An Important Message for those who Don’t Like Learning English
Are you one of the people that the words ‘mostly harmless’ transport straight inside the pages of a book? (Let me know in the comments!)
Harmless is how the first edition of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy described the human race, in Douglas Adam’s cult classic radio play. (After years of research, it gets amended to ‘mostly harmless)
To this day, I can’t hear ‘mostly harmless’ without smiling at Arthur Dent’s indignation.
Mostly Harmless is going through my mind as I write about my forthcoming Top Up My English offer.
The truth is I’ve worked with a lot of people who don’t really want to learn English.
This blog is to say that it is okay to feel this way.
However, these sentiments will get in the way of progress – so this blog is also about how you can dislike English learning less and less – perhaps even enjoy it!
Firstly, there ARE Valid Reasons to Not Want to Learn English
You are not ‘Wrong’ to Feel the Way you Feel
I first taught at a corporate language school where I encountered one particular workforce worried their job was endangered by their English level (it was) after an international takeover of their previously all-French company.
These learners massively resented having to add English onto the pressure of their workload – and the insecurity it represented.
If you are going through something similar, can you think of a way to make English feel like an opportunity, not a threat?
Maybe enjoying English starts with a Time Out?
→ Why Your English Needs a Time Out
“English is Boring”
My career progressed into teaching English at art schools across France.
In an art school, English is socks under the Christmas tree: thoroughly useful, but the least exciting subject in a dynamic learning environment.
That’s until it’s presented like another practical skills course.
I describe teaching English at art schools as keeping English classes so interesting and creative and full of content pertinent to their developing careers, that my students got involved and learned – despite the language elements – not because of it.
That would likely frustrate the heck out of many English teachers, but I loved it.
I was a cog in a much bigger wheel – getting young artists to fulfil their potential.
My unique expertise was creating real tastes of using English in professional contexts – as well as guidance on good learning behaviours (how to keep practising and improving once they moved on from being ‘forced’ to learn in education).
No, they didn’t love English, but they loved my class!
With the right teacher for you, English class should never feel boring.
Summer Fun
Now I am lucky enough to spend summer months sharing beautiful Perthshire, Scotland with people who choose to improve their English through a fun, activity-filled holiday.
These English learners actually do want to learn – so badly they are devoting a holiday to it, but they also know that they don’t want to learn in traditional ways.
Learning English does not mean being trapped inside a classroom or in front of a screen.
My English-learning guests (quite rightly) prioritise having fun while learning.
English immersion gives you a fun, cultural immersion with clear language learning goals, including the number 1 priority of loving speaking English.
Can you imagine what enjoying speaking English looks like?
Learning English Online is a Good Option
While a private online English class is not canoeing down the River Tay, tasting local cheese or visiting artist studios. It’s a great English learning option for busy professional people who need a holiday – and an English course.
Learning Online is Not a Compromise
Technology is great!
Learning English online is very affordable. Plus, there’s no travel time to class. In a private class, there’s no ‘listening to other learners ‘take their turn.’
Online English learning integrates easily into your lifestyle, taking some of the stress out of studying English.
Online Learning Tip
Although there are great options for online English learning, it can be difficult to find your ‘match’. The person or service which is going to best help you.
Get some help finding the best English teacher for you with our Review and Revive consultations.
If you are on a budget and doing it yourself, this page will help:
Understand What You Can Commit To
Problems arise when you feel too busy to even consider an English course. Or worse, you subscribe, skip a couple and drop out.
After that failure, confident English is even further from you than before.
English may well be something that you would love to do well, but getting there is a such stress point that you can’t even imagine it feeling fun.
Don’t worry if this is you, I have a solution.
“I Hate English”
So many learners think that I’m going to take this personally, but I don’t.
I understand your English skills as a stepping stone in your career or life path.
I’m not obsessed with English.
I certainly don’t think you should be either.
I do know you will be happier when it feels natural to speak English. For that reason, I take your English seriously – so you don’t have to.
Tips to Enjoy Learning English
Anyone can enjoy the process of learning English – if they work out how to feel aligned with their English identity.
No matter what way your choose to learn, keep this as your no. 1 goal.
Mostly Harmless English Learning
That’s my unique teaching skill: converting your battles with English into a pleasurable journey.
I make English learning ‘mostly harmless’.
Mostly Harmless English Learning
That’s my unique teaching skill: converting your battles with English into a pleasurable journey.
I make English learning ‘mostly harmless’.
English Amnesty
Space to Reconnect
Not everyone who is drawn to our holidays wants the full conversational rhythm of a small group. Some people are ready for Scotland, for culture, for thoughtful structure — but need more quiet around their English.
English Amnesty is designed for that. You choose the pace. You choose the level of interaction. There is room to reflect, to walk, to notice, to let the language settle without constant exchange.
Nothing is removed in terms of care or quality. What changes is the pressure. The emphasis shifts from shared momentum to personal rhythm.
Any of our holidays can be taken in an English Amnesty format — the same landscape and design, simply with more space for you to find your own way back into English.
Further Information
External Links
Not all English courses are priced the same — and there are reasons for that.
We unpack them:
Next Step for English Guides
Help Positioning
If you feel stuck, frustrated, or worn down by English, start with recovery.
Before strategy or decisions, focus on rest, steadiness and emotional reset. When you feel regulated, direction becomes clearer.
→ Help with English — Where Steadiness Comes Before Strategy
Review & Revive Consultations
If you’re ready to move forward but unsure which format or teacher would suit you, this one-off consultation helps you decide well.
We clarify your goals, learning preferences, energy and constraints — then map realistic routes forward based on fit, not trend.
Help to Ensure Your Choice is Good
Already close to choosing?
Pause briefly before committing your time, money and energy. A few focused questions can help you confirm that your next step genuinely fits.