Amanda Townsend Teacher, 26

I feel that I am personally because I put a lot of effort into it because I know that they're paying a lot of money for a service that in general doesn't give value for money. Conversation schools here are like sausage factories; pump 'em in, pump 'em out. They're about business, not education.

Rumiko Komaba Receptionist, 28

No, because I'm shy. In my class there were 3 or 4 people, I felt a bit nervous speaking in front of them.

Karen Stephens Teacher, 37

Maybe 8 years ago, I thought I was more "token" at my high school, but now the stress is more on speaking and producing than in previous years, so every year we're seen as more valuable.

Ryoko Fujiwara Customer Service, 28

I don't think so because we just followed the textbook. There was not real conversation, just memorizing sentences. If I pay a lot of money for a private lesson, then maybe it is, but in group lessons it's difficult to get a chance to talk.

Yang Xu Computer Engineer, 35

If you want to have one on one it's quite expensive, but in a group there are people of different levels so it's difficult. But the most important thing is to study hard by yourself, the teacher is just there to assist you.

Chie Teragishi Waitress, 26

I don't study at an English school because it's too expensive. Friends of mine who go to schools think that it is better for the money you pay to actually go abroad and study a language there.