The University of Chile has been built a compulsory program of English , which has been divided into four levels. Beginning at the starter level, which is the most basic to the top which has a higher level of difficulty. To join you must be tested against a computer, which measures the level of English that you have. This test gives a score and depending on your score you can take the corresponding level according to your knowledge.
Actually, I am on the last level and started from the first one. From the beginning, I never liked this experience, because I felt required or forced to follow a course that did not interest me. I thought that this subject did not help to develop the English language, because I think that developing a language so different from ours, as English is, it is necessary to practice every day. In addition, each semester the hours of English classes were ill-suited and it was very difficult to find a free place to take the course, that was a problem and still remains a big problem because many students are left without taking the level of English than they should take . I believe that each semester the four levels should be given, not just two levels as in the present.
Attending classes was not so bad, I gained something: I improved my vocabulary and grammar. I had very good teachers, they have good availability for teaching and much patience, and they are great. On the other hand, I met some classmate from other career, interesting people to exchange knowledge and other points of view. In conclusion, at the end, I look back and think it was beneficial for me. Today I listen to English songs more carefully, I dare to watch TV news in English and, I try to see movies without reading subtitles.
Finally, I think the English language program offered by the University of Chile should be revised, the program should be voluntary, because a program mandatory causes that many student are not happy or satisfied. Consequently the attendance to the course progressively is reduced because there are student have not interest to learn other idiom and at last the English subject is becomes as nuisance academic rather than a benefit for them. However my experience learning English at the University was very beneficial for my develop as student.
