You've been studying English for a few years now and for some reason or other you still cannot speak nor understand the language well. Let me be clear, there is no magic pill, there is no easy-to-learn system out there. Sure, there are many on-line courses and all sorts of English learning software available, but you will not achieve fluency with these solutions alone. Learning a second language takes effort and time. The reality is you must dedicate study time outside of class to learn English.

Ideally you have enrolled in a school that offers one and a half hour classes five days a week. In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to start the English language learning process. Hopefully your teachers are native speakers or have achieved a native level including pronunciation. If your teachers do not teach English in English, find another school immediately. You're paying to learn English, not hear your native language.

Arrive early so you have some time to speak with your classmates in English. Review any homework with them. Also talk about the lesson using the language and grammar from that lesson. Invite some classmates to go out for coffee after class so you can practice speaking more English.

Start an expression notebook that you can easily carry in your briefcase, backpack, or purse. In the expression notebook write down expressions from your class. Write complete sentences and questions. Then, when you're commuting, waiting at the doctor's office, or have some down time, pull out the expression notebook and start reading.

Listen to music in English. Read the lyrics as you listen. Look up any new words in a dictionary. Ask your teacher to explain any expressions you cannot figure out. Write these expressions in your expression notebook. Try to memorize the lyrics and sing along without reading them.

Watch TV and movies in English. Use subtitles if you must. Watch the program once with subtitles and then without. You can also do this in reverse, watch the program without subtitles and then watch it with subtitles. The choice is clearly yours.

Use the Internet. There are a plethora of online learning activities for ESL learners. You can do online lessons, practice for the TOEFL, watch English classes, read a book, and more.

And finally, perhaps one of the best ways to improve your English is to study in a country where English is spoken. You can speak with your teachers, family or friends about what options are available. You can also use your favorite search engine to locate English language schools.

Whatever you decide to do outside of class, stay with it. Study daily. Make the effort and the rewards will be yours.

Joe Ehman currently spends his time thinking, writing, reading, studying and relaxing. His blog, El Ingles http://www.elingles.co.cc is dedicated to students of English and their teachers. Joe infrequently publishes an ESL (English as a Second Language) newsletter which you can get for free by clicking here http://elingles.co.cc/newsletter