Real Exam English - B2, C1, C2 Helena - Barcelona
Nov 21, 2025
In this engaging interview, Helena shares her relatable English-learning journey. She reflects on unhelpful early classes and the challenges of using English in a law firm. Living in Ireland transformed her skills through immersion and accent challenges. Helena highlights her love for idioms and the importance of real-life expressions and phrasal verbs. She emphasizes that English opens doors for travel and friendships while discussing the struggle to maintain fluency. Lastly, she promotes a positive attitude towards learning through trial and error.
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First Big Immersion Abroad
- Helena described her five-month stay working in Dublin and how constant English immersion was rewarding but overwhelming at first.
- She felt exhausted initially but improved quickly from daily interaction with locals and colleagues.
Textbook English Meets Real Accents
- Heavy accents and fast speech made textbook English less useful in real interactions in Ireland.
- Constant exposure forced rapid improvement despite initial comprehension gaps.
Phrasal Verbs In Real Conversation
- Helena recalled phrasal verbs she knew weren't always used and encountered many she didn't know from locals.
- Her Irish colleagues kindly explained meanings when she got stuck, helping her learn naturally.