The English Fluency Lab
Perfect for High-Intermediate to Advanced Speakers
It’s More Than Just Speaking
Expand Your English Through Easy-Going Global Dialogue. Our members don't just practice English—they discuss how the world thinks and is connected through English.
Transform your speaking and listening skills. This is more than a book club; it’s a laboratory designed to enhance your English speaking skills. Here, you will develop speaking confidence and expand your vocabulary through real-life discussions. You’ll master the idioms used by native speakers, refine your listening skills, and polish your pronunciation.
Topics relevant to your life and career. We discuss the world through others' eyes. Comparing "work-life balance" in Brazil to "social etiquette" in Japan—or debating the meaning of "success" in Germany -- all while building a profound, natural connection to the English language.
Better Than Private Lessons. In a private lesson, you only talk to a teacher in a controlled environment. In the Smart Brain English Conversation Circle, you master the art of real-world group dynamics, navigate diverse accents, and learn to hold the floor—which is exactly how English works in the real world!
It's Fun. We skip the dry grammar rules and scripted role-plays. Instead, in every session, we share the humor, the humanity, and the heart of the language in a small group that quickly feels like a circle of friends.
Move from "learning" English to "living" it.
Best Value
The English Fluency Lab
295
Join a global community of high-intermediate learners. Master interactive speaking skills to build your fluency and professional confidence.
Valid for 5 weeks
Expert Coaching: Feedback from an English professor
Rapid Gains: Dynamic discussions builds confidence
Live English: Stop mental translation. Think in English.
Speak Like a Native: Polish pronuciation and fluidity
Stress-Free: Practice with small supportive group
Friday or Saturday sessions for busy professionals
Intensive: 10 hours of high-impact speaking practice
Transcend the Plateau: Master the next English level
Free speaking practice sessions are included with your membership. To maintain your momentum, join our midweek online English-speaking practice sessions. This will help you build your fluency throughout the week and prepare for the in-person sessions.
What to Expect
Good Books. Great Conversations. English Made Easy.
What to Expect
The conversations are dynamic and spontaneous. Think of this as a high-intensity social "workout" for your speaking skills.
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The Benefit: By practicing in an authentic speaking environment like our cafe, you build the "mental muscle memory" needed for real-world conversations. You move away from slow, academic analysis and toward easy-flowing communications.
Go Beyond the Basics
English Conversation is perfect for the ambitious international professional
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The Benefit: English conversation is perfect for those who want to succeed but feel their English is "limiting" their success. English conversation will help you develop confidence, clear pronunciation, and native fluidity.
The Content
The content is relevant and global.
We dive into guided discussions on trending global topics, workplace culture, and the nuances of life in the U.S.
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The Benefit: You won't just learn "English"—you will learn the cultural context and advanced vocabulary required to participate in high-level professional circles. Stop being a "passive observer" at meetings or social gatherings and start speaking up!
Upcoming Program Dates
Current Availability
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Fridays & Saturdays
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10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Join for one or both days, depending on your desired intensity.
Next 5-Week Cycle Begins:
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Friday Cohort: Commencing March 25, 2026
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Saturday Cohort: Commencing March 26, 2026
The Focus
The focus is on gaining conversational flow and poise. Our primary goal is to eliminate the "mental pause" so you can navigate interactions with natural rhythm.
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The Benefit: We target the root of "brain fog" by training you to bypass the internal translation process. This results in a significant boost in poise, allowing you to focus on what you are saying rather than how you are saying it.
Where We Meet
We meet at Wegmans Cafe in Chapel Hill.
Wegman's offers a relaxed, easy-going yet lively environment conducive to friendly, productive conversations.
Join the Book Club at Wegmans Cafe, 1810 Fordham Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.We look forward to seeing you there..
No payment is required to join the waitlist
Frequently Asked Questions
What English level do I need to join? Our sessions are designed for high-Intermediate to Advanced speakers (B2–C2). If you can understand the gist of a podcast or movie, you’ll fit right in! We focus on moving you from "functional" to "fluent."
How do the midweek online sessions differ from in-person sessions?
Our in-person sessions are the heart of the club—a space for immersive, face-to-face discussions that go beyond the surface. We explore the current topic in the stress-free, social atmosphere of a local café. It’s where you turn your language skills into real-world confidence.
What's the Bonus 30 Minutes + 45 Minutes Social Time? Our midweek online sessions provide extra speaking practice. These 60-minute sessions allow members to discuss specific concerns, including vocabulary, idioms, pronunciation, cultural context, and more. The midweek session prepares you for the in-person session and reinforces your skills. After the first 30 minutes, we set aside 45 minutes for the group to talk freely on any topic. This time is optional; you can participate as long as you like or not participate at all. Don't worry about getting stuck for topic ideas—we always provide a few 'Conversation Starters' to help get the ball rolling!
How long will it take me to improve my English? The "Lab" focuses on high-frequency speaking. Most members report feeling a significant boost in their speaking flow and confidence within 5 to 10 weeks of consistent practice and attendance.
Still have questions? Find our full list of Frequently Asked Questions here for more details on billing, scheduling, and curriculum.