For many professionals, improving their English isn’t a matter of motivation—it’s about finding time within an already demanding work schedule. Meetings, urgent priorities, and day-to-day responsibilities often leave little room for consistent language practice, especially speaking.
That was the reality for Aníbal Pinto, an SQM employee, before he began learning with BridgeConnect. His previous experience offered limited opportunities for conversation practice and was difficult to sustain over time. Finding a flexible solution focused on real communication—and one that fit naturally into his daily routine—made all the difference.
The Challenge: Limited Opportunities to Practice Spoken English
Before using BridgeConnect, Aníbal felt his learning experience was too heavily focused on theory.
“Most of the classes were more writing-based than speaking-based, which means you gradually become ‘rusty’ when it comes to speaking.”
The lack of conversational practice, combined with a demanding work schedule, made it difficult to build confidence and fluency in English.
Flexibility That Made the Difference
One of the biggest advantages of BridgeConnect for Aníbal was the flexibility to choose when to take his classes. Being able to schedule sessions around his workday allowed him to make English learning a realistic part of his routine.
“Having flexible scheduling is essential because I can fit my classes around my day-to-day agenda.”
This flexibility not only made it easier to attend classes but also helped him stay consistent. By scheduling more sessions, he was able to practice more often and make steady progress.
More Practice, Greater Fluency
The impact on his language development was immediate.
“Because the classes are flexible, I can schedule more of them, which allows me to practice more and become more fluent when speaking.”
Regular exposure to conversational English in a supportive environment strengthened his confidence when communicating in professional settings.
Learning at the Right Time
Aníbal also highlights the importance of choosing class times that truly work for him.
“I usually schedule my classes during lunch, when things are quieter. That way, I can focus without worrying about being pulled away by an urgent work issue.”
Having a dedicated, uninterrupted time to learn made each session more productive and enjoyable.
Beyond Language Skills: Building Autonomy
In addition to improving his English, Aníbal says the experience helped him develop something equally valuable: autonomy.
“It’s very different to have a fixed schedule than to have the freedom to choose the day and time yourself.”
That sense of ownership strengthened his commitment to learning and made the experience more personal, sustainable, and aligned with his professional goals.
Learning and Growing with the Right Support
Aníbal’s experience reflects SQM’s commitment to continuous employee development by providing learning opportunities that adapt to the realities of the modern workplace. Through its partnership with Bridge and the flexibility of BridgeConnect, the company enables employees to develop their English skills through a conversational, learner-centered approach—without compromising productivity or work-life balance.
When organizations partner with trusted learning providers and empower their employees with greater flexibility, professional development becomes both sustainable and meaningful. Investing in critical skills like English not only strengthens individual performance but also fosters a culture where people can grow, communicate with confidence, and build long-term careers within the organization.