Escuela Internacional (E.I.) is building success stories of students, teachers, career changers, and lay people, all interested in learning or perfecting the Spanish language. E.I. has changed the way their students think about learning a foreign language, and they are winning.  With campuses in three Spanish cities, Alcala, Salamanca, Malaga in Spain, and one in Cancun, Mexico, a record of ensuring language proficiency in three months, a variety of certification options, internship offerings, and an "Individual Course in a teacher's home," it's no wonder that Escuela Internacional is a dynamic, and challenging environment that makes learning Spanish muy divertido  (very amusing/a lot of fun).

Escuela Internacional has secured qualified standards regarding facility, course structures, and teaching staff from the University of Alcala, one of the most historical and renowned universities in Spain.  E.I. is unique in its course format because it places an emphasis on communication and interaction, by focusing on speaking, hearing, reading, and writing. According to Midori Ishizaka, Director of Marketing and Admissions at E.I., the communication dynamic is a somewhat less-traditional style of classroom learning and teaching, yet nonetheless demanding.  I was quite impressed with the fact that the E.I.'s administrative staff is versed in English, French, German, and Japanese, and all have had a wide range of study abroad experiences.  With such diversity there, it is no wonder that E.I. is able to attract an internationally broad student population, which surely makes for a very dynamic learning environment.

Students who are educated at E.I. are, in three months, just as proficient as students who have been studying the language for about three years.

How can this be, you may say, for when I was a student in grade school, studying Spanish for six years, I was no where near fluent, I was still adjusting to being able to comprehend the language without having to dissect the verbal tenses beforehand. 

Well, for one, at E.I. students are exposed to the language 4-6 times a day, everyday, and are immersed in a Spanish language environment, both inside and outside of the classroom.

For those of you who may have had language courses similar to those in my experience, remember having to memorize the present tense, then the past tense, and finally the future, and perfect, and pluperfect?

Well, at E.I. it would be rare that a student would define the language in that very calculated way because the teaching methodology does not advocate memorization of one grammatical tense before moving on to another.  One of the reasons that the school can implement a methodology that emphasizes communication is because the student is hearing all of the grammatical tenses everyday, in the town, or with their host family.  Thus, as far as teaching goes, the instructors have to confront speech in a very communicative way that embraces all of the verbal possibilities.  That is what's most exciting to me because the language is no longer artificial, it becomes real.

I believe that this kind of intensity makes all the difference--maybe I'd even  be fluent by now!

E.I. has a rolling admissions process (on going enrollment) and accepts students from sixteen years old.  It is only during the summer, in the Young People's Course, in Salamanca and Malaga, that they accept students who are at least fourteen years of age. Students do not have to have any knowledge of Spanish, but rather a sheer desire to learn.  However, it is recommended that students who have not had any exposure to the language start their courses at the beginning of the four week course blocks, as opposed to coming in midway or towards the end of a course block. Or the true beginner can take individual lessons to catch up with the class that is currently in session.

With such a dynamic curriculum, wonderful instructors and a supportive environment, it's no wonder E.I. students love the school.  Claudia Boccato, a student from Italy, remarked that she "...like[s] everything [about the school] and wouldn't change a thing...well, just one thing, my plane ticket, because I don't want to go home yet."

If you would like more information on any of the programs at Escuela Internacional, please contact International Connections Consulting. Special thanks to Midori Ishizaka, Director of Marketing and Admissions at E.I., who provided the information for this article.
 
 

BLS and its New Concept of Teaching French to Foreigners
By Lisa Richards

BLS (Bordeaux Language Studies) enables foreigners to discover the French culture through its language.  The school was conceived in Bordeaux in 1993 by Damien Renaux.  At the age of 30, Damien had an awesome amount of travel experiences throughout the United States and abroad, and had the idea to start a school to teach foreign students all aspects of French culture and language. Now in its fifth year, the school is expanding at such a rapid pace that they have had approximately 2,000 students already.

BLS prides itself on its innovative method for teaching French.  They offer approximately 20 themes per level:  grammar, contemporary civilization, classical literature, contemporary literature, communication techniques, the history of Bordeaux, advertising, the theatre, and French savoir-vivre' (study of different life styles).  Although these are the courses offered, a student has the option of organizing personalized lessons that support their individual needs and interests.  For example, In 1997, for a Swedish Cardiologist, BLS organized French medical vocabulary tuition plus accompanied visits to hospitals and laboratories as well as meetings with fellow French doctors. Also, private lessons are offered for students who have highly ambitious linguistic objectives.

Moving away from the somewhat traditional language instruction methodology, BLS offers linguistic workshops to enhance the diverse teaching and learning styles. The main goal of these workshops is to encourage verbal expression in French and to give [the students] a taste for the language.  Contrary to the usual language classes offered in most traditional schooling environments, BLS teaches students to speak and to hear the language first, and then grammar and syntax are approached.  BLS prepares candidates for the DELF (Diplome d'Etudes en Langue Francaise) or DALF (Diplome Approfondi de Langue Francaise) exams, set by the Ministere de l'Education Nationale. BLS has had a 98% pass rate with students taking these exams.  Also, students can be prepared for the Certificat Pratique de Francais Commercial de la Chambre de Comerce de Paris. BLS has had a 100% pass result.  With all that BLS offers, and the small class size of four to eight students, BLS is definitely accomplishing their objective:  to teach its students to communicate in everyday situations.

In addition to French language teaching , BLS offers a variety of courses that inevitably immerse the students in some of the well-known aspects of French culture.  By taking French Gastronomy, a two-hour cheese-tasting session organized by Jean d'Alos, a prominent cheese maker in Bordeaux, students learn about the wonders and distinctions of cheese.  Of course, this class wouldn't be complete without a wine course.  The World of Wine is a course offered to enable students to discover and appreciate the cultural richness and superb efforts behind wine-making.  The students are taken on visits to wine cellars where they learn about vine maintenance, vinification methods, etc.  These lessons are taught by the chateau owners.  For a more in-depth course,  students may enroll in The Bordeaux Wine Course and the Art of Wine tasting. The course lasts for six days (40 hours a week) and is comprised of lectures, wine-tasting sessions, visits to some very well-known chateaus,  meetings with cellar-masters, buffet dinners, and of course a test at the end of the course. Students who successfully complete the course are presented with a Connoisseur's Certificate. In addition to cheese and wine courses, students can choose other classes like regional cookery, floral decoration and display. I imagine these classes are a lot of  fun because they allow students to learn about some of the aspects that make up French culture, and thus the students truly begin to feel apart of the culture.

For the younger sports-loving student (between the ages of 13 and 17) BLS offers the International Summer Programme in Biarritz.  In 1997, the program's first year, close to fifty young people from around the world were enrolled. The students in this program take morning French lessons four days a week. The whole of Wednesday in addition to one afternoon a week, are set aside for excursions, museum visits, hill-walking in the Pyrenees, rafting in the Basque County, a visit to the natural reserve of wild horses, visits to village towns such as St. Jean de Luz, and St. Jean Pied de Port'.  The main goal of this program is to create a structured language and cultural program for the adolescent that makes learning French fun.  The program runs from the 5th of July to the 29th of August.

BLS has just opened up English Language Schools at the BLS campus in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

If you are interested in any of the programs offered at BLS, please contact International Connections Consulting. Special thanks to Corinne Woodward, Director Of Marketing, for providing the information for this article.
 
 

RANNOCH SCHOOL IN PERTHSHIRE, SCOTLAND COMBINES A HOLISTIC 
AND COMMUNITY SERVICE APPROACH TO LEARNING

As the millenium approaches, the need for alternative learning environments for our young generation becomes vital to our survival and for a better world.  High up in the highland mountains and set in an environment of unsurpassed beauty on the magnificent loch, away from all of the outside distractions, is  Rannoch School.  A place where not only academic excellence is emphasized but also fostering an atmosphere that focuses on creating a better individual in side and out through community service and holistic pursuits.

Founded in 1959 by Mr. A. J. Greig and two colleagues from Gordonstoun School, Rannoch School (RS) is registered as a charitable trust under the control of a Board of  Governors which includes several parent and former students.  RS operates independently; however, it is inspected regularly by the Scottish Education Department. This process is intensive and exhaustive.  The last one took place in 1989.  RS received a highly complimentary report. 

The school is represented on the Association of Governing Bodies of  Public Schools, the Society of Headmasters and Headmistresses of  Independent Schools and the Round Square Conference of  Schools which are based on the traditions of Kurt Hahn, who was the founder of Gordonstoun. 

Mr. Richard Paul (RP), Instructor and IT Coordinator at Rannoch School, was only too happy to give International Connection Consulting (ICC) a list of  reasons why students find attending  Rannoch School a life changing experience. 

ICC:    "What is your role at  Rannoch School?  How long have you been at this school?" 

RP:     "I  teach computer studies, and I am the IT coordinator and I am involved with Internet Marketing. I have been at Rannoch for 22 years. My first degree was in Zoology with ancilliary geology (London University),

I then did an MSC in Entomology at Glasgow University followed by a PhD at Imperial College (London University) in association with the British Museum of Natural History. 

I joined Rannoch School in 1977 to teach Biology and Chemistry. I taught some Physics and then started  teaching Geology at the school. Geology was a subject that I had studied at the university. I am also interested in conservation and ornithology. 

I gradually became interested in computing and began to teach more and more" 

ICC:    "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend Rannoch School?  What makes Rannoch School unique?" 

RP:     "What makes Rannoch School unique is the combination of its geographical setting, its underlying philosophy and its small size. It is set in very beautiful mountain and Loch scenery in the Highlands of Scotland. This morning one of my computing students remarked to me quite spontaneously that he had been lying in bed watching the sun force the mist up the mountains and that he knew it was going to be a glorious day. He looked out of the windows of the computer room towards Loch Rannoch and the mountains beyond and said that he loved being at Rannoch because it was so different. At other schools he might well be looking out to a view of brick and concrete. This particular student has just gained a flying scholarship with the RAF to become a pilot. 

The philosophy of the school is that of Kurt Hahn a famous European educationalist who believed in the education of the whole person, all aspects of the personality, the mind, the body within the context of
society and caring for others.  Rannoch has approximately 200 students which allows it to have a family atmosphere with everyone knowing everyone else. To sum up you might say that Rannoch School would like to make education enjoyable because that is the way people learn best. It uses all the resources at its disposal to this end. 

I would suggest that students might want to join Rannoch School if they wanted an all round education of quality in stunning scenery with the freshest air known to man drifting in from the Atlantic Ocean. Having got this education they will come back again and again to visit us and affirm that they gained their self confidence and they now (as they perhaps travel to the office through the city traffic every day) realise what a fantastic education they had. They realise that it was not a run of the mill average education, that it was unique and one that they will remember for the rest of their lives. They may realise that as they set out on their lone yatching trip or mountain climb or start their business or confront danger in a peace keeping force that their capabilities and ability to cope stem from their time in the Highlands. 

They will return in their hundreds from every corner of the earth (as they are on the weekend of the 25th of September for our 40th anniversary celebrations) to meet their fellow students and teachers to reminisce about skating across the frozen loch, skiing, rock climbing, school plays, rugby football, academic success leading to Oxford or Cambridge Universities, how they became, doctors, university lecturers, solicitors, entrepreneurs, foresters, artists, policemen, actors, soldiers, farmers, sailors and above all to meet the life-long friends that they made in Scotland. It isn't just the students who come back - you can't keep the former staff away either." 

ICC:    " Explain the language learning concept?  How does this enhance the learning experience for your students?  What types of courses do you offer, are any of them in conjunction with language courses?" 

RP:     "Rannoch offers the usual breadth of subjects - Sciences, Arts, Music, practical subjects, sports, and outdoors activities. Since we have many students coming from overseas we are used to helping those whose English is not good, Indeed many come from Europe for a year in order to learn English or to perfect their English. Help is given by learning support teachers to assist those who are finding the mainstream subjects challenging in English." 

ICC:    "What is your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance? Age? Language proficiency?" 

RP:     " The criteria used for accepting a student are simply that they will benefit from the Rannoch education. We accept students of all academic abilities and from all backgrounds, races and creeds. The age limits are from 10 to 19. They must speak some English but need not be proficient." 

ICC:    "What type of student do you accept?  What qualities do you look for or consider when deciding to accept a student?" 

RP:     "It's not so much what the student can do for us as what we can do for the student!  We are aware that everyone is unique and everyone has their unique qualities to bring to a community. It is important that they are kind and considerate and will enhance the enjoyment of their fellow students. Beyond that Rannoch will delight in people's differences and in the variety of individuals each with their own contributions to bring. The Rannoch education will endeavour to give people the self confidence and self 
reliance which makes good team workers and leaders depending on an individual's attributes. It hopes to bring out the best in its students and is not judgemental or elitist. 

We do not select people on academic abilities or sporting abilities. We follow the Kurt Hahn principles of trust and a holistic education." 

ICC:    "Explain your teaching methodology." 

RP:     "At the risk of being repetitive we base our teaching on the Kurt Hahn principles of a holistic education. An attempt is made to educate all aspects of a student's personality, academic, sporting, physical, cultural, social, and musical, etc. 

We organise theatre trips and scientific visits to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Our choir tours in Britain and Europe. It has just visited Venice. We use our environment of mountains, forests, rivers and lochs to the full and are the foremost UK school in the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award scheme. This involves a series of challenges started and sponsored by the Duke of Edinburgh. 

We have a series of services - fire police, community - which train people in the specialist areas but all of them train the students in the ethos of helping others. We have an association with the John Muir Trust (a conservation Trust) and we have an extensive system of exchanges with 50 plus schools in the 'Round Square Conference' all around the world.  All students are eligible to go on exchanges." 

ICC:    "Do you offer financial aid, scholarships, or assistanceships to help defray the costs of tuition, room and board? academic scholarships?  dance scholarships?  If so, what is the eligibility criteria?" 

RP:     "We offer academic, art and music scholarships. These are awarded on merit which is determined by exam, portfolio and recommendation. They may be up to 50% of the fees. In exceptional cases of hardship the figure could be higher.  Parents and students should get in touch with the Headmaster - Dr
John Halliday."

ICC:    "We would like to thank Mr. Richard Paul for the interview." 

International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Mr. Richard Paul, Instructor and IT Coordinator, and Dr. John Halliday, Headmaster, and Muriel Gibson, Admissions Office, for providing all the information for the article.  If you would like more information or to enroll, please contact International Connections Consulting (ICC).

PROLINGUA IN CUERNAVACA, MEXICO OFFERS SPANISH MEXICAN STYLE

With NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and all of the ongoing business opportunities opening up between Mexico and other leading nations such as the USA and Canada, communicating and understanding the Mexican culture becomes paramount. Learning a foreign language and cultural differences requires more than just taking language classes.  It is essential to live the language and culture in order to comprehend how to do business or to live in the foreign culture. 

Prolingua in Cuernavca, Mexico provides un gran oportunidad (a great opportunity) to learn Spanish.  They are one of the few schools in Mexico recognized by the Ministry of  Public Education. 

Ms. Laura Elena Salgado (LS), Director at Prolingua, offered International Connections Consultings (ICC) a host of  choices why students attend Prolingua. 

ICC:    "What is your role at Prolingua?" 

LS:     "I am the Director.  I'm very proud to introduce Prolingua, a progressive Spanish school as second language in Cuernavaca city,  the so-called "City of Eternal Spring".  Prolingua institute was founded in 1996. We have been teaching Spanish as a foreign language for nearly 4 years to international students 
and visitors to Mexico." 

ICC:    "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend Prolingua?  What makes Prolingua unique?" 

LS:     "In Prolingua  we are totally committed to providing the very best for our students. Teachers and administrative staff are dedicated, trained and experienced professionals who care deeply about teaching and the overall well-being of their students.  The personal attention and guidance that each of the students receives from us through our programs makes us different from other Spanish schools in the world.  Prolingua  is one of few schools in Mexico which is recognized by the Ministry of Public Education (SEP)." 

ICC:    "Explain the language learning concept?  How does this enhance the learning experience for your students?  What types of courses do you offer, are any of them in conjunction with the language courses?" 

LS:     "We offer: small group classes (max. 5 students per group) with a lot of personal attention from the teachers.  We offer workshops of Mexican dances, traditional songs, and Mexican cooking classes, etc.  In addition, we provide field study excursions, 24 hour emergency phone number, E-mail, phone and fax facilities.  The school is surrounded by a pleasant garden with a swimming-pool and cafeteria.  The students will receive a certificate at the  end of the program and  the opportunity to experience Mexican life and Spanish in  a welcoming atmosphere of a small school. "

ICC:    "What is your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance? Age? Language 
proficiency?" 

LS:     "Our Spanish language program is open to anyone 16 years old or older. Mature students are welcome." 

ICC:    "Explain your teaching methodology." 

LS:     "Our program includes pronunciation, communication, vocabulary, comprehension, listening, reading and writing. All Instruction is in Spanish and all conversation is expected to be spoken in Spanish. The complete immersion Spanish language program at Prolingua is designed to develop conversational fluency. Prolingua has always been strongly committed to the Mexican culture and traditions. Lectures on history, culture and complementary social events are an important part of the program. 

 The  students can choose between the following two options:

Program Maya:

This program consists of one to one  tutoring and is designed for people who generally do not have much time. They can start any day during the week, minimum duration two weeks. Courses given in this program are arranged to correspond to specific needs, in terms of length, schedule and content. 

Program Azteca:
This program consists of tuition in small groups with maximum 5 students per group and is designed for students that plan to stay a minimum of four weeks in Cuernavaca. A student should be able to progress through each week. The time may be longer or shorter depending on how much time one  spends using Spanish outside of the class and one's aptitude for the language.

Our teachers are enthusiastic in helping each student meet his/her individual goals and interest. 

All our friendly staff will do everything they can to ensure that your time at  PROLINGUA is both educational and enjoyable. We invite you to live and  learn in the beautiful city of Cuernavaca.  Let
us be a part of your best experience with the Spanish Language." 

ICC:    "We would like to thank Ms. Laura Elena Salgado for the interview."

Here's what some of the former students think of PROLINGUA... 

 

"The small classes helped me improve and they were interesting. I could speak to my teacher and make friends easily. I had a really good time studying".
Marcel Fischer. USA

"The professors are friendly and always willing to give students a hand".
Maria Boller. Switzerland

"Cuernavaca is a great city, there are friendly people. I learn Mexican culture and customs because the people are very kind and friendly"
Eriko Higuchi. Japon

"I have had a great experience. I meet a lot of people. I enjoy the classes. I love to stay here and I love to study in PROLINGUA"
Stefan  Reinhold. Alemania

"Teachers are very nice... always teaching me what I don't know. I can use Internet in PROLINGUA. The staff were very helpful and caring".
Eva Ramsay . Canada

International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Ms. Laura Elena Salgado, Director at Prolingua, for providing all the material for the article.  If you would like more information or to enroll, please contact International Connections Consulting (ICC).

AT OXFORD HOUSE COLLEGE, FLEXIBILITY, QUALITY AND VALUE ARE 
THEIR MOTTO

The English Language is the connection between fitting into the mainstream of  business, leisure or academia. In most settings when you bring together people from all over the world in various environments, English seems to be the unifying factor that allows them to communicate and find common ground.

When a student decides to study the English language, he/she looks for a program that provides a flexible schedule, quality program and value for his/her money. Oxford House College (OHC) in London, UK recognizes this need and offers their clients all three of the essential elements.  Located in the centre of London, near Oxford Circus underground station, OHC is convenient and accessible to all of the major attractions in the heart of London.  The school is accredited by the British Council for their quality programs and staff that they provide to their students.

Mr. Christopher Lillington-Martin (CM), Marketing Director of  Oxford House College, was happy to provide International Connections Consulting (ICC) with some of  the reasons why students choose Oxford House College. 

ICC:    "What is your role at Oxford House College?  How long have you been at the school?" 

CM:     "I am the  Marketing Director. My role is to communicate what we teach at OHC to students all over the world.  I started working here in March 1999.  I  have been working in the EFL industry since 1985 in Spain, Italy, and the UK." 

ICC:    "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend Oxford House College?  What makes  Oxford House College unique? " 

CM:      "The quality of  the teaching and mix of  nationalities.  The location at Oxford Circus in central  London with  English, Computing, Travel and Teacher courses with reasonable fees." 

ICC:    "Explain some of the programs that you offer?   How does this enhance the learning experience for your students? What types of courses do you offer?" 

CM:     "English as a  Foreign Language for  6, 15 OR 30 hours per week. Business and Academic English for 15 hours per week. Flexible Computing and Travel courses students can combine English, Computing or Travel courses together.  From one to 48 weeks  in length." 

ICC:    "What is your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance? Age? Language proficiency?" 

CM:     "We  accept any student who wishes to learn English and is at least 16 years old - most of our students are in their 20s." 

ICC:    "What type of student do you accept?  What qualities do you look for or consider when deciding to accept a student?" 

CM:     "Those that want to learn and have fun." 

ICC:    "Explain your teaching methodology." 

CM:     "An overall communicative framework focussing on the four skills of  speaking, listening, reading and writing and incorporating the lexical syllabus." 

ICC:    "Do you offer financial aid, scholarships, or assistantships to help defray the costs of tuition, room and board? academic scholarships? dance scholarships?   If so, what is the eligibility criteria?" 

CM:     "We offer scholarships to cover tuition only for students and teachers of  English. These are communicated at Educational fairs either via the organisers or in conjunction with the British Council. Generally applicants complete a form to apply and we select the best applicant or run a raffle." 

ICC:    "We would like to thank Mr. Chris Lillington-Martin for the interview." 
 

Oxford House Computer Training provides a whole range of  flexible, part time courses, intensive one or two day courses and some full-time courses for individuals or companies.  In addition, they assist with job searches, CV service and Consultancy service for companies.  OHC's center is accredited by the Royal Society of  Arts (RSA) and City & Guilds examination boards. 

Heres what some of  the former students have to say.

I teach in a state (public) secondary school in north-eastern France.  I've been teaching for 8 years.  This is the first course of its type I've done.  I liked the course very much.  I found the teacher very friendly.  We had a lot of practice in speaking in the sessions, and a relaxed atmosphere.  I've enjoyed visiting London too, historical sights such as Hampton Court, Kensington Palace and museums like the Tate Gallery and National Gallery.  I also went outside London to  see Cambridge and Brighton- that was nice too. 
Nathalie, from France

I run a private language school in the Basque country in Spain.  I teach children and adults.  It's been nice to share views and experiences with other people from the English teaching profession.  My group included teachers from Italy, Poland, France, Greece, Japan, Portugal, Austria-quite a mix!  Our teacher-trainer was a good example of a hard-working professional.  She's friendly and approachable too.
Maria-Teresa, from Spain

International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis would like to thank Mr. Christopher Lillington-Martin, Marketing Director and Ms. Jane Panahy, Principal, for providing all the information for the article.  If you would like more information or to enroll, please contact International Connections Consulting (ICC).