Is the program any fun or is it just work, work, work?

Believe it or not it is fun most of the time, even when you are in class. Our programs are geared to provide complete immersion, which means learning, by experience. Class material is presented in an interactive manner, not a boring lecture format.

We believe that teaching a language cannot be successful solely by routine and repetition but should be creative and communicative. We focus on learning to speak the language by instilling the most effective ways to master correct pronunciation and intonation.

School Methodology
You will learn to speak a foreign language more quickly and easier than you may expect. Our school will use an exclusive series of video DVD/ laserdiscs combined with dynamic classroom instruction and interaction.

The goal of our methodology is to make you comfortable using your new language in the practical situations that you encounter in everyday life, for example: travel, conducting business, meeting people, using the telephone, meetings, participating in a conversation effectively, etc. With our rapidly find yourself speaking in a new language.

Our school uses its direct approach, which means that the student and the teacher speak ONLY in the language being learned. There is never any translation in the classroom and this forces you to think in your new language. You will be surprised at how easily you will learn.

The people you speak with on a day-to-day basis all have different voices, pronunciations, vocabulary and speeds with which they speak; therefore, it is important that you do not become accustomed to the same person. Rotating teachers allows the student to be exposed to many types of speakers and ensures that students will understand all people who speak in the language they are learning. Teacher rotation also keeps class fresh and interesting.

Our methodology focuses on speaking and listening. Grammar is very important and we will teach you how to use it through our very practical approach without being tedious, boring and repetitive. You will speak the language, not analyze it. The key to learning a new language is communication. Because communication includes reading and writing, they are included throughout our programs. Student levels are measured precisely and progress is constantly monitored.

Class Levels Available
Level 0: Beginner:
A beginning level student’s knowledge may range from knowing nothing of the language, to having basic vocabulary and knowledge of some phrases, but unable to communicate in the language.

Level 1: Elementary:
At level one a student can ask and respond to simple questions, ask for information, and relate basic biographical data. Reserving a hotel room, ordering a meal at a restaurant and asking for a taxi by phone are all within the student’s capabilities.

At work, people at this level may be able to understand basic instructions, receive limited directions and understand a predictable telephone message. A student may understand the basics of a lecture if it is a familiar topic and visual aids are used.

Level 2: Intermediate:
At this level, students are capable of managing the language within everyday situations that are predictable. They can talk about personal interests, have survival skills for travel, and can express and recognize some degree of opinion, attitude and mood within a limited conversation.

At the work level, intermediate students can interact with clients and colleagues when the topic is within their field of knowledge and predictable. If studying, a student will be able to ask basic questions and understand a lecturer if allowances are made for non-native speakers.

Level 3: Advanced:
At the advanced level, the student can manage the basic structures of the language, has an substantial vocabulary, and is confident within routine situations that arise socially, or while traveling. Users at this level can communicate about a substantial range of subjects, express opinions, and give detailed information.

At work, a person at level three can understand and participate in meetings to a limited degree, and exchange opinions on familiar topics. A person who is studying can understand lecturers when the subject is predictable and in turn can ask questions that are not complicated.

Level 4: Very Advanced:
At this level, students have a high degree of fluency and comfortable use of language structure. Users are aware of the role that the language plays within the culture and can adapt their language use according to the situation. They can manage themselves easily within routine areas, can maintain lengthy casual conversations, and have a wide range of expressions. They are able to entertain socially and manage well the niceties of the language. Students at this level may have some difficulty when discussing unfamiliar, sensitive, or complex topics.

At level four, users can easily discuss work-related topics, give presentations and effectively argue a point or defend a position. Likewise they can follow meetings on topics within in their area of knowledge. A student at this level can understand lectures and give presentations if the topic is not too complex.

Level 5: Native Speaker:
At level five the student is approaching the competence of a native speaker, and has a sure command of the language in a wide range of situations. Any improvement needed will be in the areas of vocabulary, intonation, and style rather than grammatical structures.

These levels of language are based upon standards developed by ALTE – The Association of Language Testers in Europe. On average, students progress at least one level during their stay at the school.

Ongoing Evaluations
Your teachers are constantly evaluating your progress and at the end of your course they complete a written evaluation comprised of eight different categories such as: speaking, listening comprehension, grammar, etc. This evaluation also includes a numerical score that can be used to apply for credit through your university if you wish. The primary purpose of this report though, is to give you a means of knowing in what areas of the language you are strong or weak and to have a professional assessment of your progress.

At the end of your course you also have the option of taking the internationally-recognized language proficiency exam BULATS, which will identify the level that you have attained based on international standards.

In addition to the ongoing teacher evaluation, the Program Director is constantly monitoring your course to assure that you are not only learning as quickly as possible, but that you are also enjoying your stay.

As proof of your efforts you also receive a certificate at the end of your course. This states the language you studied, your level, the date, the school you attended and its location. This certificate is also used in obtaining university credit for your course.

Class Schedule
This depends somewhat on the type of course you choose, but in general the morning will be spent in class, which will entail a lot of talking on your part.

9am - 11am: A quick review of what you learned the previous day and then role-play a real-life situation in the language you are learning, based on a scene from one of in-class video laserdiscs. Practice new vocabulary and verb tenses through conversation and entertaining exercises.

Break

11am -12.30pm: Grab a cup of coffee and let's see a segment of "Como Agua para Chocolate", in DVD/video laserdisc format. Learn new vocabulary and discuss the cultural differences between your country and Mexico, which are depicted in the film. A review of new material learned this morning, and from yesterday's classes.

12.30pm: Classes finish for lunch, if you are taking private lessons, these will continue at 14.00 until 17.00. If studying in the group program, class is over for the day. Two afternoons a week there are excursions that are guided by one of your teachers. This is a great opportunity to practice the language you are learning, learn more about the city and culture, and to visit areas of the city that you may not discover on your own. The evenings are shared with your host family or discovering the city's nightlife with your fellow students.