International Connections Consulting Newsletter

ICC  WANTS TO CHANGE SOME OF ITS LOOKS TO GIVE THEIR CLIENTS A 
BETTER PICTURE

Optimal service is what most companies strive to achieve in order to give their clients the best and to compete in the long run.  International Connections Consulting (ICC) has spent the last twelve months assessing the market and the latest trends in Education.  We have actively sought out quality products (schools, services, etc.) that could meet the growing needs our clients (businesses, organizations, schools, students, and teachers) that are involved in almost any aspect of the education field.  Working with high quality schools is paramount to providing our wide range of  visitors to our web site what they 
desire.

ICC not only provides Free Educational Advising but we offer several complimentary products (Resource Directory, Global Event Calendar, Monthly Newsletters featuring our clients). In addition to all of this, we are developing a host of other services to further  enhance our web site and current host of services.   International Connections Consulting is currently developing on-line conferencing tools and services.  These tools and services will foster the interaction necessary between ICC clients.  ICC will make
available to its clients streaming audio and video tools, chat rooms and message boards to support on-line conferencing suites.  These rental suites will allow clients to conduct on-line on-demand training, interviews, presentations and forums.  These tools and services will be made available in the first quarter of 2000.

ICC realizes that many web sites offer photos and maps that allow visitors to not only read about their desired school but actually visualize it.  Until, we were able to offer these features with minimal discomfort or inconvenience to our clients, we did not want to risk increasing the load time on our web site which in the long run would discourage potential visitors because of the inconvenience.  After some fine tuning and above average support from our web hosting company, ICC is now going to begin a lengthy process of adding photos to our current and previous articles over the course of the next year.

In the Spring of  2000, ICC will launch a special Book Section that allows independent publishers, small, medium and some big companies to take advantage of  our specialized audience and continuous Marketing Program by placing a listing in our Book Section for a reasonable fee.  In return, their book or web site will receive international exposure.  The topics and subject matter of each book will have to meet certain guidelines predetermined by ICC to ensure that the quality and mission statement of our web site is not compromised.  Please view our web sites information and Resource Directory to learn more about what we market and promote before submitting request to avoid potential conflicts of interests.  Thank you in advance.

Furthermore, International Connections Consulting will be setting up a special workshop page along with other special themes for example, Teacher Training, to allow the ICC family to showcase some of their other areas of expertise.  Look for details regarding this section in the next six months.

Last but definitely not least, ICC's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to take this opportunity to thank all of its clients (businesses, organizations, schools, students, and teachers, etc.)  for all of their support and feedback that is contributing to making ICC an above average Educational  Advising company with lots of extras.

International Connections Consulting wishes you'll a happy, prosperous and safe year.

To contact International Connections Consulting.

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HISPANICA COLEGIO INTERNACIONAL IN SPAIN COMBINES LEARNING AND ELEGANCE

Whether your an artist looking for the perfect ambiance and environment for your next masterpiece or a future scholar trying to learn Spanish and have a fabulous vacation simultaneously, Hispanica Colegio Internacional will provide with everything you need to obtain your desired objective.

Overlooking the Mediterranean sea with a breathtaking view of hills and mountains, Hispanica Colegio Internacional (HCI) is situated on a cliff on the outskirts of  Nerja.  HCI gives new meaning to an exhilarating learning experience.  The school provides a quiet and peaceful setting to enjoy a historic town while staying in a hotel/school that caters to all of  your desires for a luxurious accommodations and elegance. There are seven terraces, each with its own unique ambiance and character.  This is a perfect site for the selective and discriminating client who wants the best at value prices.  Not only will the students learning experience be enhanced by this ideal environment but their stay will be unforgettable.

In addition to providing high quality accommodations and location, HCI's hotel has a sauna and Jacuzzi in their basement.  So after classes, sightseeing, swimming and getting a tan, the student can just relax and get ready for the next day.  Hispanica Colegio Internacional would be an ideal location for a wedding, honeymoon or even a location shoot for a commercial, movie or video.

Mr. Enrique Caro Bernal, Director of Hispánica Colegio Internacional,  was only to happy to give International Connections Consulting a host of reasons why his school makes the grade.
 

ICC:    "What is your role at Hispanica Colegio Internacional?  How long have you been at the school?"

HCI:     "I am Enrique Caro Bernal, Director of Hispánica Colegio Internacional. The school was founded in 1985." 

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

HCI:    "The most compelling reason for a student to attend Hispánica:

  • Our experience and reputation is endorsed by many agencies and international contacts. 
  • The location of our school: a beautiful house, close to the sea, overlooking the cliffs of Nerja with splendid views.
  • Because of our excellent value for money, our own materials, methods and books
  • Our wide ranging cultural, social and entertainment activities programme.
  • Because of the special atmosphere, to which we all contribute, makes a stay with us an interesting, worthwhile and unforgettable experience.
  • HISPANICA IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST A SCHOOL! WHERE EXCELLENCE, BEAUTY AND ENJOYMENT COME TOGETHER."
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?"

HCI:     "Courses and programmes that we offer:

Course A (ING) 4 lessons per day, max. 10 students per class
from Monday to Friday: 09.30 a.m. - 01.35 p.m.
Levels: all
Minimum stay: 4 weeks
    Course B (SIEG) 6 lessons per day, max. 6 students per class
    from Monday to Friday: 08.30 a.m. - 02.30 p.m.
    Levels: all
    Minimum stay: 2 weeks
Course C (PHS) Private course with ad lib hours
from Monday to Friday: between 08.30 a.m. - 02.30 p.m.
Number of students per class: 1
Levels: all
Minimum stay: 1 week (2 - 6 lessons per day)
Course D (SIHS) Semi-individual Course with ad lib hours 
from Monday to Friday: 08.30 a.m. - 02.30 p.m.
Number of students per class: 2
Levels: all
Minimum stay: 1 week ( 2 - 4 lessons per day)
Additional information: 
As the courses are intensive and involve the complete immersion of the student in participating  for a concentrated period of time, they are short in duration. Although there are other courses, our typical standard courses are organized in full cycles of his choice. Minimum enrolment is for one two-week cycle and we recommend participation in two two-week cycles in order to achieve a substantial command of the material. For those wishing to take full advantage of all facets of the method we recommend  the full 4 hour-cycle programme of 8 weeks.
Special courses for professionals: 
Those experts active in the various professions, in which the knowledge of the Spanish language is essential in today's world and in the future, such as translators of the various 
international organizations, interpreters, stewardesses, import-export concerns personnel will find in this specialized course  that consummate knowledge of Spanish that will pay high dividends in terms of professional and personal satisfaction.
Our social programme:
In addition to the normal course work and daily classes, no effort will be spared to make the student feel at home and among friends and to overcome those difficulties that sometimes beset the student of a foreign language in a foreign country. We take every step to develop familiar, friendly and relaxed relationship between all the members of the college, a characteristic of which we are very proud.

As an essential part of your curriculum a range of activities will be organized, including parties, festivities, informal meetings, excursions, visits to sites of interest and concerts...you will come to know the spirit of Spain in Andalucia. Getting acquainted with places like Granada, Córdoba, Sevilla, Ronda; small villages like Frigiliana or Cómpeta, or the breathtaking scenery of the Alpujarras will become a part of your HISPANICA EXPERIENCE!!!"


ICC:.  "What is your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance? Age? language proficiency?  What type of student do you accept?  What qualities do you look for or consider when deciding to accept a student?"

HCI:    "The minimum age accepted at our school: 16 years. We do not ask for a special type of student or qualities. On the first day each student has to take a written test and after we will know the exact level, and we can, in this way, make a classification easily."

ICC:  "Explain your teaching methodology."

HCI:    "Our teaching methodology:

HISPANICA'S method is cyclical in nature and is organized to accomplish fluency in three inter-related stages:

  • GRAMMATICAL ACCURACY is attained by systematic drilling of the most common elements and patterns of the language.
  • FLUENCY is attained by assimilation, through constant repetition, memorization, debate and conversation, incorporating and utilizing the structures learned.
  • THE FEELING OF SPANISHNESS is attained through games and  role-playing activities, together with participation in real-life situations,  through contact with Spaniards,  learning and practising expressions and modes of speaking  typical to the Spanish people.

  •  

     
     
     
     
     

    From the beginning, the student is immersed in a truly Spanish atmosphere. To further the aim of perfection through constant practice, radio cassette recorders could be  provided for private study periods. The text and conversation books will be provided to all students as a part of the programme. Frequent video sessions will give you extra opportunities to practise, learn and discuss.

Our teachers: 
All are university educated and specially trained in our method. They have had vast experience in teaching Spanish for foreign students, are endowed with distinguished linguistic qualifications and pedagogic abilities, and have been selected on the basis of their personalities and qualifications in addition to their ability to work closely and effectively in assisting each student to reach his or her individual goals."


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?"

HCI:    "We are afraid we do not offer any kind of financial aid or scholarships."

ICC:    "We would like to thank Mr. Enrique Caro Bernal for the interview."

HISPANICA offers credits according to different programmes organized by some colleges in California.

International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Mr. Enrique Caro Bernal, Director of Colegio Internacional, Mrs. Bernal and staff for their hospitality during her visit in October 1999 during the FEDELE Conference. If you would like to enroll or more information regarding HCI, please contact International Connections Consulting.

Some testimonies: 

HISPANICA is...the creation of a total experience. Overall my experience at HISPANICA was a wonderful  in almost every way and I will remember it fondly forever. The care and attention given each student is very special and makes HISPANICA a  unique and special place... There is no way I can express in words or thank everyone enough for this meaningful experience! You have created a magical place  in which to share the language and culture of Spain.
(JANE ALTMAN, HealthCare specialist, CA, USA)

The school has offered more than I could ever dream of! 
(ELLEN ROLFSEN, Secretary, Norway)

The fantastic atmosphere encourages an excellent attitude to learn. I missed nothing. I am very pleased.
(DETLEF WILKENS, Financial Controller, Germany)

My stay at HISPANICA has been simply excellent.
(Loredana Prezzemoli, Secretary, Milan, Italy)

We never had a boring moment 
(Turid Guronn, Executive, Oslo, Norway)

HISPANICA is the best school I have been to, after looking for one I would like.
(André Frei, Student, Zurich, Switzerland)


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AD
New York Film Academy
THE NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY ANNOUNCES NEW WORKSHOPS FOR THE YEAR 2000
  • UNIVERSAL STUDIOS* - LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
  • THE HARVARD FACULTY CLUB - CAMBRIDGE, MASS.
  • HEBREW UNIVERSITY - JERUSALEM, ISRAEL
In addition to our workshops in New York City all year round, and summer workshops at Princeton University, Yale University, Cambridge University in England, and the American University of Paris, The New York Film Academy is proud to announce the opening of our new branch in Los Angeles, California at Universal Studios*.

The Universal Studios workshops will commence January 3; and summer four and six week workshops at The Harvard Faculty Club commence June 5, and Hebrew University will commence June 26.

Subsequent workshops  at Universal Studios will be held starting on the first monday of every month, all year round. Students in this workshop will have the incredible opportunity to shoot on the famed Universal back lots, and utilize the Universal costume and prop departments for their shoots.

*All workshops are solely owned and operated by the New York Film cademy

For More Information


THE NEED FOR QUALITY INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS IS INCREASING WITH THE DEMAND FOR A QUALITY LABOR POOL

With the new millennium, the need for quality trained employees is becoming paramount to maintain a competitive edge in most industries.  Gaining valuable experience before you enter the job market can give a student the advantage he/she needs to obtain their career objectives.  Not only are they more marketable but they have gained valuable life experience that will carry them through life.

After numerous requests from visitors to our web site, International Connections Consulting (ICC) has decided to offer assistance with connecting potential internship candidates with ICC clients who offer Internship programs.

Whether you would like to receive training in the USA or abroad, ICC’s wide selection of global clients can  provide you with a unique opportunity to enrich your career and life.  Many of the programs can be combined with obtaining credit, college and language courses.

If you are interested in finding out more information about Internships or other courses, please visit ICC’s main pages and client page.  Many of the schools have been featured in ICC’s newsletter.  You can read about them by clicking on the school’s name or going directly to ICC’s newsletter’s front page and scrolling down to our Archives.

After narrowing down your choices, complete the ICC Contact form with all of the appropriate information. You will be provided with a series of questions to ensure that your selections are appropriate and meet your overall needs.  Then you will be put in touch with the schools that you select.  It’s just that simple.

The Internships vary from nonpaying to some form of compensation.  This is an important consideration.  If you select a location outside of  your home country, you will need to keep in mind that if you select a nonpaying position, you will be responsible for all of the related expenses (travel, lodging, meals, expenses, insurance, work permit,etc.).  If this is a major deterrent, you may want to look at combining the internship with your studies.  This would allow you to qualify for grants or scholarships that could defer or eliminate some of these costs.  These are all viable responses that you should provide when completing the ICC contact form.

For whatever reason you have chosen to obtain an internship, doing as much homework and research on the designated country as possible will make your experience a "Living and Learning Experience."

International Connections Consulting.

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ICC'S SPREAD THE WORD CAMPAIGN

All businesses realize the importance of an effective Marketing Campaign to make their company successful.  Those who don't discover too late that without an effective and forceful effort in this area the entrepreneur will never obtain the results that he/she seeks-successful/profitable company.

For this reason, International Connections Consulting (ICC) has developed a host of  FREE Marketing Tools that allow its clients/visitors/friends/family to take advantage of and help ICC get the word out.  Its not enough to offer a quality product (web site advising services which include FREE Educational Advising, FREE Resources (funding, scholarship, and research information, etc.), Global Event Calendar, FREE Monthly Newsletter and a host of other  services.

Spread the word.  ICC has made it easy for you to spread the word about International Connections Consulting and all their services by providing you with downloadable/printable flyers with tear offs.  Print one today and hang it up in your office, school, employee cafeteria, or anywhere someone might be interested. www.intlconnections.com/brochure.htm

If you are currently working with ICC, this is an added benefit to you and your staff.  The ICC Resource Directory allows you to tap into a host of FREE resources.  Our Global Event Calendar is great for Directors who participate in conferences/workshops worldwide.  Each month, the ICC Newsletter lets you read about the quality schools that International Connections Consulting represents worldwide.  This gives you a taste of what some of your competitors offer and also insights into your own course offerings and what the latest market demands are.

Whatever your affiliation is, you can't lose by helping us get the word out about all that International Connections Consulting has to offer.

We thank you in advance for your continued support.

 International Connections Consulting Brochure.

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ESTUDIOS&PRACTICAS IN BILBAO SPAIN MAKES STUDYING SPANISH AN ART

Being  the only school dedicated exclusively to teaching Spanish in Bilbao, Spain, Etudios&Practicas (E&P) sets a trend for learning the language. They provide their students with just what they need to learn.

The best way to learn a language with the minimum effort is by practice. In this way, E&P's philosophy from the beginning was to give not just the usual grammar lessons but many other alternative and optional programs based on the students hobbies. The school is able to provide civilization lessons, which are  taught in a very easy way to follow, most of  Spain's extensive history, literature, art and general culture. This gives the students an excuse to take notes, ask questions, read something interesting, in the language that they are learning.

If they are not interested in History lessons Estudios&Practicas has up to 11 different Art workshops ranging from painting, sculpture, designing, dancing, cooking, photography, decorative arts, pottery, carving, engraving, furniture restoration. The students are placed  with other Spanish people in a very relaxing atmosphere; it is the perfect excuse to make friends and practice the language while sharing common hobbies.

E&P offers a variety of sport activities for the weekend such as, horseback riding, golf, scuba diving, surfing, canoeing, sailing, archery, cable sliding, bird watching, descending canyons, rock climbing, bungee jumping, caving, orienteering, mountain bike, paddle, tennis and multi-adventure. The school mixes groups of students with Spanish people who share the same passion for nature, all groups are led by professional monitors with the best gear, transportation and complete insurance is included.

During the weekend, E&P organizes excursions to places of interest such as museums, prehistoric caves, historic towns, well-known wine distilleries and a very large variety of other places. All excursions are made with small groups of native tourist people who are visiting the city. Our students are encouraged to practice speaking Spanish during these encounters.

The school provides the following programs:  Teacher Training with a full immersion into the Spanish culture:  Au-pair program combining Spanish grammar lessons, two hours a day five days a week with babysitting: Internships for those who already speak Spanish fluently and want to get some work experience abroad.  E&P can help them to quickly reach the required level of Spanish in case applicants do not have it. The school offers a deep and complete immersion in local culture which makes learning an easy task.

Apart from that, Bilbao has all the advantages of one of the most dynamic cities of Spain, the third one according to the Spanish ranking system, but at the same time all conveniences of a city with just half a million population. The city was discovered by the Romans and it has been the capital of Bizkaia
since the Middle Ages. This port city has long been an important economic and industrial center of northern Spain and a gateway to Europe. Bilbao has much to offer visitors, from its exquisite Basque
cuisine, renowned world-wide, to the new Guggenheim Art Museum, an architectural wonder in itself. The city is also a good base to discover the beautiful Basque countryside, the green Spain, a densely forested area with a series of mountain chains, rugged coastline, river valleys and extensive beaches.

Estudios&Practicas also provides very convenient, varied, economic and well-selected types of accommodation such as host/families, single apartments or apartments to share with other Spanish students, youth hostel, student residences or hotels, we have optional airport pick up service.

Trying to co-ordinate all these activities is not an easy task that is why E&P prefers to remain a rather medium size school than too big, our maximum capacity is 80 students, that fact allows us to know everybodys name. Mr. Gonzalo Kirkland, Director at Estudios&Practicas felt it was important that he take care of all the details.  He said "My duty in the school is to take care of our students, making sure they are having a cultural immersion for the quick learning of Spanish in a familiar atmosphere."

E&P only has two requirements to enroll for their Au-pair program: being a single woman from 18 to 30 years old. For the rest of the programs students must be at least 18 years of age. No minimum proficiency in Spanish is required except for Internships where an upper intermediate level is essential, therefore E&P does accept ANY student.

Estudios&Practicas methodology is based on the newest material  the Instituto Cervantes has presented and consists of:

  • Grammar: Theory and practical exercises.
  • Dictation: Interactive exercises.
  • Reading Comprehension: textual analysis.
  • Vocabulary Enlargement.
  • Listening Comprehension.
  • Conversation: Grammar, vocabulary and phonetics.
  • Exercises in computers:
Lessons are divided in units lasting one week each; this is to facilitate new arrivals every Monday. In this way, once a student has started a unit it does not matter whether it is his/her's last week with us he/she will finish the grammar of that unit before leaving the course. Classes are very interactive so that everybody be involved in it and tests are given every week to follow the progression of every student. At the end of the stay we give a diploma indicating type(s), proficiency reached and length of the program(s) taken.

The only economic aid that Estudios&Practicas offers is the Au-Pair program where female participants enjoy accommodation, full board for free and 66 Euros, approx. $70 per week as pocket money in exchange for babysitting and light home duties related with the child/dren they have to look after.

International Connections Consulting's President would like to thank Mr. Gonzalo Urrutia Kirkland, Director of Estudios&Practicas, for supplying all of the material for this article. If you would like more information or to enroll, please contact International Connections Consulting.

These are some of the testimonies gathered from the surveys we give to know the students level of satisfaction:

I found the course very useful, the school is small and friendly, and it offers an interesting choice of language programs, cultural activities and sporting facilities.
Sandrine Bertrand, 28, France.

We were encouraged to talk as much Spanish as possible so I have gained in confidence. The course tests your practical ability to speak, understand and write contemporary idiomatic Spanish in real-life situations.
Ute Zankle, 32, Germany.

My family was very nice and they have helped me to feel in Spain very well. The school offers a convenient situation within the city center. There are many things to do.  Bilbao is not too big and its easy to get anywhere.
Caroline Rosengren, 25, Sweden.

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MANCHESTER LANGUAGE SCHOOL OFFERS A QUAINT AND QUALITY MEANS OF LEARNING
THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN THE UK

If you want to learn English in a setting that gives you the feel and connection with learning English, Manchester Language School (MLS) in Manchester, United Kingdom is the place for you. (Manchester is a city with a history surrounded by the spectacular beauty of four National Parks.  It provides a warm welcome for those who are considering an alternative to the more well-known language school destinations without sacrificing  quality.)

Manchester Language School gives its students all of the important essentials that they need to improve their English with many extras. Mr. Bill Godfrey (BG), Proprietor of Manchester Language School was only to happy to provide International Connections Consulting (ICC) with a host of reasons why clients select their school.

ICC:      "What is your role at Manchester Language School?  How long have you been at the school?  (any other background information that you wish to provide)."

BG:      "Manchester Language School is a small dynamic proprietor-run business.  I have been involved as its Administrator since the school opened in April 1994.  The Principal is my wife, Judith Godfrey, and the Course Director is Stephanie Aldred.  Judith and Stephanie had previously worked together for fifteen years running the University of Manchester's Summer Language School at Owens Park.

The school is based in our own home, a beautiful Georgian house with a large private garden in South Manchester, North West England."

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

BG:     "I suggest eight reasons for adult students to choose MLS:

1)      The high quality of the teaching and the experience of Principal and Course Director.  Over 50% of our work this year has come from personal recommendation.

2)      Small, family based - full immersion in British culture and life.  We guarantee that our guests and students will have maximum contact with English people.  Our programmes are designed so that students meet many interesting and interested people.

3)      'Business English' and the one-to-one 'A Very English Experience' courses are bespoke.  We first learn the interests and language needs of our guests and then prepare their course.  The expertise of our many friends and contacts in commerce, industry, business; gardens, literature, music, countryside or history is reflected in the courses run by MLS.

4)      Value for money.  We provide a quality experience for private individuals and small groups. We are not in the mass market.  With us, small is beautiful!

5)      Based in Manchester  There is a big advantage in learning English away from London, Oxford and the south of England. The North of England is the best kept secret in EFL - it is not over-run by language tourism. Manchester people are very friendly  and a warm welcome awaits you.

The north of England offers some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain (Lake District, Yorkshire Dales), medieval castles (Lancaster, North Wales), awe inspiring cathedrals (York, Chester, Liverpool) the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution (Quarry Bank Mill, Wedgwood, Manchester museums). Great shops "Shop 'til you drop!" - markets, antiques auction houses and antiques fairs and shops throughout the region and  Manchester's famous night-life including theatres, concert halls, pubs and clubs. However, MLS courses do include day trips to Stratford, Oxford and London as required.

6)      Manchester's International Airport provides scheduled flights to over 75 destinations world-wide. Alternatively, students may arrive at Heathrow Airport and either take the Shuttle to Manchester Airport or travel by train to Manchester after a day or two in London.

7)      The Godfrey family guarantees a warm welcome for all their guests. They are proud of their school, Manchester and the North of England.  They are experienced and knowledgeable tour leaders.

8)      Many of our host families are also our friends.  The best place to experience English cuisine is at home and our host families are generous with their time as well as their table."

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?"

BG:     " We offer seven different residential English language courses.

1. TEACHERS¹ COURSES.
2. BUSINESS ENGLISH COURSES
3. A VERY ENGLISH EXPERIENCE - adult one-to-one courses with full excursion and social programme.
4. AN ENGLISH VACATION EXPERIENCE - summer vacation course  for students
age 17+ years.
THEMED (Language Plus) 

5. REVOLUTION English + History.
6. LITERARY LANDSCAPES English + English Literature.
7. ENGLISH LANGUAGE GARDEN TOURS  English + English       Gardens. 

What makes all MLS programmes unique is the total integration of the academic with the recreational programme.  Inside the classroom teachers have access to a full range of modern facilities (video, audio cassettes, computers etc. but these lessons are supported by experiential learning at appropriate venues all over the North West.  A clear example of this approach can be seen in our Language Plus programmes:
Literary Landscapes - combines a  review of selected texts using them as a basis for language and literary analysis and excursions to centres of literary interest  including The Lake District; Stratford-upon-Avon (including RSC performance) and Haworth.

English Language Garden Tours - four spring and summer programmes  combine English conversation classes with expert guided tours of the best gardens in Cheshire, Northern Wales, the Derbyshire Peak District and Lake District.

Revolution a history course that examines the birth of the Industrial Revolution.  Specialist seminars, play readings, slide lectures and group study are combined with tours of sites including Ironbridge - the
birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in 1709, Quarry Bank Cotton Mill 1784 and the Wedgwood Factory at Stoke-on-Trent.  This tour also includes a day visit to the Lake District.

However, even on courses with an exclusive English language focus the approach is a breakfast to bedtime accompanied programme where the student is in constant contact with the language."

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

BG:     "Our main criterion is age.  Ours is an adult school.  We do not accept students under the age of 17 years on any group courses.  We occasionally accept students under this age on one-to-one and family courses.

Language proficiency is not a criterion but a student of intermediate level+ has most to gain from our approach.  Our three Language plus programmes appeal to native and non-native English speakers alike. 
Language has never been a barrier to the success of these courses.   Indeed the courses have been enriched by the presence of native-English speakers."

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

BG:     "We accept students wishing to study on an academic or recreational basis.  The ground floor of Moor Cottage is barrier-free and there is wheel-chair access.

In 1999, MLS welcomed students from thirteen different countries."

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?"

BG:     "We offer one free place per year in the summer.  We accept one student on an au pair basis where language tuition, accommodation, board and full participation in the programmes is offered free in return for domestic help. The criterion for consideration for this place is a high level of language and a strong personal reference."

ICC:    "We would like to thank Mr. Bill Godfrey for the interview."

International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Bill Godfrey, Proprietors of  Manchester Language School, for providing all of the information for the article.  If you would like more information or to enroll, please contact International Connections Consulting.

TESTIMONIALS:

Susan Burton wrote a longer testimonial (of which this is only a part), for an agent in the US. She lives in San Francisco and is a mature student majoring in English literature.

"The Godfreys have a beautiful home and they are warm and gracious hosts. Stephanie Aldred is a wonderful teacher  - sensitive to the needs of her students, thoroughly knowledgeable and funny.   The balance of classroom time and outside excursions was just right. I was amazed to see so much in one week. We saw three plays. We went to Styal Mill- a good introduction to the Industrial Revolution and we visited Gawsworth Hall, Haworth and the Lake District.  All of the excursions were tremendous fun, but more important, these trips gave me the background of the literature that I was reading--the context of the texts."
Susan Burton
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THE NEW  ICC 2000

Book Section in the Spring
In the Spring of  2000, ICC will launch a special Book Section that allows independent publishers, small, medium and some big companies to take advantage of  our specialized audience and continuous Marketing Program by placing a listing in our Book Section for a reasonable fee.  In return, their book or web site will receive international exposure.  The topics and subject matter of each book will have to meet certain guidelines predetermined by ICC to ensure that the quality and mission statement of our web site is not compromised. 

Please view our web site's information and Resource Directory to learn more about what we market and promote before submitting request to avoid potential conflicts of interests. 

ICC Workshops
International Connections Consulting will be setting up a special workshop page along with other special themes for example, Teacher Training, to allow the ICC  family to showcase some of their other areas of expertise.  Look for details regarding this section in the next six months. 
 

Photos
ICC realizes that many web sites offer photos and maps that allow visitors to not only read about their desired school but actually visualize it.  Until, we were able to offer these features with minimal discomfort or inconvenience to our clients, we did not want to risk increasing the load time on our web site which in the long run would discourage potential 
visitors because of the inconvenience.  After some fine tuning and above average support 
from our web hosting company, ICC is now going to begin a lengthy process of adding 
photos to our current and previous articles over the course of the next year.


 
ADVERTISING IN OUR NEWSLETTER:

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US?  WANT YOUR AD TO RUN FOR 3, 6, OR EVEN 12 MONTHS?  TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS GREAT OFFER NOW AND YOU WILL RECEIVE 1 MONTH'S

FREE ADVERTISING! CONTACT ICC FOR MORE DETAILS

A Note from the President
By Tasha Lewis

Over the next year, International Connections Consulting (ICC) will be working with various Editorial Consultants (including Publishers, Education Professionals, Entrepreneurs, Undergraduate/Graduate students, and a list of other professionals) with a wide background of expertise in order to give our newsletter a global and innovative approach to appeal to our audience.

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