Alpha for ESOL

What is Alpha for ESOL?

Alpha for ESOL is Alpha especially for people who are learning the English language. It is suitable for people who have an Intermediate English level. The subjects covered are the same as the standard Alpha course,but the presentation is different.

Like the Alpha course, anyone can join an Alpha for ESOL course. You don’t have to be a Christian. You don’t have to go to church. There is no pressure to change what you believe but you will find out what Christians believe.

An Alpha for ESOL meeting starts with a meal where the guests are encouraged to get to know each other and talk in English to each other and to native English speakers.
Following the meal guests learn some new words which will be used in the talk. Then there is a time of singing English Christian songs. The talk is always presented live – usually by a trained English teacher.
It is like an English language lesson – with exercises and discussion.
It is designed to help guests practice and improve their English language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing. After the talk guests divide into small discussion groups and discuss the subject with each other and with the help of a native English speaker.

There are ten meetings and a weekend or day away. Each meeting is about three hours including the meal. An Introduction before each course lets you try out the course and see if you find it helpful.

What is different about Alpha for ESOL?

The content of an Alpha for ESOL course is exactly the same as the
regular Alpha course. However, because of the specialised presentation,
there are some key differences between Alpha for ESOL and the standard
Alpha course for native-English speakers.

Teaching of vocabulary: vocabulary is taught before each talk.
Longer talks: The talks are presented in a live, interactive format and take longer than the talks via video or DVD.
Discussion groups are shorter in duration
Resources: the book Alpha - Questions of Life should be available in the language(s) of the guests if possible.
The Team: the roles of the leadership team are defined slightly differently.

What guests say?

I enjoyed talking to each other and knowing other people’s
opinions – and delicious meals.’
Saori (Japanese)

‘My English improved and I got some knowledge of the Bible.’
Yang (Chinese)

‘I enjoyed the warm, heart-felt feeling from people.’
Mo Yee (Korean)

‘I often found this course difficult, but the native English
speakers made an effort to help people who didn’t
understand. I’m impressed’
Mari (Japanese)

‘I enjoyed singing songs and talking about some questions.’
Peter (Chinese)

‘This is a good chance to learn something about Jesus.’
Lily (Chinese)

‘I learnt a lot about Christianity that I didn’t know before.’
Hanafi (Iraqi)

‘I got more knowledge and enjoyed the friendships.’
Giovanni (Italian)

‘I enjoyed the contents of the course and the atmosphere.’
Elena (Russian)

‘I improved my English and got a foundation of Christianity.’
Luke (Chinese)