Learn conversational English in Singapore: courses, timelines and what to expect

Why conversational English matters in Singapore

If you live and work in Singapore, it is hard to avoid English. You hear it in the office, on the MRT, at your child’s school and at the hawker centre, and English has been adopted as Singapore’s main working language. People bring many different accents, levels of formality and a mix of Standard English and Singlish into the same conversation.

When your conversational English is strong, everyday life feels much smoother. It is easier to:

• Understand different accents and speaking speeds.
• Switch between more formal English at work and more relaxed English with friends.
• Avoid misunderstandings in emails, calls and meetings.
• Feel more at home in a multi-cultural city.

When your English is weaker, you may already know the grammar in your head but still feel quiet in meetings, say less than you want to, or avoid social events where you will need to talk a lot. This guide is written to help you see what your options are in Singapore and how long real progress usually takes.

Who this guide is for

This article is for adults who are already in Singapore or planning to move here soon. You might recognise yourself in one of these situations:

• You work in Singapore and want to speak more clearly in meetings and small talk.
• You are an expat or spouse using English for daily life here.
• You are comparing group classes, private lessons and short courses to improve your conversation.

We focus on adult classes and everyday communication. If you mainly need children’s courses or exam-only preparation, another article will fit you better.

What “conversational English” means in Singapore

When people say they want “conversational English”, they usually mean the English they use for normal, human interaction. It is the language of quick chats before a meeting, ordering food, giving a short update to your manager, or getting to know a new colleague.

In practical terms, conversational English is the ability to handle a range of common situations. For many learners in Singapore, the key moments are:

• Starting and continuing a friendly chat.
• Asking and answering questions in shops, restaurants and on public transport.
• Joining meetings and giving simple opinions at work.
• Building relationships with colleagues, clients and neighbours.

The focus is on speaking and listening, not on long essays or complex grammar tests. Grammar and vocabulary are still important, but they are tools to help you say what you want to say in real time.

How it is different from general English or exam prep

Many adults are not sure whether they need general English, exam preparation or a conversation course. It helps to see how these course types are usually different.

General English courses often cover all four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Exam preparation courses (for IELTS, TOEFL and others) train you to score well in a specific test, with a strong focus on test tasks and strategies.

A good conversational English course takes a different approach. It usually:

• Spends most of the time on speaking and listening.
• Uses grammar and vocabulary in real-life tasks, not as long lectures.
• Gives you feedback on pronunciation, tone and clarity.

Many learners use conversation courses to become more comfortable in daily life and at work, then move into exam preparation later if they need a score for migration or study.

Conversational English and CEFR levels

Many schools use the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) to describe levels, from A1 (beginner) to C1/C2 (advanced). You do not need to know every detail, but it is useful to see roughly where “conversational English” sits.

Very roughly, the speaking levels look like this:

• A1–A2: You can handle simple, memorised phrases and short answers.
• B1: You can manage daily situations and simple work conversations, but you still search for words.
• B2: You can join most conversations, explain opinions and handle many work topics.

Most adults who say “I want better conversational English” are aiming for B1–B2 level in speaking.

English Express has a separate article that explains CEFR levels in more detail. That article can help you see where you are now and what your next target level could be.

Main ways to learn conversational English in Singapore

There is no single “best” way to learn. The right choice depends on your budget, schedule and learning style. In Singapore, most adults use one or a mix of the options below.

1. Small group conversation classes

Small group classes are one of the most common ways to work on conversation in Singapore. In many schools you will find between four and sixteen students in a room, meeting once or twice a week at fixed times. A teacher leads role-plays, short discussions and pair work, and moves around the room to correct and support you.

For many adults, this format gives a good balance. You hear different voices and accents, you can practise with classmates who have similar goals, and the cost per hour is usually lower than for private lessons. At the same time, the group can still be small enough for you to speak more than in a large lecture-style class.

However, small group classes are not perfect for everyone. The group moves at one speed. If you are much stronger or weaker than the others, you may feel either bored or lost. You also need to be comfortable with a regular timetable; if you often miss lessons, your progress will feel slower.

2. Private or small private group lessons

Private lessons mean one‑to‑one with a teacher. Some schools also offer two‑ or three‑person private groups, for example for a couple or two colleagues with similar goals.

The main attraction of private lessons is personalisation. Lessons can follow your pace and focus directly on your real situations at work or in daily life. You can choose times that fit your schedule, and your teacher can spend more time on your pronunciation and common errors.

On the other hand, private lessons cost more per hour than group classes. You also have fewer chances to practise with new people, which some learners enjoy as part of group courses.

3. Short intensive conversational English courses

Some providers run short, intensive programmes for adults. These can look like two to five full days in a row, or two to four weeks of frequent classes. The idea is to give you a strong push in a short time.

Intensive courses can be very motivating because you stay with the language for many hours each week. You often feel a clear boost in confidence by the end. They work best when you can clear your schedule and really focus on learning for that period.

The challenge is what happens afterwards. If you go back to using very little English, some of the progress can fade. Intensive courses are also harder to balance with a full-time job or family commitments.

4. Online and hybrid conversation classes

Many schools in Singapore now offer online or hybrid options as part of their course mix. These might be fully online classes on Zoom or similar platforms, or “hybrid” courses where some lessons are online and some are in the school.

The big advantage is convenience. You do not have to travel, so you can join from home or the office. This can open up more timetable choices, including early morning or later evening classes.

At the same time, online learning brings its own difficulties. It is easier to feel tired after a full day on screens, body language is harder to see, and you need a stable internet connection and a quiet space. Some learners love the flexibility; others prefer the energy of being in a room with people.

5. Self-study plus real-life practice

You do not have to rely only on formal courses. Many adults in Singapore build their own “course” using digital tools and daily life.

Common elements of this kind of self-study include:

• Apps for vocabulary and speaking.
• YouTube lessons and short videos.
• Podcasts and audio materials.
• Language exchange partners or conversation Meetups.

This approach is low-cost and very flexible. You can choose content that matches your interests and fit English into short pockets of time. The downside is that there is no clear syllabus or long-term plan, and little or no professional feedback. For many learners, self-study works best when combined with at least some regular contact with a teacher or coach.

Key factors when comparing conversational English schools

When you compare schools in Singapore, it helps to look beyond marketing phrases like “fun” or “interactive”. A few concrete questions can show you whether a course is likely to work for you.

Teacher qualifications and experience

For adult learners, the teacher often matters as much as the syllabus. A trained teacher can choose the right task for your level, notice what is blocking your progress and give feedback in a way that feels clear and respectful.

As you read school websites or talk to course advisers, look for signals such as:

• Teachers with training in teaching English to adults, such as CELTA or equivalent.
• Experience with learners from your region (for example, South Asia, East Asia or Europe).
• Clear, simple explanations without heavy jargon.

You can also prepare a few questions before you enrol. For example, you might ask who will teach your class and what their qualifications are, how much experience they have with adult learners, and whether you will have the same main teacher each week.

Class size and speaking time

Your speaking time depends a lot on class size. In a sixty‑minute lesson with four students, each person can speak for a good part of the time. In a class of sixteen, your share is much smaller unless the teacher manages pair work very well.

It is worth asking schools directly about numbers so you know what to expect. You might ask about the maximum class size, the usual class size for your level, and how a typical lesson is organised so that everyone can speak.

Level placement and progression

You should start at a level that challenges you, but still feels possible. If a class is far too easy or far too hard, it is difficult to stay motivated.

Look for schools that offer a short test and a speaking check before you join. They should also be able to explain the level system clearly, for example how “beginner, elementary, pre‑intermediate, intermediate, upper‑intermediate” link to each other or to CEFR levels. It is a good sign if they can show how you move from one stage to the next and what skills you should have at each level.

Timetable, flexibility and location

A good course fits your real life, not the other way round. It is helpful to think in advance about where and when you can realistically study, then check how each school matches that picture.

When you speak with a provider, you can ask a few practical questions:

• Does the timetable work with your usual work hours and family commitments?
• How easy is it to reach the centre from your home or office, and is it near an MRT station?
• What happens if you miss a lesson? Can you do a make-up class or join a different group?
• If you travel often, is there an option to attend some lessons online instead of in person?

Thinking through these details in advance makes it more likely that you will actually finish the course you start.

Price, funding and total cost over time

Course fees in Singapore vary a lot. Some short courses show one total price for the full block. Other schools charge by term or by month. It can be hard to compare until you break the numbers down.

A simple way to compare fairly is to look at the teaching hours. First, check how many hours of teaching you get in total. Then divide the total price by the total hours to get a rough cost per hour. Do not forget to include any registration or material fees so you see the true cost.

There are also funding schemes in Singapore, such as SkillsFuture Credit and the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) for NTUC members. Whether these apply will depend on the provider and course type. You can see them as a bonus if they are available, but it still makes sense to focus on quality and fit first.

Learning style and course design

Different adults enjoy different ways of learning. Some prefer clear rules and structured grammar explanations. Others like to jump into role-plays and learn by doing. It helps to know how a course is designed before you pay for a full term.

You can ask a school to describe a typical lesson. In particular, you might want to know the balance between speaking, listening, grammar and vocabulary, and whether the teacher uses role-plays based on real life in Singapore, such as small talk with colleagues, client calls or short presentations. It is also useful to ask how the teacher gives feedback on your speaking and what kind of homework you can expect.

Community and practice opportunities

It is easier to keep going when you feel part of a learning community rather than studying alone. Some schools put effort into creating extra chances to practise.

As you compare options, you can ask whether they offer any of the following:

• Conversation clubs or informal speaking sessions.
• Social events where you can use English in a relaxed way.
• Online groups for extra practice or sharing resources.

These activities are not essential, but they can make a big difference to your confidence over time.

How long it really takes to speak comfortably

Many learners ask, “How long to become fluent?” A more helpful question is, “How long to feel comfortable in most daily conversations?” The answer depends on your starting point, time and effort. Still, we can use some general ranges to plan.

Understanding levels and hours

Language research often suggests that moving up one CEFR level takes roughly 150–250 hours of active study and practice. For example, Cambridge English estimates around 200 guided learning hours per CEFR level. This is a broad range, not an exact number, but it gives a useful frame.

If you study three hours per week, for example two ninety‑minute classes, one hundred and fifty hours is about twelve months. If you add regular practice outside class, you can move faster because you turn class input into real habits.

Sample paths for different starting points

To make this more concrete, imagine three different starting points. These examples assume that you study about three to four hours per week and use English in daily life in Singapore.

For an almost beginner (around A1), the goal is usually to handle basic everyday tasks and short conversations without freezing. Reaching a solid A2 level can take roughly six to twelve months of steady study. During this time, the focus is on simple questions, basic tenses, common vocabulary and clearer pronunciation.

If you can already manage simple conversation (around A2), your goal may be to join most daily conversations and some work discussions without feeling lost. Moving towards B1 can also take around six to twelve months. You work on giving longer answers, adding detail, and explaining reasons and experiences rather than just single facts.

For someone whose basic work communication is already okay (around B1), the next step is often to feel comfortable in most work conversations and social events. Moving towards B2 may take roughly nine to eighteen months. Lessons here focus more on work-related topics, meetings, small talk with clients and refining your pronunciation so that others understand you easily.

These are only general paths. Your own journey may be shorter or longer, depending on how often you study, how much you practise outside the classroom and how regularly you stick to your plan.

What speeds up or slows down your progress

Two learners can sit in the same class and progress at very different speeds. The difference is usually what they do with the language outside those classroom hours.

You may move faster if you use English daily at work and at home, do small amounts of practice most days rather than only before class, and get regular, clear feedback from a trained teacher. Progress may be slower if you only attend once a week and do no homework, if you switch back to your first language almost all the time, or if you take long breaks between terms and forget what you learned.

Using Singapore as your “classroom”

Singapore itself can be a very helpful place to practise English. You do not need special events; daily routines already give you chances to speak.

You can start with simple steps such as ordering food in English at hawker centres and cafes, asking for directions or help in shops, or joining Meetups, interest groups or sports clubs where English is the main language. You might also switch some of your media to English, for example news, podcasts or YouTube channels.

These small conversations build real confidence over time, especially when you combine them with a course that gives you structure and feedback.

Simple study plans you can use in Singapore

It can be easier to stay on track when you follow a simple plan that matches your lifestyle. The three examples below are starting points that you can adapt.

Plan A: Busy full‑time worker

If you work full-time and have limited energy in the evenings, you may prefer a lighter but steady routine rather than a heavy timetable you cannot sustain.

A typical plan could include:

• One or two evening classes per week, about ninety minutes each.
• Ten to fifteen minutes of daily practice, such as reviewing new vocabulary, recording a short voice note, or reading a short article.
• One weekly “stretch” task, for example leading part of a meeting or starting a new conversation with a colleague.

Plan B: Adult with more daytime flexibility

If you are not working full-time, you may be able to study more intensively and then bring the language into your daytime routines.

In that case, your plan might look like this:

• Three to four classes per week, or an intensive short course followed by regular classes.
• Daily practice in real life, such as talking to neighbours, shop staff and community members.
• At least one regular activity in English, for example a sports group, volunteering role or hobby class.

Plan C: Self-study with some guidance

Some adults prefer to manage most of their learning independently but still want professional input from time to time to check their direction.

For this style of learning, you could combine:

• A short course or coaching session every few weeks to check your progress and adjust your focus.
• A clear routine for apps and media, such as one podcast episode per day and three short video lessons per week.
• Regular practice with a language partner online or in person.

Checklist: choosing the right conversational English course

When you are ready to choose a course, it helps to have a simple checklist so you do not forget important points during school visits or phone calls.

You can ask yourself the following questions for any provider in Singapore:

• Does the timetable match my real schedule?
• Is the class size small enough for me to speak often?
• Are the teachers trained to teach adults, and can I see their profiles?
• Is there a clear level system and a placement test?
• Do I understand the total cost and cost per hour, including all fees?
• Will I receive regular feedback on my speaking?
• Are there extra chances to practise English outside normal lessons?

If you answer “yes” to most of these questions, you are likely looking at a good option.

How English Express fits into your options in Singapore

English Express is a Singapore-based school that focuses on helping adults speak more confidently in real life.

Its conversational English courses are designed with working adults and other busy learners in mind. In practice, this means:

• Small groups so each learner has more speaking time.
• Practical tasks based on work and daily life in Singapore.
• Trained teachers who work with adult learners.

English Express can be a good fit if you prefer a friendly, focused environment rather than a very large centre, want clear guidance on your current level and next steps, and value regular feedback and structured practice. If you need very large corporate programmes or exam-only preparation, a bigger provider may suit you better.

What’s next?

Choosing a conversational English course is easier when you know your starting point and your goal. A short level assessment can give you a clearer picture before you commit time and money.

After a simple assessment, you will normally know your current speaking level, your main strengths and areas to improve, and which type of course and study plan could work best for you.

If you would like support with this, you can contact English Express for a level check and course advice. This can help you decide whether an English Express course, or another option in Singapore, is the right next step for you.