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| Standard
Language Course |
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A standard
language course is for someone who is interested in becoming
fluent in a language. Most schools offer different levels,
from the complete beginner to the super advanced. Typically,
courses run Monday to Friday consisting of 3 - 5 classes each
day. Classes run between 40 - 60 minutes in length with 10
- 15 minute breaks between each class. Looking in our publications
or online you will notice that each school's hours vary between
15 - 30 hours per week. Although the hours vary the outline
of the courses are usually the same. Each course tries to
provide good coverage in the fundamentals of the language
taught, developing skills such as: speaking, reading, writing,
comprehension and some cultural-education as well.
On the first day, most schools will give a quick placement
test to find the student's level. Many times this will include
a short language interview with one of the school's teachers.
After finding the students level, course materials are usually
handed out and the course begins. For more information on
see our Frequently Asked Questions section.
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| Intensive
Language Course |
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The intensive
language course is for people who want to become super fluent
in the shortest amount of time as possible. Generally group
lesson time is 5-6 hours a day, and private instruction may
also be included.
Intensive
and Standard courses usually don't vary regarding the course
outline; however, because of the extra time spent on each
area, students can achieve a better understanding, which is
the key to speaking fluently.
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| Examination
& Preparation Courses |
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Specialized
exam-preparation and certification programs are also available
for those wanting to gain a recognized qualification in a
language, or interested in pursuing education at an international
university or college. These schools often require that such
exams be completed for admission. As well, the high-standard
of testing is also excellent motivation for those students
who want to achieve excellence in a language.
Course length is usually short, ranging anywhere from between
1 -24 weeks. Some courses are split into different levels
and can be taken throughout the year. It's not unusual to
enroll in a full-time program and take an exam course at the
same time. Many students feel this is the best way to benefit
from their studies abroad.
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| Business
& Business Related Courses |
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Business
and vocational courses can provide invaluable tools for success
in the global-marketplace. As well as providing specific professional
and technical certification, many of these courses include
language-training programs, to sharpen vital communication
and interpersonal skills. Whether integrating language-study
with business, or pursuing an intensive program, courses are
available to meet the demands of today's professionals.
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| Private
Classes |
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Private
instruction is the most efficient way to gain fluency and
mastery in a language. The "one-on-one" environment
provides the student with the ideal setting in which to practice
conversational-skills, and the teacher can provide instant
feedback. While progress is often very fast, private lessons
are more costly than group lectures.
However, many school programs offer a combination of group-format
and private instruction, which is also very effective, in
addition to being economical.
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| Other
Courses |
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Individual
schools often offer innovative and uniquely-designed programs
of study for special-interests and needs. Some examples are
integrated "Parent and Child" language-development
courses, courses for seniors, and work-study courses where
language-skills can be developed on the job. For students
craving a different and rewarding experience, there are language
programs combined with volunteer work.
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