WordDive customer Lari Laitinen has realised that it is possible to improve your English skills even as an adult. He struggled with foreign languages at school, but as an adult, he found a clear reason to learn: he needs English almost every day, both at work and when travelling. When motivation stems from everyday life, studying becomes more successful and yields results.
Lari’s decision to learn English was sparked by a business trip
Lari became determined to improve his English a few years ago. He was working in an environment where English was used frequently and found himself in many situations where he realised his language skills could be better.
“My work and hobbies have made English practically indispensable. For example, I’ve attended training courses in English where I realised how gaps in my language skills were affecting my learning,” Lari explains.
A business trip to France was a turning point for him; it was during this trip that Lari decided things had to change. He recalls, for example, an evening at a restaurant where he found it difficult to join in the conversation with a large group in English.
“I didn’t want to feel insecure or ashamed of my language skills anymore.”
There’s no better motivation than a real need
At school, Lari found languages difficult, and his slow progress eroded his motivation. Now, as an adult, things are different: he has a clear, practical need to study English.
“The biggest difference between studying as an adult and at school is motivation. I now understand why I’m studying, and that changes the learning experience completely,” says Lari.
Lari uses English almost every day, so improving his skills isn’t just a goal in itself – it’s part of his daily life. His progress is also noticeable in real-life situations: for example, watching programmes in English now feels more natural than before.
“At work, I have the confidence to take on situations where English is involved, and travelling has become much less stressful. My self-confidence has also grown. I no longer have to wonder whether I’ll manage – I know I will.”
Noticing these results boosts Lari’s motivation even further. He says that things have finally started to click into place when it comes to learning English.
“Learning has had many positive effects. Perhaps the biggest change is the feeling that more and more new opportunities are opening up all the time,” he explains.
Learning English became easier with WordDive
Before WordDive, Lari had tried several language learning apps, but not all of them suited his way of learning.
“Many apps feel more like a game than actual studying,” says Lari.
WordDive stood out for its clear structure and effective approach to practising vocabulary. Choosing letters from six options makes writing easier while still helping you learn.
Next, Lari plans to improve his spoken English.
“I’ve sometimes thought about how great it would have been if I’d gone on an exchange when I was younger. But on the other hand, it’s never too late to learn.”
Learn business English with an app
It is possible to learn English as an adult. Making progress doesn’t require hours of study each week, but rather regular practice, a way of learning that fits into your daily life and motivation that stems from a real need.
Start at your own level and practise one brief session at a time. With the WordDive app, you can learn English whenever it fits into your daily routine.
The WordDive English course package includes courses designed for the workplace and other real-life situations.
