and exposure to different vocabulary and sentence structures. This variety will deepen your understanding of the language.  

5. Note-Taking: Note down new words or complex sentences while reading. Revisit these notes, create flashcards, or practice writing with the new vocabulary. Active engagement with the material aids in retention.  

A reading list  

Here are some books we suggest to help improve your English.  

Selecting books to improve your English language skills depends mainly on your current level of proficiency.   

Famous Children’s Classics: Books like “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White or “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry offer simple language yet profound stories.  

Modern Novels: Books like “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho or “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee are well-written and engaging, with more advanced vocabulary and structures.  

Non-Fiction: Simple non-fiction books on topics you’re interested in can be educational and an excellent way to learn more complex vocabulary.  

Classics: Novels by authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and George Orwell offer rich language and complex narratives. “Pride and Prejudice” or “1984” are excellent choices.  

Contemporary Literature: Books by authors like Margaret Atwood or Kazuo Ishiguro are suitable for advanced learners wanting to understand contemporary usage and styles.  

Biographies and Autobiographies: Reading about real-life stories can be inspiring and an excellent way to learn more formal and narrative English.  

You can also enjoy audiobooks while reading, which can help you understand pronunciation and intonation. It is also helpful for reading aloud as it improves pronunciation and fluency.  

Consider creating or joining a Book Club to discuss a book in English and significantly improve your language skills.  

Consistency and choosing engaging books are vital to improving your English through reading. Happy reading! 

 EC Language Centres was established in Malta in 1991, with EC Malta being the first school. Today it has 25 schools around the world. The award-winning chain is well-regarded, and it has a variety of English language courses that are tailored for higher education, immigration, work and leisure, in person and online.  

Based in St Julian’s, the entertainment centre of the islands, EC Malta, is a 200m walk to the beach, close to the Eden cinema and games complex and shopping centres. EC Malta has an activity schedule that invites you to explore the Baroque cities of Valletta and Mdina to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, sports, affordable theatre and year-round festivals. 

With students from around the world, you are sure to meet like-minded people to have fun with and practice with! Make your experience memorable by participating in class, joining in the after-school activities and taking every opportunity to practice. Remember, everyone there is in the same situation- they are all looking to improve their prospects.   

EC language Centres’ courses are a minimum of 1 week and include 20 lessons of General English, designed to develop your Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking skills. You are placed into the right level after a pre-arrival test to be challenged, but with our teaching methodology, you are guaranteed to progress through the levels recognised internationally. Courses start every Monday and every Friday; progress is reviewed and any areas of concern are addressed. We guarantee that if you come to class and actively participate, you will progress through a level every eight weeks.  

Malta is pleasant at any time of year; and the Spring and Autumn months offer milder temperatures to enjoy the islands to the full; the Summer is when it is at its busiest with tourists flocking to its shores.  

The airport is served by major airlines with convenient connecting flights to major destinations; it is also a hub for Ryanair, so weekend visits to and from European cities are easy!  

Choosing an English language course in Malta with EC means having constant exposure to English, giving you a full immersion experience and the opportunity to practice your language skills in everyday scenarios, helping you to grasp grammar rules learned in class, and to gain confidence by living the language. 

Where did popcorn originate? 

Watching a movie isn’t complete without snacks, and historically, popcorn is today, the go-to snack, however, the oldest known popcorn was found in New Mexico, dating back over 5,600 years. Ancient civilizations in the Americas, particularly in what is now Mexico, were known to have grown and consumed popcorn. It wasn’t just a snack; it also had ceremonial and decorative significance.  

Popcorn’s popularity spread throughout North and South America over the centuries. Native Americans used popcorn not only as a food item but also in rituals and as decoration. When European settlers arrived in the Americas, they adopted popcorn from Native American cultures. It became a popular snack in the United States by the mid-1800s. 

What’s the association with movies? 

In the early 20th century, when movie theatres first became popular, they were considered upscale destinations, and owners did not want to deal with the mess and smell of snacks like popcorn. However, the Great Depression changed this perspective. As an inexpensive treat, popcorn was one of the few luxuries that people could afford. Street vendors would sell popcorn outside theatres. 

During the Great Depression, with falling ticket sales, theatre owners started installing popcorn machines inside theatres as a way to boost revenue. The affordability of popcorn made it an instant hit among moviegoers, and it became inextricably linked with the experience of watching movies.  

During World War II, sugar rationing limited the production of candy, further enhancing popcorn’s popularity as a snack. Today, popcorn is a staple of movie theatre concessions, with its aroma and taste being part of the movie-going experience.  

Movies to watch where popcorn is the star 

There are some iconic movies where popcorn is the star in its own right. Have you seen Kentucky Fried Movie, Scream, Fantastic Four, or pop-culture classic, Gremlins? Watching films can help you practice your English – so popcorn could play a major part in your studies!