Peter Harrington, first director and founder of COPEI. An Interview. (2)


      (Continued from previous entry)
    3. As a teacher who has been in several countries already, you have a perspective others do not. In what regards to English, why is this language of such great importance?     
English has become the de facto universal language of international communication. This may have begun due to the prominence of English-speaking countries such as the U.S. and Great Britain, but it now transcends any relationship to those countries. English now belongs to the entire world and its influence is no longer limited by the influence of English-speaking countries. Those who suggest that the rise in influence of other countries will weaken the status of English as the universal language, do not understand this.  The Chinese do understand and that is why there are more English language students there than in any other country. Although learning other world languages is also valuable, English will continue to be the universal language of international communication for the foreseeable future and is therefore a logical first option for foreign language studies.

4.   In light of your experience as an educator who worked for so long in Ecuador, what would you advise to all those Ecuadorians who are learning English? What aspects should they pay attention to?
Remember to be active (and proactive) learners - who take responsibility for their own learning. Don’t be fooled by offers of easy shortcuts – learning a foreign language is hard work! Choose a language program that has a proven track record of success and the same kind of commitment to academic quality that COPEI has always demonstrated.

      5.  Finally, what message would you tell Ecuadorian English learners in general and Copei   students in particular?
      Never give up! Learning English involves a great deal of time and effort. However, your sacrifice will pay off in ways you may not even be able to anticipate. Think of monolingualism as a disease that studying English will cure. Like any cure – it only works if applied correctly and if the entire course of treatment is completed.
     Finally, a big hug to my friend Luis Bermudes and all my other friends, former coworkers and students at COPOL and COPEI!

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