Frequently Asked Questions

English Evolution is just me. I create the lessons, teach the classes, answer your emails, make the videos, and run the whole program. I’m not a big company. When you join, you support my work, and I work hard to make sure you get results.

These lessons are for intermediate to advanced students who want to improve conversational English, accuracy, and pronunciation. Some courses review basic points, but EEA is not for absolute beginners. All instruction is given in English.

All digital courses have practice tests. After each lesson, take the quiz to test your understanding.

However, the BEST way to judge your progress is to watch yourself speak. Choose a topic you know a lot about, hit record on your phone, and speak without preparation for 1 minute. This method is quick and powerful, but it can be uncomfortable to watch yourself. Most people won’t do this because it’s uncomfortable. If you want faster progress than average, you must do what the average person refuses to do.

My programs are for adults. Mature teens may join the self-study academy, but these courses are designed for adults, and nothing here is intended for children.

Absolutely, and I’m happy to work with you financially to make the transition fair. Keep in mind that with both group study and private lessons, there are limited spots, and you will have to meet with me before you switch to discuss the details.

Imagine you are level B2 now. It’s generally understood that advancing from level B2→C1 takes about 200-250 hours. If you break that down in terms of study hours per week, you get this:

3 hours/week – 15 to 19 months

5 hours/week – 9 to 12 months

7 hours/week – 7 to 8 months

10 hours/week – 5 to 6 months

15 hours/week – 3 to 4 months

20 hours/week – 2 to 3 months

30+ hours/week – 1.5 to 2 months

So, for example, if you study 5 hours a week, it will take about a year to reach the next level.

How long it will take YOU depends on how much time YOU spend. It also depends on your intelligence and talent for language. Those study hours also have to be “productive” to count. For example, Netflix-watching does not count, but active conversation-practice counts.

You can see faster progress based on your own time and effort.

Digital course formats vary. Some courses are video-based, some text-based, and some audio-based. Most courses have short, downloadable audios for each lesson, so you can listen while driving, walking or doing chores.

Generally, I upload new content monthly, although priorities shift from month to month. As you know, I create everything from the short videos to the lessons themselves:)

There are quizzes and practice activities, and I offer recommendations about how to use the materials to get the most out of them.

This varies by the day, because most days we do not have 100% attendance – sadly. But don’t worry; there will be no more than 8 students per class and you will get many chances to speak.

For group class students, I recommend a very specific spoken review process that takes 5-15 minutes per day. This solo-review is required to remember what you learn.

Standard group classes are 55 minutes. Class formats vary, but in general, regular classes are 3 days a week.

Group classes focus on speaking and targeted grammar and vocabulary practice for fluency and accuracy. We do different things every day, but generally we learn - practice - learn - practice - learn - practice. When we practice, we take turns so everyone gets many opportunities to practice what we are learning throughout each lesson.

My time zone is Pacific Time (like California). Class times are shown in PST and other select time zones, but you may need to convert them to your local time to make sure the times are convenient for you.

Yes! For most of these “central” time zones, classes will be in your afternoon/evening.

Classes are in the early morning for most of Asia. If you can attend morning classes, you are welcome to book a call.

For most of you, developing confidence speaking is the whole point, so of course you just have to jump in and speak anyway. Everyone is nervous at first, but you will feel comfortable quickly as you get to know the other students. I am proud to say that the students I have are phenomenal people who are welcoming and respectful.

People from any country can join classes. We do not exclude anyone based on their country of origin (or political/religious) views. We may speak openly about diverse topics, so maturity and respect for everyone is absolutely required.

I teach most classes personally. Teachers need breaks too. So, we may also have scheduled classes where another teacher fills in for me. This is necessary so that you can keep practicing and I can stay sane :)

Nope. You don’t have to all classes. Obviously you will get better results if you do, but there is no penalty for missing classes. You can watch the class recording to get caught up.

Group classes cannot be rescheduled, but you can access class recordings for one week after missing a class.

Don’t be habitually late. It is not fair to others in the class. You will be lost when you join, and I don’t want to stop the class and waste time explaining something I’ve already explained. If you must be late occasionally, open the class document for that day before you join and come in quietly.

-Stable wifi, a camera, and headphones that work well. Cameras much be ON, and we must be able to hear you clearly.

-Google drive app (on phone) - All class notes (syllabus) and class materials are google drive files. Its MUCH easier to access class notes from a computer, but you can also download the google drive app if you need to access on a phone/tablet.

Note: Group classes are by video on Zoom – cameras on. I do not give audio-only classes and I do not give classes via WhatsApp.

Book a call with me before starting lessons. We will discuss your specific goals, expectations, and schedule to make sure my classes are a good fit for you. Group classes also have different levels, so I will assess which level is right for you.

I open private lessons from time to time, on a very limited basis. The best way to start is to join group classes first, see if my approach is right for you, and let me know you would like private lessons.

Private lessons can be rescheduled if we can agree on a time and if you give me 48 hours notice. Last-minute cancellations and no-call-no-shows are not rescheduled.

If you have to miss multiple classes (for example if you go on vacation), we will find a fair solution that works for both of us. I’m not going to charge you for vacation time.

Start with group classes. When you take group lessons, you will see my teaching style, and I will get to know your goals and challenges. We will be in contact regularly, so it will be easy for me to notify you when a spot opens up. If that’s not an option for you, start with the self-study program and email me periodically to check availability. In English we say, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Do you know that idiom?

It depends on which path you choose. Self-study is $19/month. Group lessons are $229/month. VIP Private lessons are $350/month. Group and private lessons are based on availability. Limited spots are available.

All normal payment methods are accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Paypal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. All memberships are subscriptions by default. When you set up your payment, it will automatically come out every month on the same date that you signed up.

Yes, there are discounted “yearly” options for each path. Group and VIP always depend on availability. So you have to speak to me directly before joining.

Self-study $216

Group $2592

VIP $3780

Full refunds are available within 14 days of purchase, but not if you have already accessed course materials. After that, no refunds except in special situations. I can often apply your payment to another program if your situation changes. My goal is to treat people fairly while keeping the program running smoothly.

Email me directly at future@englishevolution.org