Happy New Year!

I’d like to wish you all a peaceful and joyful start to the year! My hope for 2026 is more calm, more kindness, and a stronger sense of community — in life and in learning English — also to help slow down the alarming loneliness statistics.

Learning a language is, not just about learning grammar and vocabulary, but about communication and connection, and one of the most enjoyable ways to practice is through community. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Join an international community around something you enjoy — a book club, sports group, or volunteer project. Shared interests make speaking easier.
• Be curious out loud. Ask questions, comment, react — you don’t need perfect English, just conversation!
• Start an English ‘Stammtisch’. Meet other English learners regularly for coffee or dinner in a relaxed setting. It’s a fun, social way to practice and build confidence without an agenda (Meet5 could be a perfect platform to start one). I ran one for 25 years in my village, and it was quite popular.

Language grows best when it’s used together. I’m really looking forward to seeing you in lessons soon — sharing ideas, practicing, and learning together.

Here’s to a year full of connection, growth, and everyday joys!