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A NOTE FROM INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS CONSULTING (ICC) As we reflect on the previous year, we realize that we have set and realized many milestones in the new millennium. Our company has undertaken a complete revamp of our look, services and overall quality of our web presence. ICC realized that in order to be a success in today's constantly changing environment, we have to offer a product that stands out and sets itself apart from what other businesses in related fields offer.
Our task and challenges were not easy; however through it all, our faith in our product (quality services) has brought us to the end of the first year of the new millennium with a host of new services along with additional opportunities for expansion and refinement. We welcome the new year with all of its varied opportunities and prospects. Please feel free to assist us with our new ventures by your comments, feedback and continued support. Have a happy and successful new year!!!
With all of the numerous decisions to be made when you decide to study abroad, it is always helpful to have a school that can arrange your courses and assist you with your travel needs. At Colegio Maravillas in Spain, they can provide their clients with the ease of quality Spanish programs and arrange their travel itinerary.
Situated between two seas and two continents, Andalucia is the largest of Spains natural regions and the one with the highest population. The region is widely and richly varied, including the Sierra Morena, the Guadalquivir Valley and the Betica Ranges. The climate, as varied as its geographical features, is Mediterranean, with mild winters and dry summers: Andalucia has a rich artistic variety. There is proof of the influence of the Mediterrranean culture in the countless Phoenician and Greek remains, and the beautiful monuments of the Islamic period. Malaga is the smallest of the Andalusian provinces with approx. 600,000 inhabitants. It has a privileged place at the mouth of the Guadalmedina river, on the Mediterranean coast. Benalmadena is a small town (approx. 30,000 inhabitants) which sits on a hill at the foot of the mijas mountains range, only 18 kms. from Malaga city and only 12 kms. from Malaga International airport, which is within 3 hours flying time from most european capitals. Colegio Maravillas provides the ideal place to learn Spanish. Originally a sleepy Andalucian fishing village with beautiful white washed houses, Benalmadena has developed into a small but lively, animated town which retains its old charm and character. Ms. Paola Vecchi (PV), Executive Vice President at Colegio Maravillas, gives us a clear picture of why students choose their school to International Connections Consulting (ICC). ICC: "What is your role at Colegio Maravillas? How long have you been at the school? (any other background information that you wish to provide)." PV: "Colegio Maravillas was founded as a private spanish school in 1976. Two years later, in 1978 and together with the University of Malaga, the school started to run spanish language courses for foreigners during the summer months. A few years later the school had its own summer courses for foreigners: I started working with Colegio Maravillas in June 1984 assisting with organizing courses, and the activities and inspecting the accommodation for the students. In 1987 the company opened a travel agency, Maravillas Travel dedicated to youth travel programs,cultural tours designed mainly for school groups, comprised of two departments: that handled incoming to Andalusia and outgoing to Europe. Presently, I am in charge of the marketing and programs development for both companies : Colegio Maravillas and Maravillas Travel." ICC: "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend Colegio Maravillas? What makes Colegio Maravillas unique?" PV: "The language school was founded by the same teachers who taught subjects like history, language, geography to Spanish children: all of them are fully qualified and have a lot of long experience in education. The team of Colegio Maravillas is now formed by young and dynamic teachers and caring administrative staff who represent our most important asset. The teachers' concern is the develpment of new academic programmes, the use of new technology and audiovisual facilities, the direct control of the students' progresses and their welfare during their stay. Colegio Maravillas is a medium-sized school: this ensures personal attention to each student and helps them integrate in the spanish lifestyle." 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?" PV: "The students have a wide choice of courses depending on their needs, age and length of time available or academic backgrounds. The most popular course is our Intensive Course that runs all throughout the year, with 20 lessons per week, each of 60 minutes duration. The course is offered to all levels, from complete beginners to advanced level students. The lessons are based on grammar structure and practical use of the language with the aid of audiovisual technology and communicative methods. The students learn to use the language from the very first day in a very relaxed atmosphere and with international classmates. The classes are small with a maximum of 10 students per group so everybody has the chance to practise the language and the confidence to speak out : the subjects are always very varied and interesting. This course can also be combined with 5 or 10 hours private instruction weekly ( Combined course or Executive course): this option enables the students to learn faster, reviewing the language structure or deepening into other subjects according to their academic studies or for professional purposes like business in spanish, finance, travel and tourism, etc. The Preparation course for the D.E.L.E Examination is a specific course designed for really motivated students and concentrates on the preparation of the official Examination DELE of the Instituto Cervantes. The lessons are highly practical with daily tests of the progresses made. The groups are smaller with an average of 5 participants in each level. The Hispanic studies course is offered to university students with an high intermediate level of Spanish and which content is based on the language but with much more emphasis on the subjects that will enhance the knowledge and the integration in the Spanish culture : literature, arts, history, geography, political develpment, Spanish traditions and customs are only few of the many subjects offered in this semester course. This 15-week programme takes place in autumns ( starting in September ) and in Spring starting end of February ) The Summer course for Teenagers is a programme that combines the language study with sports activities, local visits, cultural excursions, fiestas and... lots of fun! With participants from all
over the world this international course represents a wonderful experience
for young people aged 14 to 18. The students learn the language, at the
same time "absorbing" the Spanish
The town is ideal for this type of programmes for the wide range of activities and its safety : the participants are always under the supervision of our experienced group leaders." ICC: "What is your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance? Age? language proficiency?" PV: "We accept all students interested in attending a serious Spanish language course. The minimum age of our adult courses is 18 and there is no upper limit. The average age range is between 25 and 40 years. On the first day we evaluate all students through a written test followed by a short interview with our Head of studies to determine their present level of the language. The students will be placed in their level group and start the class on the first morning." ICC: "What type of student do you accept? What qualities do you look for or consider when deciding to accept a student?" PV: "The school is open to all students motivated in their studies. The participants' profile is varied : they may be university students, business people, teachers or young professionals. At our discretion we may terminate the student's participation, should he/she not adhere to the school's rules, regulations and norms." ICC: "Explain your teaching methodology." PV: "Teaching methodology. The lessons are divided in three parts : a) grammar structure - 1h30 minutesEach part of the course is taught by a different teacher to enable to student to know different methods and accents, all of them fully qualified Spanish native. Every Friday the students will take a test to allow the teachers to evaluate their progresses and development of their studies. The students wll receive a text book to be used in class and included in the fees, other material for homework and copies of other books, newspapers, or specific texts for the conversation classes. In the afternoon and a minimum of once a week we offer the students a free tutorial class where they have a 20-minute session with the teacher to view the grammar structure or solve other academic questions they might have. We consider it as part of their studies and we encourage the participants to take part in the interesting programme of activities we offer every afternoon and which is different every week : video sessions "the new Spanish cinema", Arts seminars or conferences about Literature or history, Flamenco dance lessons, cooking classes, social games, visits, excursions and others." 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?" PV: "Unfortunately we do not offer any financial aid or scholarships." ICC: "We would like to thank Ms. Paola Vecchi for the interview." In addition to all of the quality courses and staff at Colegio Maravillas, they have multimedia technology with e-mail access for students, Self Access Center with a wide range of materials, fax, hotel reservations, car rental and week-end excursions. Lastly, Colegio Maravillas has a secondary school officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science of Spain. It offers foreign students the possibility to attend the academic year on its premises in Benalmadena, on the Costa del Sol. International Connections
Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Ms. Paola Vecchi,
Executive Vice President, and Mr. Francisco Perez Navarro, President and
Founder, for providing all of the material for this article. If you
would like to enroll, contact their travel
agency or more information, please contact Colegio Maravillas and International
Connections Consulting.
Here are some Testimonials
from former students:
Andrea Alexander Quillen - 21 years- american
When you think of New York City, you think of Broadway, Coney Island or the Statue of Liberty. A city filled with lights, camera and action. That's what makes New York Film Academy such an ideal choice for learning about film making. The New York Film Academy
(NYFA) "was founded as an alternative to a formal film school. For
many students, a four year program is both impractical and economically
unfeasible. The NYFA believes that the correct path for future filmmakers
is to immediately start making their own films in hands-on intensive working
environments. Toward this end, all students begin making their own films
in the first week of our
The NYFA is fortunate to have Mr. Jerry Sherlock, Executive Producer of The Hunt for Red October, Independent Producer-Universal, EMI, Disney, Tristar, NBC, Paramuont, and United Artists and host of others, as Director of the Academy. He has worked on some of the major motion pictures that are world renown and have received numerous awards. Alexander Meillier (AM) is Assistant Director and faculty member at the New York Film Academy along with Production Coordinator. He is a graduate of the New York University Tisch School of the Arts School of Film and Television. He has directed over 15 short films and numerous videos. Mr. Meillier gave International Connections Consulting a host of reasons why students choose NYFA. ICC: "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend NYFA? What makes NYFA unique?" AM: "The most compelling reason to attend the New York Film Academy is that you can learn much of what students do in formal, university film programs, very quickly (eight weeks) by immediately beginning to direct your own films using film as a medium. What makes us unique is the high quality of the instructors (some of which are Academy Award winners and Emmy award winners), the unrivaled access to equipment, and the responsiveness of the instructors and staff." ICC: "Explain to us about some of the programs/majors that your school offers." AM: "In our workshops each student writes, directs, shoots, and edits their own films. To this end we have designed an integrated curriculum covering subjects such as writing for film, directing for the camera, directing actors, hands on camera, hands on lighting, cinematography, editing, sound recording, sound design, budgeting and scheduling, and special guest lectures." ICC: "What are your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance?" AM: "Our workshops are open enrollment. Students in the adult program must be 18 or older. We also have a special high school workshop for students ages 15 to 18. Only conversational English is required, we have students from all over the world (over 24 different countries so far) in attendance at the Academy." ICC: "What type
of student do you accept? What qualities do you look for or consider
in
AM: "Our students are highly motivated because they are aware of the intensity of the course and they want to squeeze the most out of their experience at the Academy. This workshop has been compared to Boot Camp, and an Outward Bound type of experience." ICC: "Explain your teaching methodology." AM: "All of the classes the students attend at the Academy are designed to be of immediate and practical use to the students. The only way to learn lighting, for example, is to set up lights, shoot film, break down the lights, screen the film, and set up the lights again. Our students learn by doing in practical hands-on workshops." ICC:
"We would like to thank Mr. Alexander Meillier for the interview."
The New York Film Academy
offers a wide variety of workshops which include Filmmaking, Acting
for Film, Writing for Film, Animation in LA, Advanced Film Directing,
Film Camp, Summer Screen Writing Intensive, Documentary, and
Music Video. They also offer private and corporate instruction.
Their summer workshops in the USA are held in New York City, New York at
NYFA; Princeton, New Jersey at
International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Jerry Sherlock, Director of the New York Film Academy, and Alexander Meillier, Assistant Director of the New York Film Academy, for providing all of the material for this article. If you would like more information about NYFA or to enroll in one of their workshops, please contact International Connections Consulting.
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 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. 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 seventeen 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. International
Connections Consulting News
In today's global environment,
learning a foreign language has become central to survival in our multilingual
society. Japanese is one of those languages that almost guarantees
to open many doors for the businessman, student, or teacher.
The Hattori Foundation has been around since 1919. It founded the Yamasa Institute's (YI) Aichi Center, located in the historic city of Okazaki, for Japanese Studies in order to provide high quality Japanese language education. Located in the Mikawa region, Yamasa Institute has become one of the leading centers of study in this region. The Japanese Government has assessed and authorized YI to be the sole education provider in that region with appropriate programs, systems, curriculum and facilities needed to study Japanese. YI has been granted the highest level of accreditation currently available. As a result, they can offer faster visa processing, later applications and longer terms of study than many other institutions. Yamasa Institute is a non-profit school and all of their high quality courses are offered at cost. "The fact is that there is no need whatsoever to pay Tokyo rents or Osaka prices in order to study in Japan." YI offers not only quality but also affordability. In spite of the fact that all of their classrooms are larger and facilities more modern, YI prices are generally lower and housing is significantly cheaper and more spacious. Because of the lower price of land and other fixed costs, they can past on all of their savings to the students. YI offers a wide variety of accommodation options for their clients. All of the students are guaranteed homestays and home visit opportunities, guaranteed accommodation within walking distance of the campus, free pickup service at Nagoya airport and Okazaki station (on any day & at any time). International Connections Consulting interviewed Mr. Declan Murphy (DM), the Admissions Director (also a graduate of Yamasa Institute) who gave us a wealth of reasons why students interested in learning Japanese would choose YI. ICC "What is your role at Yamasa?" DM "My staff and I are responsible for the quality of the total experience of the students we bring to Okazaki, including housing, health care & insurance, airport pickups, information regarding part-time work, careers and further study, scholarships and financial aid, welfare and Internet communications." ICC "In other words nearly everything?!" DM "My staff and I try to think of everything to leave their students to focus on learning the language." ICC "So what makes Yamasa the place to study Japanese, why has it grown so fast recently." DM "Basically we stand
out from the crowd so it makes it easier to attract students. The things
that set us apart are our Quality and the Diversity of the student body.
Compared to any other Institute we have smaller class sizes, large modern
classrooms with good natural light, a highly professional and well paid
faculty with years of experience in teaching JSL, teaching teams of 4-5
faculty members per class, individual academic advisors for each student,
ultra modern computer/library/language lab
ICC "A pretty well rounded package." DM "Well we can only be as good as our results. You need these sort of comprehensive systems in order to maintain those results. Graduates of Yamasa Institute have a 100% university placement rate with 12 universities accepting Yamasa graduates on our recommendation. YI has a Job placement service for students who want to work full time in Japan after graduation and a comprehensive scholarship and financial aid support system including agreements with several prestigious universities." ICC "We have heard that most students studying Japanese in Japan are Chinese and that there have been some problems as a result of this." DM "Yes thats correct. I think last time I checked the Immigration Statistics it was something like 62-63% from mainland China alone. By comparison only around 6% of our students come from China and when you include all of the Chinese speaking students in the school from HK, Taiwan, even the USA, they do not exceed 25% of the student body. And neither does any other language group. Its our policy." ICC "You restrict the number of students per language group." DM "Yes quite deliberately - I think any serious language school should. As far as I know we are the ONLY school in this country where the largest language group is neither Chinese nor Korean, the ONLY school with no majority language, the ONLY school with large numbers of European and North American students, and the ONLY school that deliberately establishes language diversity in each and every classroom." ICC "What can you tell us about the programs?" DM "Yamasa's programs are full immersion intensive courses. We also offer electives which are integrated into the program. For example Japanese computing. It enhances the learning experience not only by providing an enabling skill that can help students explore Japanese multimedia without language barriers, but many students have said that after they finished the program the Japanese computer skills assisted them at the university or when looking for a job. In all cases these electives are also taught in Japanese by highly qualified JSL specialists." ICC "Is it a difficult school to enter?" DM "I don't think
so. The minimum age limit is 18. Previous study of Japanese is not
a requirement. Diversity is also a consideration, by this we particularly
mean language diversity, a good mix of native languages so that Japanese
becomes the common language. Yamasa students are highly motivated
ICC "What teaching methodologies are used?" DM "We use teaching teams and the direct method. This means that all of the lessons are taught in Japanese (translations of each text are available) and that students can learn to speak, read and write Japanese very rapidly. The current students seem to learn much faster than I did quite frankly." ICC "Makes you jealous?" DM "Absoultely. But its to be expected. Each student has an academic advisor and access to a wide range of support services provided by the faculty." ICC "Many thanks." DM "Its a pleasure." Yamasa Institute offers a wider range of financial assistance than any other Japanese language Institute. The Eligibility Criteria is based on academic performance and demonstrated financial need. It can include Fellowships, Tuition scholarships, Rent assistance and Living expense allowances. Applicants usually need to be enrolled in a university or college. A faculty member has to provide a written recommendation for the student. International Connections
Consulting's president, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Declan Murphy,
Admissions Director for Yamasa Institute, for providing all of the material
for this article. If you would like more information regarding Yamasa
Institute, please contact International
Connections Consulting.
Testimonials: "The reason I speak Japanese all the time is because I have to. Not because of a rule, but because Japanese is the only language I can talk to my classmates in. The student mix here is wonderful."
For more information contact International Connections Consulting. LEARNING RUSSIAN AT EDUCACENTRE RUSSIA IS AN ABOVE AVERAGE EXPERIENCE Learning a foreign language
can be one of the most important accomplishments that a student can make.
It offers you not only a cultural experience but a growing one. Why
not try Russian? At Educacentre Russia, the student has one
of the best opportunities to learn Russian. From its location,
St. Petersburg which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world,
to the fact that St. Petersburgs Russian is the language used by many famous
classical writers and the countrys modern mass-media, Educacentre Russia
is the obvious choice.
Educacentre Russia (ER) is a non-governmental, privately held educational establishment which was started in 1989. It is situated in a three story classic style building with all of the facilities a student requires to help him study Russian (including audio, video and computerized language laboratory). ER is situated in a prime location downtown on the Neva embankment, near the famous Nevsky prospect. Underground transportation is available near Educacentre Russia and many of St. Peterburgs museums, theatres and tourist attractions are located near by. ER offers 5 levels of Russian from Beginners to Advanced. In addition, they offer special courses available upon request such as Business Russian, Colloquial Russian, Russian Literature, Legal Russian, and Medical Russian, etc. ER's prime objective is "to teach students how to communicate in Russian, whatever the level." Their teachers are skilled professionals with a great deal of experience teaching the Russian language. The maximum class size is 10 students (usually no more than 4-5). ER's teaching methodology includes a focus on developing speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills with close attention paid to grammar. All of these skills, including grammar, are taught in a "Communicative Context." Students are divided up into groups in order to ensure that they are in their appropriate levels. The student population is multinational. A traditional and modern teaching approach is implemented to ensure that the students reach their desired level of fluency. Motivation and a genuine desire to learn Russian is the major criteria for attending Educacentre Russia. Age is secondary. Furthermore, Educacentre Russia offers almost any type of accommodation the student requires from B&B (Breakfast and Bed) in host families to V.I.P accommodation in luxurious 5-star St. Petersburg hotels. To add to this, they offer a wide range of additional services including transfer to and from the airport, English speaking guides, tickets to museums and theatres, and car hire, etc. At Educacentre Russia, the students are given the opportunity to learn about the cultural environment of their host country. A course for in depth study of the life and culture of Russian is offered. They can study business and develop skills such as negotiating, making presentations, telephone skills and dealing with business correspondence. Edward Pilistyn, manager of Russian as a foreign language at Educacentre Russia, graduated from the Department of Linguistics of St. Petersburg State University with a specialization in teaching Russian as a foreign language. His responsibilities include corresponding with agents, clients, marketing and advertising for ER. Mr. Pilistyn thought that one of the most important criteria for a students acceptance into ER was a genuine desire to learn Russian. Educacentre Russia's philosophy is "that learning must be centered on the students needs. The purpose of language teaching is to develop the ability to communicate successfully. All our students have their own particular needs and our programmes are individually designed to fit the student. We never just fit the student to the programme." ER offers discounts to long-term students. Heres what some of the
former students have to say:
"The teaching in the Educacentre is of a very high, professional standard and it lived up to all my expectations. For the individual tuition I received, their rates seemed very reasonable."
Whenever parents have to send their children away to a boarding school, there are a host of requirements and expectations that the school of choice will have to meet. Hillmorton High School in New Zealand not only met the challenge but far surpassed it in terms of overall quality and program offerings.
Hillmorton High School is situated in the south west of Christchurch within easy reach of the city centre and major tertiary providers. It is a medium sized co-educational state school serving the needs of its immediate, diverse community. The school is able to give all students a sense of belonging, while at the same time offering the wide range of subjects necessary to meet the educational needs of its students. All of the staff, students and parents will work to develop a supportive and purposeful learning environment in which students are:
being an innovative and progressive school while at the same time not sacrificing proven traditional values and practices merely for the sake of change.
Hillmorton High School is
committed to meeting the individual needs of itstudents. The school's course
selection procedures involve a comprehensive programme of advice and guidance
from a range of staff including career counsellors, subject teachers, form
teachers and Deans. Parents are also actively encouraged to be part of
this process.
The school's commitment to this important aspect of school life is an ongoing one as they recognise the need to assist students to re-evaluate their aims and aspirations in the light of changing circumstances. Their Special Needs' Co-ordinator is responsible for the progress of all students with identified special needs in the mainstream. She assists teachers to develop appropriate programmes of work and oversees the teacher aides who work with these students. Remedial Mathematics and Reading are available to students on an individual and small group basis as required. The staff at Hillmorton High School (HHS) gave International Connections Consulting (ICC) an inside view of why parents send their children to their school. ICC: "What is you role at Hillmorton?" HHS:
"We have a team of three who together coordinate international students:
Ann Brokenshire (Deputy Principal) -Japanese Language teacher, studied
abroad for 2 years at a Japanese University. Second in charge at
Hillmorton High School so international decisions are at the fore.
Chris Bamber (International Liaison Officer) -Worked with international
students and has homestayed them. Has two
ICC: "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend Hillmorton High School?" HHS: "Hillmorton High School values and celebrates diversity. We are a medium sized school which is very caring and caters to a diverse variety of students." ICC: "What type of courses do you offer?" HHS: "We have vocational and academic programmes available with full English support. We have an excellent ESOL programme." ICC: "What is your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance?" HHS: "We require students to be recommended as being of good character. If students wish to study with NZ students then they must pass our English test (approximately TOEFL 400 or IELTS 4.0) otherwise they can study intensive English until they reach an approximate level." ICC: "Age?" HHS: "13 to 19 years of age." ICC: "What type of student do you accept?" HHS: "We accept students of good character with an outgoing attitude and adaptability." ICC: "Do you offer financial aid, scholarship or asisstanceships?" HHS: "No" ICC:
"We would like to thank the staff of Hillmorton High School for the
interview."
Although Hillmorton High School is a medium sized school it offers a wider range of subjects than many larger schools. As a progressive school, Hillmorton is committed to responding to the needs of their students by providing additional subjects where appropriate and feasible. The school is accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to offer a growing range of career related subjects. These include: Foundation Art Course, Chef Training, Childcare, Maori Arts and Crafts, Tourism Studies and Electronics. This focus on career-related subjects in no way diminishes this school's commitment to excellence in traditional academic subjects. Indeed their record in this area is one in which they take considerable pride. A full description of their curriculum is available in their courses booklets. The Upland Unit is an educational facility for high school-age students with multiple disabilities. The curriculum is delivered through individual education plans which are developed after consultation with family and all those involved in the individual's care. Students are included in regular school classes. They are enrolled in form groups and attend classes with their peers. The curriculum is based on those subjects which are offered throughout the school to embrace the following areas of development: movement, sensory perception, communication and language, life skills, learning behaviour, concept development and emotions. The unit team includes teachers together with individuals specialising in nursing, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and psychology. This ensures that the educational needs of the individual are met. Social integration is an important part of the students' programme. This is achieved by encouraging them to participate in as many school activities as possible, and by encouraging friendships between mainstream students and those at the Upland Unit. The International Department is well resourced and staffed by highly qualified and experienced teachers. Students receive a combination of intensive ESOL instruction combined with immersion in selected mainstream subjects. Programmes are designed to meet individual needs. At the senior level, emphasis is placed on academic English so that their students will succeed with their tertiary studies. The presence of international students (both new immigrants and fee-paying students) helps in the education of New Zealand born students. The latter learn to communicate with students whose first language is not English and to appreciate the values of people from different cultures. Hillmorton High School students develop the skills necessary to operate in international arenas. Over the years the school had had students from Argentina, China, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States of America. At form three, four and five levels students may choose to join the Whanau Bi-lingual class where the compulsory subjects are taught in Maori as much as possible. The Whanau class fosters pride in New Zealand's Maori culture and heritage. A Whanau or family atmosphere exists within each class. The students are proud to have a special identity within the school and within the wider community. They are the basis of the school's kapahaka group for action songs, and other cultural activities. Everyone is welcome to join the Bi-lingual class. There is a place on the enrolment form to indicate interest. It is not necessary to be able to understand Maori beforehand as both English and Maori are used by the teachers. Also members of this class learn Maori language and culture as a subject on its own. In addition to their emphasis in having students fulfil their academic potential, Hillmorton encourages all students to participate in a wide range of sporting and cultural activities. The school employs a Sportsfit Co-ordinator to promote and co-ordinate these activities. The emphasis is on fair play, enthusiasm and enjoyment as well as achievement. Sports and cultural activities offered in recent years include: · A.F.S. & Other Overseas Exchanges
International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Ann Brokenshire (Deputy Principal) , Chris Bamber (International Liaison Officer), Pauline Godber (Head of Department) and Richard Belton (Principal) for supplying all of the information for this article. If you would like to enroll or more information, please contact International Connections Consulting. Testimonies from some of their ex-students: This year was my fourth
year at Hillmorton High School. Hillmorton is a small school and because
of that I've gained much more than other students in other schools.
I had a really good time at Hillmorton with kind teachers and students.
I'll never forget the time that I spent at Hillmorton High School.
It was a wonderful experience
to study at Hillmorton High School. Ive made lovely friends and the friendly
school staff were always there to help me anytime I needed anything. Im
really glad to have attended this unforgettable place, which I have the
pleasure to call, my school.
This year was a really
important year in my life. I made heaps of friends, I learnt another
language and visited wonderful places. I have had fun and I grew
up. I don't have anything else to say but I just loved it!
Life in New Zealand was great. I got in touch with many different cultures, different people, different styles. Although I missed my family a lot I feel sad about leaving. I grew personally a lot, especially in the communications area, and became more responsible. Hillmorton High School is an excellent school with a dedicated and professional staff. Full of facilities, and has one of the best libraries I've ever seen before.
I enjoyed Hillmorton High School because of all the nice people both students and teachers who helped me to feel comfortable. The teachers were very special in contrast to German teachers. They are more like mates and that makes learning sometimes more exiting. I had a very good time
in New Zealand and I would like to come back for a visit. It is hard
for me to leave. Thank you all for everything you did to help me
have a good time.
I have been in Hillmorton
High School for about 10 months. New Zealand High Schools are very
different from Japanese High Schools, but I enjoyed the differences. I
play 2 sports in the school. One was hockey. I have never seen
or played it in Japan. I didn't know anything. Everyone taught
me now to play and told me what to do. I also played softball
in term 4. My team mates were very kind. I think homestays are very
important for us. It is hard to live with people who have different
cultures. My host family understand it well. They were very
nice and kind so I was not homesick. Lots of people helped me. I
did enjoy it in New Zealand. Thank you very much.
For more information please contact International Connections Consulting.(ICC).
The Swiss Hotel Management
School (SHMS) is one of Switzerland's leading hotel institutes with
a
More than 100 years ago when some of the first hotels were built in Switzerland, the Caux-Palace overlooking Montreux and Lake Geneva was the biggest and most impressive hotel in Switzerland. Switzerland soon became world renowned for its hospitality industry and hospitality training that it provides because its increasing popularity as a tourist destination. Since that time, the tourism industry has grown in many countries all over the world and the number of students seeking to study hotel management in Switzerland , which is the traditional home for hotel management training, is constantly increasing. That's why we are proud to offer a high quality education in hotel management in the finest facilities of the former Caux-Palace. All our courses are tailored for international students, taught in English and offer a qualification that provides a solid foundation to build a successful career in this booming industry. Mr. Simon Craft (SC), Marketing Manager at Swiss Hotel Management School, was only to happy to give International Connections Consulting (ICC) a host of reasons why students choose their school. ICC: "What is your role at Swiss Hotel Management School? How long have you been at the school? (any other background information that you wish to provide)." SC: "My principal role at the Swiss Hotel Management School is the marketing and recruitment activities for the Americas continent. This involves promoting our institution and providing counseling to prospective students. I have been with the school for 1.5 years and was previously Assistant to the Principal before starting in the Marketing department. I am a hotel school graduate from Switzerland with Swiss and US diplomas as well as 4 years experience in the industry." ICC: "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend Swiss Hotel Management School? What makes Swiss Hotel Management School unique?" SC: " Our unique facilities are a campus high above the Geneva lake in a former 5*hotel. The interior has been modernised to adapt to the needs of our students and facilities include: a) lecture auditorium with state of the art audio visual equipmentThe opportunity for our students to study on campus and obtain diplomas from Switzerland and the United States. For a short extension they may also obtain a British degree in Switzerland. Our affordable fees package which includes paid industry work experience." ICC: " Explain some of the programs that you offer? How does this enhance the learning experience for your students? What types courses do you offer?" SC: "Our programs range from 1 year certificates to 3 year Bachelor degrees on undergraduate and postgraduate levels. As well as programs for hospitality professionals with work experience. All subjects studied come from the American Hotel & Motel Association and are taught in modern classrooms with a high teacher student ratio. (max 20 students )" ICC: "What is your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance? Age? language proficiency?" SC: "For a student to be accepted official enrolment forms must be filled out along with copies of high school transcripts and/or work experience. Minimum age is 18. Proof of English language is also required for foreign students (TOEFL 500+)." ICC: "What type of student do you accept? What qualities do you look for or consider when deciding to accept a student?" SC: " We are an non discriminatory establishment and all enrollments are regarded equally by the Academic director before giving a response to the student concerned. Credit is given for previous studies in the field and work experience. The school looks for students who can carry the name of the school in the future." ICC: "Explain your teaching methodology." SC: "Our teaching methods differ as do our classes, be it practical or theory, small language classes or lectures. Overhead transparencies are used along with role plays and interactive demos." 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?" SC: " We offer limited scholarships as we are a private school, but students may fill in request forms to apply. There is a program over the 3 year course to help certain students. All requests go to the head office where a final decision is made. Criteria are confidential." ICC: "We would like to thank Mr. Simon Craft for the interview." International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Mr. Simon Craft, Marketing Manager, and Mr. Mark Denzler, Principal for providing the material for this article. If you would like more information or to enroll, please contact International Connections Consulting.
The Canadian Rockies is a great place to "Live and Learn." Offering countless recreational opportunities, the College of the Rockies combines popular year-round outdoor recreation with getting a high quality education while living in the spectacular Canadian Rockies. Celebrating 25 years of student success, the College of the Rockies (COTR) attributes this success to the constant commitment of their faculty and staff to their students. In an environment that allows its students to play hard and work harder on their studies, COTR provides an experience that is well spent and enjoyable.
Ms. Cheryl Webber (CW), International Advisor and Homestay Coordinator at the College of the Rockies, was able to give International Connections Consulting (ICC) an inside look at what life at COTR was like for potential students. ICC: "What is your role at College of the Rockies? How long have you been at the school? (any other background information that you wish to provide)." CW:
"My role at the College of the Rockies is to take care of all
the needs of the international students. I answer all inquiries
from potential students and study abroad companies. As well, I process
international student admissions. I am also the International Student
Advisor and the Homestay
ICC: "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend College of the Rockies? What makes College of the Rockies unique?" CW:
"The College of the Rockies is located in a very safe and friendly
small town (population 20000) in the Rocky Mountains of Canada. Our
region offers many opportunities for outdoor activities. We also
have some of the best uncrowded skiing and golf areas in the world.
One ski resort is a 30 minute
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?" CW: "We offer English Language Training that ladders into our adult high school and university transfer programs. We also offer one year Certificate and two year diploma programs as well as Associate Degrees. Some Certificate and Diploma Programs offered are: Business Administration, Applied Business Technology, Leisure and Recreation Services Management, Physical Education. These programs plus University Studies and high school completion are open to international students and no TOEFL score is required. Although they may need to take ESL with these programs depending on an English assessment. Other programs such as Tourism, New Media Communications and Mountain activities skills training require completion of our ESL program or TOEFL 550 plus specific program requirements." ICC: "What is your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance? Age? Language proficiency?" CW: "The Minimum age is 17. Some programs require completion of high school in the student’s home country." ICC: "What type of student do you accept? What qualities do you look for or consider when deciding to accept a student?" CW: "Our philosophy is to not put too much emphasis on the student’s background. We would rather have the student join us and try different courses to find out what each student is capable of doing." ICC: "Explain your teaching methodology." CW: "Our classes are small and we use a lot of group work and class participation/discussion in our classroom ESL students receive plenty of speaking opportunities, even in Grammar and Reading classes. Our instructors are often available for individual student assistance." 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?" CW: "We do not offer any scholarships for international students." ICC: "We would like to thank Ms. Cheryl Webber for the interview." International Connections Consulting’s President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Ms. Cheryl Webber, International Student Advisor and the Homestay Coordinator, for providing us with the information for the article. If you would like to enroll or more informaton on the College of the Rockies, please contact International Connections Consulting.
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