As the business world continues to globalize, English has transformed from a nice-to-have skill into a powerful tool for success. Whether you're working with colleagues across Europe, negotiating with U.S. partners, or embarking on a relocation journey, mastering English is no longer optional, it is essential.
Yet, despite knowing its importance, many of us still face challenges when it comes to navigating the subtleties of the language, especially in business settings that demand precision and cultural understanding. Expressing your ideas clearly, picking up on the nuances behind the words, or confidently handling calls, emails, and meetings can feel daunting. However, like any skill, improvement comes through dedication and persistence.
Just like children who learn gradually, step by step, adults can make meaningful progress as well. Strengthening your English doesn’t just set you up for professional success, it sharpens your thinking and elevates your communication skills in any new environment. So, when clients ask, “How can I gain confidence in English?” My answer is always the same: there are no shortcuts. You have to immerse yourself in the language and culture, just as children do when learning a new language in school. They absorb it naturally from their surroundings, through teacher-student conversations, during playtime, and through social interactions.
For professionals, I recommend reading industry-related articles in English, tuning into podcasts on topics you’re passionate about, and writing (yes, writing!) new words down and exploring their meanings, translating unfamiliar phrases, and consistently practicing your written communication. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, and with time, you’ll notice a shift in your fluency and confidence.
This year, as your children head back to school, I encourage you to invest time in your own professional development. Whether you’re looking to solidify your skills or unlock new career opportunities, there’s never been a better time to prepare for your future. With the right tools and a proactive mindset, I have no doubt you can rise to any challenge the global business landscape presents.
Our Quarterly Spotlight
This quarter, for our Spotlight, we’re shining a light on Tal Baruch, who first connected with us through her children’s participation in our “Soft Landing” workshop last year. Shortly after, Tal decided to enhance her own skills in preparation for entering the U.S. job market. Today, she works as a Business Development Manager at a leading cybersecurity company.
Why did you choose to work with JBE?
“I’ve always been comfortable with my English, and I consider myself fairly fluent. However, after relocating to the U.S., I realized the value of refining my skills, polishing my accent, expanding my vocabulary, and preparing for the job market. As I started searching for work, this need became even more pressing.”
What were your main challenges with English in a business context?
“Even though I had a good vocabulary, there are Hebrew expressions we use daily that don’t translate directly into English. In business conversations, it sometimes made communication feel less fluent because I had to find alternative ways to express myself. It’s not always as smooth as you’d like.”
How did JBE help you overcome those challenges and progress in the international market?
“Moving to the U.S. was a perfect opportunity to improve my skills, but like many foreigners in this country., I often found myself in mostly Israeli circles, which limited my day-to-day use of English. The lessons with JBE helped me prepare for job interviews by reviewing key questions and understanding the cultural nuances of how to approach them. From there, we focused on the specific areas I felt needed work.”
Can you share more about your personal experience with the JBE team? How did you hear about us, and what was the learning process like?
“I initially discovered JBE through the ‘Soft Landing’ workshop for kids. My children connected really well with their teacher, who made learning engaging and enjoyable for them. It was clear they had a positive experience all year, so we’re definitely continuing this year too.”
What advice would you give to someone considering private lessons to improve their English?
“Without a doubt, I’d say - GO FOR IT! No matter your level, there’s always room for improvement. I’ve felt a noticeable difference in my fluency, vocabulary, and my ability to think in English. That’s what makes the biggest difference. Ultimately, it makes the whole transition smoother and more seamless.”
Quarterly Highlights: What We’ve Been Up To
At the end of August, we successfully wrapped up our annual “Soft Landing for Kids” workshop, welcoming over 80 children, recently relocated to the United States, at two locations: Boston, Massachusetts, and Tenafly, New Jersey. Over the course of five days, we introduced the American school system to these kids. This hands-on experience helped them and their parents navigate the unfamiliar environment, easing their transition into a new chapter.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to bring this workshop to additional U.S. locations next year!
Upcoming Events: What’s Next
This November and December, we’ll be hosting two free online workshops on key topics: mastering English pronunciation and preparing for job interviews in the U.S.
Stay tuned for registration and other details!
We’re also continuing with our regular programs:
Group Sessions for children ages 5 to 16 living in Israel, designed to strengthen and improve their English language skills.
Women’s English Conversations, a supportive and warm space for women to practice speaking English under the guidance of our expert American teachers.
Thank you for being part of our community. I look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you soon!
Warm regards,
Judy Buchnick
Founder, JBE Tutoring
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