I've been learning Esperanto alone for some time now, and read and write (kun vortaro) slowly. I then had a read of CEFR and realised how far I have to go. I have no-one in my area (Surrey, UK) I am aware of who I can speak to. I would go along to the London Esperanta-Klubo but it's *all* in Esperanto and I'm not at the level yet. How do I improve? How have you folks got over this?

Dankon al ĉiuj!

I would get in touch with Esperanto House in Barlaston. They may well be able to put you in touch with someone who could help you practise the language.

The EAB runs a residential weekend for beginners in the autumn called 'Course you can', and people who work through their free introductory correspondence course get a subsidy.

They also have correspondence courses at various levels in which you may be able to practise using the language with a tutor, either by phone or by correspondence using recorded cassettes.

Finally, I would encourage you to go to the London Esperanto Club if circumstances permit. Just explain that you are a beginner. Don't worry about criticism towards the use of English in Esperanto-language meetings - that does not apply to beginners.