If you’re preparing for the TOEFL iBT, big changes are coming — starting January 2026. The test will be shorter and will have new tasks. Learn all about it right here!

AI is everywhere—and it’s not just for tech experts. If you're learning a language, it can be a game-changer. Instead of debating the pros and cons, let’s dive into the exciting ways AI can actually help you learn faster, stay motivated, and make language practice more fun and personal. Here are some creative, practical ideas to get you started.

Language changes over time. One example particularly relevant to German speakers is the use of “whom”. “Who” refers to the subject of a sentence and “whom” to the object. For example:

The person who is over there is tall. The relative pronoun “who” refers to the word before it, “person”, which is the subject of the sentence.

In recent years it has become increasingly important to use gender-neutral language in most languages, and certainly this is the case with English. Grammatical and pronunciation errors can always be forgiven, but not using gender-neutral language is the quickest way to offend some listeners! Therefore, this is a worthwhile area to spend some time on.

5 hacks from a GMAT expert. I’ve been teaching the GMAT for many years and have taken the test myself. Students often ask me what my favourite tips for the GMAT are. Check out my 5 hacks for cracking the GMAT exam here!

We all know that one of today’s hot topics is climate change. We have heard about environmental issues and sustainability. However, these issues are challenging to discuss in a second language. So, let’s consider some of the vocabulary you will need to be able to contribute meaningfully to discussions on these topics.

Not sure which is the best book to learn English from? Here’s a breakdown of the best options based on your goals, whether you're preparing for exams or improving general or business English skills. Find out which book is best for you to improve your English."

Cambridge are now offering a digital alternative to paper-based Cambridge exams. It’s called "Cambridge English Qualifications" and is available for levels A2 – C2. Check out the many advantages now!

Recently the test makers announced that you can take the new GMAT exam from November 7th, 2023.  The test will be available from that date at test centers and for online testing at a location of your choice. Get some free GMAT practice tests here!

The last BEC Cambridge exams will be held in June 2024. After this, Cambridge will no longer offer exams that specifically test business English skills. We have therefore put together a list of alternative English language exams that you can take as well as tips on how to improve your business English!

Simple words in German are usually separated into syllables. Examples: Ver-gnü-gen, be-vor-ste-hen, Vor-sil-be. But what about English? In this blog post you can read about the differences and similarities in the rules on word division in English and German.

Exciting News for GMAT Takers! Starting November 7th, 2023, the new GMAT exam is available at test centers and online, and registration is open. You can still opt for the old format of the GMAT test until 31st January 2024. It's a dynamic time for GMAT prep!

The good news is that the SAT has become shorter! Outside the US, starting in March 2023 all students taking the SAT now take the new digital test. Another change is that now a calculator can be used throughout the entire Math section.

Cambridge have announced that the Linguaskill Business exam is the replacement for the Cambridge BEC exams. The new exam will be launched in January 2024.

You may wonder how one exam can replace a set of three exams, which were offered at B1, B2 and C1 levels. The answer is that Linguaskill is computer adaptive. The computer rapidly obtains an approximate measure of your English ability and designs the rest of the test you will take to reflect your ability.

In response to the shortening of other US standardized tests such as the TOEFL and the GMAT, the administrators of the GRE have announced a shorter version of the test, which will be available from September 22nd, 2023.

New TOEFL iBT Structure: Briefer and More Streamlined. Discover the significant alterations to this test format, including a reduction in test duration and a revamp of the writing section. Our comprehensive breakdown explores each section's changes in depth, ensuring you're fully prepped for this updated exam. Ideal for students and language learners, this blog keeps you ahead of the curve in TOEFL iBT preparation.

In 2023, a new GMAT test will be available: the GMAT Focus Edition. It is a shorter and more flexible test than other GMAT tests with a strong focus on critical reasoning and data literacy. Read our summary of this new GMAT Focus Edition test and how we can help you with the preparation!

If you are already familiar with the subject, you may know that applicants for Swiss citizenship must, among other things, have knowledge of one of the four national languages in order to be successful in their application. This is regulated by federal law. We will help you to achieve your goal!

The best way to get better at English is to enjoy your efforts to improve your language skills. That way you will be motivated to spend the time necessary to get better. So the short answer to which books you should read is to read the books that you will enjoy.

The Toefl Essentials test is a variation of the Toefl iBT (internet-based Toefl). 3 official practice tests are available. You can register for the test from June 2021 and testing will be available from August 2021. Testing will be available around the clock, initially for 1-3 days per week, but the number of days per week will increase. The expected price is USD 100 – 120, depending on country.

The answer to this question is yes. The Executive Assessment is shorter. It is not computer-adaptive at question level, as the GMAT is. If you get a question right on the GMAT, the next one gets harder. On the Executive Assessment, the questions are grouped into modules of 6-7 questions. It is believed that EA questions are generally easier than GMAT questions.

This 1-day English writing course, originally created for HSLU (Lucerne University of Applied Sciences) students and faculty, is designed to make publishing in English easier. It will clarify the standards required to publish. The course can be held in our classrooms in Zurich or at your institute. It is designed for anyone who wants to improve their written English, with a special focus on academic and scientific writing for publication.

The short answer to this question is that it depends! It depends on what your purpose is in learning your new language. It’s of course better to learn both, so perhaps the question can be rephrased: Is it better to learn Swiss German or High German first.

Academic or General IELTS test? What is better? What is easier?

Most people would argue that the General IELTS test is easier, because many test takers are not very familiar with describing graphs or being asked questions about reading passages on academic topics. Unfortunately, the choice about which test to take is usually taken out of your hands, and is decided by the institution that requires the test. Most universities and many professional certification bodies require the Academic IELTS. Some immigration authorities are content with the General IELTS. It’s important to find out what the institution you are dealing with requires.

Some exam providers have moved to put their exams online in the current situation and some haven’t. Of course, this is a very fast-changing situation and this information will need to be updated regularly. However, this is the current situation:

The TOEFL test has been shortened with immediate effect. All test takers will now take the new, shorter version of the test. The scoring system remains the same. All sections of the test – reading, listening, speaking and writing – are scored out of 30, and the maximum total score is 120. The writing section has not been changed. All the other sections have been reduced in length.

We recently asked our English teachers to give us their recommendations for the best language learning apps. (Note: these apps are great for extra practice or to build holiday vocabulary, but of course they can never replace personalised language lessons with a qualified teacher.

From April 16th, 2018, the GMAT will be 23 minutes shorter. The changes affect only the quant and verbal sections. For information on how this will affect you, continue reading this blog…

Are you writing your bachelors thesis in English? This can be a challenge. The following tips will make it easier for you.

Time management is one of the most important keys to success on the GMAT. Of course, time management is very important in all exams, but it is particularly vital on the GMAT. The goal of the test makers is to slow you down at every opportunity. In this blog you will find some advice that will make the time management a bit easier for you.