how good are English skills among high school and college students in Western Europe?

[Princhester]

When it comes to the Dutch, put it this way: I find it potentially embarrassing that I am attempting to write here when there may be some Dutch people reading. I apologise in advance for my poor grasp of the English language, and if you could give me any tips, that would be appreciated.

[jjimm]

@scifisam2009

It’s also not nearly as bad as writing ‘currectly’ when correcting someone. Jjimm, seriously, what’s up with that?

Don’t ask me, ask Gaudere.

[PookahMacPhellimey]

@Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus

Often a foreign speaker is a more effective teacher of a foreign language, having had to go through the conscious effort of mastering its peculiarities. When I had my year in Germany, we first spent six weeks in intensive German classes. We had native speakers for the conversational practice sessions, but the grammar sections were all taught by non-native speakers.

I’m Dutch and currently working as an English teacher. This thread has made my day!