Getting help.

 
       Some of you may just find “stepping out” on your own into the unknown world of “learning English on the go, on your own, without a foreign helper” as being too difficult—it is just too much to bear!  That is O.K.  This section is for you.  I hope you have troubled to read this far, or that a friend will show you this part of the book.  You too are important.  I cannot help you beyond here, but perhaps someone else can. 

1. On the “I.E.P.”  This means “Individualized Educational Plan”.  It is a specific plan of education (often for one school year), for a specific student.  It is like a custom-made car, or a doctor’s medical prescription… something made especially for you.  If you have someone make up an I.E.P. for you, you will have a “map” to help you get started.  In America, I.E.P.’s can get very complex; yours does not need to be complex.  Keep it simple!  I do suggest that you build your I.E.P. around the four “Language Arts” skills—that is, reading, writing, listening and speaking.  You can also build it around a one-year time frame.  (Later, once you have your I.E.P. all written, you can break it down by month, week and day.)  Now, who can help you?  I suggest two types of people—a middle school English teacher, or a college English major. 
2. Help from a middle-school English teacher.  This person is perhaps better in terms of English-language background, as well as in terms of knowing how to write an I.E.P., which is after all an educational document.  However, they may be very busy.  In this regard, try not to bother “Chu-3” and “Gao-3” teachers, as their lives are totally occupied with trying to help their students pass exams.  If you can explain your situation to a teacher who is willing to help you, perhaps you can get an I.E.P. written.  Do not become dependent on them! 
3. Help from a college English major.  Although their English background may be a little limited, most college English majors are motivated to help.  If you can find such a student from a teacher-training university, then you are very lucky!  In my opinion, you need to ask for help directly from the students, rather than from the college administration or departmental offices.  If you find someone, tell them your level of English, and ask them for help in planning one year’s worth of English studies.  It is possible, but not to be expected, that one student may offer to help you in your studies!