Learning English with us is easy - in fact you will be ready to go within minutes.
Avatar English is a language school within Second Life (www.secondlife.com). You have individual lessons in a virtual world with a real teacher. It is a virtual school, but the teachers are real and you will talk with them just like you were both in the same room.
You probably already have everything you need!
- Internet
- Computer (See Second Life for specifications - www.secondlife.com)
- Microphone & Speakers (or headset)
- Second Life Avatar (basic account is free)
- Skype account (free)
If you need any of the above, we will help you get it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an avatar?
- What is Second Life?
- What are the lessons like?
- Which languages do you teach?
- Qualified Native Speaking Teachers
- Will I make new friends at Avatar English?
- What resources do I have access to?
- Can I have a Free Trial Lesson to see if I like it?
- Can I see what your students think about Avatar English?
- How do I start now?
- I don't have a Second Life avatar - what do I do?
- I only want lessons via Skype - is this possible?
- I don't have Skype - what do I do?
- How do I book my lessons?
- Is your payment system secure?
What is an avatar?
An avatar is you! You choose exactly what your avatar looks like, what they do and where they go. It's a digital figure you control. It walks and talks within a virtual world such as Second Life.
What is Second Life?
Second Life is a 3D virtual world that is free for you to join. Watch the video below to learn more.
What are the lessons like?
Learning English has never been so much fun. You can be who you want and go where you want.
You can learn in lots of different places such as at the beach in the Caribbean, in a swimming pool in Los Angeles, at the shops in New York, in a cafe in London. You can even go disco-dancing while you learn!
Where will you have your lesson in Avatar English?
You interact with the teacher's avatar in Second Life while speaking with the teacher on Skype, MSN or Yahoo voice chat systems. Lessons include role plays, speaking, listening, reading, writing and doing. Lessons make full use of being in a situation, so the English you learn and practice is exactly what you use in real life.
Which languages do you teach?
We currently offer English. In the future we will offer Spanish and other languages.
Qualified Native Speaking Teachers
Avatar English teachers are qualified, experienced, native English speakers. All teachers have internationally recognized certificates such as TESOL, CELTA or an equivalent qualification and you can see the certificates online. Meet the teachers here...
Our professionalism starts with an assessment of your goals and interests during the free trial lesson. This allows us to tailor the lessons to what you really want.
Will I make new friends at Avatar English?
Of Course! You will be able to socialize with other students and teachers in our school. Meet new friends and practice English with them in our student cafe.
What resources do I have access to?
Our library connects you to a wealth of resources on the web, where you can find videos, podcasts, articles, stories and games to help you advance your English. The library also includes a wiki - so you too can add your favorite resources and help the library to grow. Visit our library now at www.avatarlanguages.com/library.htm.
Can I have a Free Trial Lesson to see if I like it?
Yes - we offer a 15 minute free lesson with no commitment.
Can I see what your students think about Avatar English?
Yes, of course. You can read comments from our students on our students' page.
How do I start now?
Complete the form to request a free trial lesson
I don't have a Second Life avatar - what do I do?
Second Life is very easy to start using and is absolutely free. Just go to www.secondlife.com and choose your language at the bottom of the page. Follow their instructions to start your new virtual life.
I only want lessons via Skype - is this possible?
Yes. If you prefer to have lessons via Skype, MSN or Yahoo Messengers, then we offer this too. We provide classes using voice chat, text chat, video camera, whiteboard, file sharing and application sharing, which allows the student and teacher to edit the same document at the same time.
I don't have Skype - what do I do?
Skype is very easy to start using and is absolutely free. Just go to www.skype.com and choose your language at the bottom of the page. Follow their instructions to start using.
We also have a demonstration to help you.
If you prefer, we can use MSN or Yahoo messenger.
How do I book my lessons?
Booking regular lessons is easy - complete the form to arrange a time convenient to you. You will also need to pay for your lessons, which you can do online from the Avatar English website. Lessons can be bought individually or in packages. See the price list for details...
Is your payment system secure?
We use PayPal and so all your financial information remains confidential. We never see any of your credit or debit card details. When you pay with PayPal you will go to their site which is entirely separate from ours. When you have successfully paid, you will automatically return to our site.