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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!!! LEARN ITALIAN WITH I MALATESTA IN ITALY OR TROPICAL PARADISE TREMITI ISLANDS Italian food, wine or movies
have flooded the world with exquisite quality and excitement that has touched
the lives of people around the globe. With its similarity to French,
Spanish, and Portuguese, the Italian language shares a place with all of
the other Romance Languages. I Malatesta Italian Language and Cultural
Centre offers its clients the opportunity to explore the language and all
of the other aspects of the Italian culture.
I Malatesta Italian Language and Cultural Centre (I Malatesta) offers all of the ingredients to acquainting their students with all aspects of the Italian culture. They are a member of International Association of Language Centres (I.A.L.C.). I.A.L.C. includes selected language schools all over the world who provide a friendly atmosphere, high-quality teaching and serious pedagogical supervision. I Malatesta's main center is located in the city of Rimini, Italy. The city, favored by a particularly mild climate in all seasons of the year, provides a rich historical heritage that dates back to Roman times and beyond. Not only is it an important seaside resort, it is surrounded by a beautiful countryside where many of the artistic treasures are waiting to be discovered. Dr. Bruno Fabbri (BF), Director of I Malatesta Italian Language and Cultural Centre, provided International Connections Consulting with an indepth view of what their clients might expect. ICC: "What is your role at I Malatesta?" BF: "I have been the director of the school since 1976. Regarding my background, I have a university degree in Economic-Sciences and Tourism and I've been a teacher at the high school "Instituto Tecnico per il Turismo." ICC: "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend I Malatesta? What makes I Malatesta unique?" BF: "Students choose I Malatesta for its professionalism, reputation, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere." ICC: "Explain the language learning concept." BF: "We offer different kinds of programs:
*General Course
*Italian for Working Purposes
These types of courses provide students with an all round insight into the Italian Language. We offer also a social and recreational program. Every Monday students are informed of the Centres activities and events taking place in Rimini during the week. The School organizes excursions to places of historical and artistic interest as well as parties on the beach, night cruises and pleasant evenings at restaurants and discos." ICC: "What is your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance? Age? Language Proficency?" BF: "In general, we accept students aged 14 and above. Students are allocated to the appropriate level after a brief placement test (written and oral)." ICC: "What type of student do you accept? What qualities do you look for or consider when deciding to accept a student?" BF: "We welcome students who are enthusiastic and willing to learn. Students may apply by E-Mail or fax, providing a deposit alongside two photos and personal information. Confirmation will be sent out once this has arrived." ICC: "Explain your teaching Methodology." BF: "The objective of the teaching syllabus is to stimulate rapid progress in the practical use of modern Italian, and classes are based on the continuous and direct use of the language under the guidance of the teacher, who provides suitable examples, explains specific points, corrects and encourages, making the learning and practice of structures and vocabulary a pleasant and rewarding experience." ICC: "Do you offer financial aid, scholarships, or assistantships to help defray the costs of tuition, room and board? academic scholarships? If so, what is the eligibility criteria?" BF: "Throughout the year, the school offers scholarships to the Italian Consulates and the Centres of Italian Language and Culture. There are Italian Consulates all round the world. Occasionally, the school offers other assistantships of 20-30% discount on all courses." ICC: "We would like to thank Dr. Bruno Fabbri for the interview." I Malatesta has a summer
program in the Tremiti Islands that gives their students a taste of paradise.
Located in the blue waters of the Mediterranean sea, between the sea and
the sky, emerges the Tremiti Islands which are made up of San Nicola,
San Domino and Capraia. The school is housed in a 3 star hotel, Hotel
San Domino. Many of the classes take place in the garden of the
hotel due to fabulous climate and Mediterranean sun. All of the courses
and facilities are similar to their main location in Rimini
International Connections
Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Dr. Bruno Fabbri,
Director of I Malatesta, for providing all of the material for the
article. If you would like more information or to enroll, please
contact International Connections Consulting.
Cathy Tesi
Heres what one of their former students had to say. I would like to recommend I Malatesta ,an Italian language school for listing on your Web Site. I attended the school for 2 weeks in May of 1996. Attendees hail from all over the world, offering one exposure to a variety of cultures. It was truly one the best vacations that I had ever taken. With only two weeks of instruction, 4 hrs/day; 5 days/wk, I was able to return to college after a 20-year absence and pick up the language where I left off, earning an 'A' for the course as well! Professor Bruno Fabbri, the owner/director of the school employs excellent teachers and shows genuine concern for the quality of instruction and overall experience of his students. The city of Rimini offers a less commercial atmosphere than many of the larger Italian cities. Prices are more moderate, beaches are clean and safe, and the food is excellent. I have every intention of returning in 2000. For more information please contact International Connections Consulting.(ICC).
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.
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
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
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:Professional instructors: All of the institute's instructors are native-born speakers of Spanish who have received specialized and rigorous training teaching Spanish as a second language and who have several years of experience in the classroom. 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
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".
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
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
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
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).
The fifth annual ICEF (International
Conferences, Exhibitions and Fairs) Americas Workshop took place in Miami,
Florida USA at the Fountainebleau Hilton Resort and Towers on Miami Beach
at the beginning of
During the last 11 years,
such events have taken place in Barcelona, Berlin, Beijing, Budapest, Frankfurt,
Geneva, The Hague, Honolulu, Kiev, Kuala Lumpur, Leipzig, Lisbon, London,
Maastricht, Miami, Milan, Minsk, Moscow, Prague, St. Petersburg, Sao Paulo,
Seoul, Singapore, Stockholm and Warsaw.
This year ICEF decided to
expand their educational adviser/agent attendees of the America's workshop
to include countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East in addition to Latin
America. This opened up the
International Connections Consulting (ICC) was one of few American educational advising companies invited to participate in the conference this year. ICC's President, Tasha Lewis, felt privileged to be given the opportunity to be involved in it this year. The workshop provides an ideal opportunity to bring together educational advisers, referral agents and travel agents together with educational institutions from all over the world. ICEF acts as a facilitator for this event. They screen all of the participators for quality control. For two days, meetings are set up before and during the conference over the course of the conference. Agent/Advisor can meet with a large variety of schools for 20 minute intervals. Introductions are made and from there you can continue communicating with the new contact. This year ICEF made various changes to better facilitate the conference participants (detailed conference information in all formats-computer, fax,mail,etc., seating arrangements to better facilitate meetings, links between agents and educators on the Internet Course Finder web site). Some of the schools that Ms. Lewis met with were Dr. Mauro Cavagnaro of Istituo Europeo Di Design in Italy, Mr. Olivier Chicheportiche of Edufrance Agency in France, Jan Keppie of Australian International College of Language in Australia, Johnny Gonzalez of Universidad del Pacifico in Ecuador, Kay Anderson of Brandon College in the USA, Stan F. Pickett of American Language Academy in the USA, John Pammer of Nancy Campbell Collegiate Institute in Canada, and Carmen Maria Garcia Cuevas of Enforex in Spain, just to name a few. In addition to the meetings,
the conference offered additional activities for attendees such as an evening
lawn party and welcome reception. Since the site is located at a
resort, the attendees are given many other opportunities to relax and enjoy
the facility after the conference or make additional meetings outside the
workshop meetings. Ms. Lewis is always on the lookout for new
programs to offer her clients. The event offered her another opportunity
to meet with the owners, directors, etc of some of the best educational
institutions in the world. The schools offer a wide variety of programs
and activities
While Ms. Lewis met with
the schools, she thought about what programs she would like to take in
her small amount of spare time. Since she teaches a foreign language
program for young people in addition
Mrs. Rebecca Stromeyer (RS) and Mr. Karl J. Badde (KB), both Directors of ICEF, were interviewed by ICC's President, Tasha Lewis, about the Americas Workshop. ICC: "Can you tell us something about the Americas Workshop?" KB:
"A number of educational fairs around the world grew out of the desire
of schools around the world wanting to meet with students in other
countries. These institutions needed an intermediary between
ICC: "Can you tell us about some of your upcoming events?" RS: DISTANCE LEARNING
RS: "We are always looking for ways to improve our products and expand. If your company is not looking for ways to improve or innovate, you can stagnate in the industry. Competition is healthy." ICC: "I
can understand what you mean. In one of our previous issues of the
ICC Newsletter, we featured an article on "ICC Spread the Word Campaign."
The article talked about getting all of our clients (businesses, organizations,
schools, teachers, and vacationers) to get involved in spreading the word
about the benefits of using our services (Free Educational Advising, Global
Event Calendar, Resource Directory-scholarships,etc., Newsletter, Promotion
Flyers, Book Section, etc.) to enhance their
ICC: "What advice can you give to future Educational Advisers/Referral Agents?" RS: "We try to invite new advisers/agents each year to expand the outreach and variety. We are also working more closely with Agent Associations. This year, the Brazilian Agents'Association BELTA participated actively in the workshop with the majority of its members. They gave an intensive seminar on Belta's activities and also invited all participants to a reception offered by Belta." ICC: "After attending my first ICEF workshop in 1997, I decided to expand from being a public relations consultant for one school to an educational adviser who works with various schools worldwide. The workshop helped me to see the bigger picture." ICC: "Do you offer workshops or information to prospective advisers/agents?" RS: "On registration day of all our workshops we always offer seminars for newcomers in the field with guidelines that are important to any potential advisor. We also send out extensive material and information prior to a workshop. ICC: "I would like to thank Mrs. Rebecca Stromeyer and Mr. Karl J. Badde for the interview." International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Mrs. Rebecca Stromeyer, Director, Mr. Karl J. Badde, Director, Ms. Imke Schmid, Project Coordinator, Vanessa Taatum, Project Coordinator, Tiffany Egler, Project Coordinator, and all the staff at ICEF for providing an above average workshop and the information for the article as well as for their hospitality during my stay at the Fountainebleau Hilton Resort and Towers. If you would like more information regarding the ICEF Workshops, you can contact them at
Spanish. Why learn Spanish? Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world and more than 330 million people speak it worldwide. It is the official language of 21 countries. In the United States, over 30 million people speak Spanish. Close to 1,000 Spanish words have been incorporated into English dictionaries. Business between different countries and Spanish speaking nations is growing rapidly. The list of reasons goes on and on.
At Enforex, they believe that learning the Spanish language is a key to success for the next millennium. Enforexs Philosophy is "Perfection in work and enthusiasm for every task it develops." With five locations in Spain (Madrid, 2 locations in Marbella, Salamanca, and Barcelona) and one in Quito (Ecuador, South America) with headquarters in Madrid, Enforex offers their clients an enormous amount of opportunities to learn Spanish in some of the most famous and culturally rich cities in Europe. Enforex was founded in 1989 and is recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education and by the "Instituto Cervantes", the official entity that promotes the Spanish Language and Culture throughout the world. The school offers American College credits or high school credits. This feature is especially important to many American students when deciding upon a foreign study program. By allowing students to combine
their studies in the different locations in Spain without additional cost,
Enforex gives them an opportunity to get to know the different regional
customs within Spain that makes it so unique and diverse. The schools
population ranges from children and teenagers (6-18 years old) to university
students and adults, professionals and executives, and third age (senior
citizens). From the
There are a list of services available to the students. For example, one can send and receive e-mail free of charge in the Internet room; Library has a wide variety of subjects, novels and classical Spanish Literature; video and computer rooms and exchange conversation lessons between our Spanish and International students are just some of the many advantages of attending Enforex. Lets not forget Housing. Enforex gives their students a list of various types of accommodations to meet each individuals needs. You can choose to live with a host family, university campus/residence, apartments, or even a hotel. Whatever you fancy, they have the option for you. Jose Manuel Martin, Product Manager, was on hand to give us an in-depth look at Enforex from the inside. Mr. Martin has a background in Advertising, Marketing, Merchandising, and Public Relations. He speaks English and German in addition to Spanish. His prior experience in the Spanish language school field allows him to be well equipped for the task of promoting Enforex Spanish Language School. According to Mr. Martin, the teaching methodology is an interactive method based on learning by practice (the communicative method). Included in this is Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Oral Comprehension, and Oral Expression. All of the teachers have a Bachelor in Arts (Degrees in Linguistics, Literature, History, etc.) and specialize in teaching Spanish as a Second Language with special teacher training courses and a Masters in teaching Spanish as a second language. Another thing that differentiates
Enforex from other schools is that it offers special scholarships, assistantships
and special rebates to university students, university cultural departments,
university foreign language departments, and councilors. This depends
on the total number of students who wish to attend a program at any of
their schools. For example, they offer one free place to the group
leaders (1 for every 8 to 15 students) and special discounts from 20% to
45% on the normal fees. In addition to that,
Enforex is a member of some of the leading national and international organizations, such as Federation of International Youth Travel Organizations (FIYTO), Brazilian Educational & Language Travel Association (BELTA), Association of International Educators (NAFSA,), Union Latina, Asociacion Espanola de Promotores de cursos en el Extranjero (ASEPROCE), Asociacion de escuelas de espanol de Madrid (AEEM), Asociacion madrilena de centros de formacion europea (AMACFE), and Asociacion educativa de cursos academicos en el extranjero (AECAE). What types of activities
and excursions are available? Enforex offers a list of activities
for everyone including visits to museums, walking tours in Madrid to the
Prado Museum, Monastery of Las Descalzas, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Contemporary
Art Museum Reina Sofia, Archeological Museum, The Spanish Parliament, Romantic
Painting Museum, Lopa de Vega Museum, Sorolla Impressionist
Whether you're in search of a great Spanish language school, an exciting vacation, obtaining college credits toward your degree, or an adventure-whatever your pleasure, Enforex is the place for you. We would like to thank Antonio Anadon, President, and Jose Manuel Martin, Product Manager for providing us with the material for this article. If you would like more information on Enforex or any of the other information in this article, please dont hesitate to contact International Connections Consulting.
With all of the many challenges today of obtaining a quality and safe education for our youth, private education is becoming more and more appealing. Everyone wants their child to receive above average schooling without the hassle of distractions that occur in many of our cities or metropolitan areas. Fryeburg Academy in Fryeburg, Maine might be the alternative for your son or daughter. Located in New England's famous Mount Washington Valley area, Fryeburg Academy (FA) is in the center of a small, friendly village. FA offers easy access to the benefits of living near a town, close to the ocean, mountains, rivers, lakes and 750,000 acres of national forest which allows students to enjoy outdoor activities in every season.
FA is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is also approved by the Department of Education and Cultural Services of the State of Maine. The Academy holds memberships in the College Board, The National Association of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of Northern New England, and The Maine Association of Independent Schools. With credentials like those, FA is an ideal choice for a boarding school. Being away from the mainstream environment offers many advantages to your child. Due to the low student to teacher ratio, FA faculty are able to help their students succeed by identifying their academic capacities, setting expectations, and working with them to realize their goals. Classes focus on the unique academic needs and strengths of each student. They offer a comprehensive curriculum that addresses different degrees of ability and interest, spanning vocational to college preparation. The Academy offers special academic facilities such as a new music center which contains ample classroom and rehearsal space, private and soundproof practice rooms, a professional recording studio, office and storage space. The building is designed in such a way that it promotes ideal acoustics, a very rich and clear sound. Many of the Academy's musical groups have won district, state and regional honors. In addition, they have a state of the art Technology center and the Eastman Science Center. Fryeburg Academy provides a wide range of academic support. Some of them are computer tools to aid learning, extensive guidance and counseling services, broad range of library holdings and services and an English as a Second Language (ESL) Program. Since FA is located near both the mountains and the ocean, they offer a wide selection of Athletic activities. The Academy provides such recreational activities as cycling, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, canoeing, camping, ultimate Frisbee, karate, and weight training, just to name a few. International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Mr. Alan D. Whittemore, Director of Admissions, for supplying all of the material for the article, if you would like more information regarding Fryeburg Academy or to enroll, please contact International Connections Consulting.
When you think of Hawaii, you think of crystal clear, blue skies with white sandy beaches with everyone walking around in shorts and tropical shirts without a care in the world. That's just the tip of the iceberg. It offers so much more, including Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) where learning is offered in an international and culturally rich environment and getting an above average and academically challenging education is the standard.
HPU has one of the most diverse student bodies in America. With students from Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, as well as the United States and a host of other countries, their student body is a perfect representation of the worlds new global environment. HPU has two campuses- an urban campus in the heart of downtown Honolulu and a rural residential campus on the windward side of Oahu, eight miles away, giving its students the best of both worlds. There are also eight satellite campuses on military locations. One of the reasons that HPU
is so unique is their schools calendar year. By offering classes year round
and so many different terms, students can start their classes at almost
any time. A student can accelerate their degree and finish their
program in less time. Academically, the university's standards for admission
are on par with many of the higher quality comparable facilities.
In addition, HPU has a low student to faculty ratio with an average class
size of under 25 students. They offer the students all of
HPU offers undergraduate
and graduate degrees in most fields. Their faculty is comprised of seasoned
professionals who have graduated from some of the top Ivy League schools
such as Harvard, and Yale just to name a few. The university
has one of the largest Career Service Centers in the US assisting
students with internships, cooperative education opportunities, and job
placement with an impressive list of national and international companies.
The most important benefits of participating in the cooperative
Alexia C. Soares, International Relations Coordinator, was on hand to assist us with our article. Ms. Soares, an alumni of HPU, gave us a true to life story about what it was like to be a student at HPU. Ms. Soares came from Brazil, South America. She said "that when choosing where to study, the US was a natural choice since I already knew the language and was familiar with the culture. Hawaii was just perfect for me because I wanted to go to school in a place where I could get a high quality education, and at the same time be able to enjoy nature and have a good quality of life. Hawaii's weather is wonderful and I really appreciate our average 330 days of sunshine. I started school back in September 1996, and was able to complete my MBA studies in May of 1998. Right after my graduation I was hired by HPU to become an International Recruiter. As of right now, I have decided to pursue a second Masters Degree in Information Systems, and I am very proud to be a member of the HPU family." Ms. Soares is indeed one of the many success stories at HPU. HPU offers a balance of state-of-the-art classroom and computer technology, leading theory in diversified fields of study, and opportunities for practical application. All of the courses have a strong component in analytical reasoning, communications, teamwork and technology. The students are given the opportunity to work on team projects, network socially and professionally with students from over 90 countries and all 50 states. 80 percent of the undergraduate students are between 18 and 29 years old, where as 87 percent of their graduate students are between the ages of 22 and 39 years old. HPU's final decision for accepting students is contingent upon the following three areas; prior academic performance, professional experience, and potential for success in that field of study. The university offers most of the standard financial assistance options available at most major institutions like merit scholarships, federal loans, work-study programs, federal grants, and athletic and activity scholarships. The final amount will depend upon the students budget, need, and type of scholarship or final award. Some of the sports activities include horseback riding, surfing, tennis, fitness center, soccer, swimming, golf, squash, basketball, aerobics, volleyball, and much more. On the weekend, there are excursions to many of the other Hawaiian islands. As I'm sure you can see, Hawaii Pacific University gives you a much broader and deeper perspective of what Hawaii has to offer to the world in terms of a viable, sensible and logical educational opportunity. We would like to thank Alexia C. Soares, International Relations Coordinator and Elfi Stevenson, Finance, for providing us with the material for this article. If you would like more information on Hawaii Pacific University or any of the other information in this article, please don't hesitate to contact International Connections Consulting.
In today's ever-changing
market place, Information technology (IT) has been growing by leaps and
bounds. No matter where you are from, a small island in the Caribbean
or a large cosmopolitan city in Europe, information technology has touched
your life in one way or another. In response to this
As the leader of postgraduate information technology education with six campuses across Canada, and one campus in the U.S., ITI is meeting the information technology education needs of local, national and international businesses and organizations. Employers hire ITI graduates because they have seen the results of ITI's unique postgraduate program. ITI graduates are equipped with the latest skills and the knowledge to successfully adapt to any environment. This has resulted in employers coming back to ITI to recruit graduates time and time again. Ms. Susan McCurdy (SM), Manager of International Recruiting, shared her thoughts with International Connections Consulting (ICC) on the benefit of a postgraduate education from ITI: ICC: "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend ITI?" SM: "The most compelling reason to attend ITI is the fact that our graduates are so well prepared to fill the industry's demand for skilled IT professionals. Studies show that IT is the fastest growing industry in the world. The estimated number of job vacancies in the IT sector in Canada alone is expected to grow to 500,000 by the year 2010. Because of the reputation that ITI graduates have built within in the IT industry, our students are able to find employment before they even graduate. In fact, 94% of our graduates secure employment within the first six months of graduation." ICC: "What are some of the programs that ITI offers?" SM: "ITI currently offers three postgraduate programs, two of which are Master level programs. Our core program, the diploma in Applied Information Technology (AIT), is a collaborative, problem based learning program specifically designed to give university graduates the technology skills they need to succeed in today's competitive IT industry. The curriculum has been developed with the help of industry experts to meet the IT needs of the new economy. Some of the applications we teach include Visual Basic, Java, Oracle, and Windows NT. The AIT program is the core
of ITI's two Master level programs that are offered in partnership with
Dalhousie University, a respected Canadian university. The Master
of Business Administration in Information Technology (MBA(IT) gives students
the tools they need to adapt to the new way of doing
ICC: "Can you explain ITI's teaching methodology?" SM: "ITI uses a problem-based, collaborative learning methodology. At ITI, students learn by working in teams, drawing on each team member's strengths and experience in order to develop solutions to practical IT problems. As all teams work together to solve problems, they develop a deeper understanding of the material that is covered in the program. While ITI's courses are intensive, they are designed as such to reflect experience that our graduates will face in the work force. The curriculum is developed by consulting with industry leaders to determine the skills that are in demand today, and those that will be in demand in the future. Our curriculum prepares our graduates for real-world requirements, including progress reports, project plans, and presentations." ICC: "What type of students do you accept? What qualities do you look in perspective students?" SM: "We look for students with diverse backgrounds who demonstrate maturity, teamwork skills, and good problem-solving skills. Some of the criteria used to evaluate a potential student's acceptance is a university transcript, an aptitude test/entrance test, a personal interview. Applicants do not need to have a background or prior experience in the computer field; all classes are taught with the assumption that students have no, or minimal computer experience." In addition to all of the
numerous reasons for attending ITI, let's not forget that ITI's program
can be completed in an accelerated nine-month program that is designed
especially for university graduates. ITI's
Included in an ITI student's
tuition is the use of an IBM ThinkPad notebook computer, all text books,
computer programs, registration fees, Internet account, and use of their
CD ROM and Computer Based Training (CBT) library.
Here is what some of their students/clients are saying about ITI. "What ITI offers is clearly a solution for business and for companies like ourselves, and more importantly, for our customers that hire ITI grads." John Wetmore, President and CEO
Samantha Tim, ITI graduate,
International Connections
Consulting talked with the Marketing Assistant, Giambattista Pace for Scuola
Leonardo da Vinci about the school and what makes it a unique program.
For starters, Scuola Leonardo has campuses in three of the most famous
historical world centers-- Florence, Rome, and Siena. All of these
Italian cities are unique in their own right with regards to food, wine,
art, culture, and landscape. In Italy, "everything can change within
a few miles...." This option allows the students to take courses
in the three cities within in one program term. And because the school
is open all year round, and students can be enrolled anywhere from two
weeks to a year, makes it all the better in terms of trotting about Italy.
Since the schools' founding in 1977, the school has prided itself on its teaching staff which is comprised of only the best university graduates in Italy who are specially trained to teach Italian to foreign students. Also, the school is very proud of the fact that they offer their students the possibility to take the Italian Certificates "Firenze" (basic, intermediate, advanced levels) under the supervision of the Accademia Italiana di Lingua (Academy of Italian Language). In the classrooms, Italian is the only language spoken. The school believes that this method promotes a standard for verbal communication from the very beginning, and inevitably enhances the students' confidence. Scuola Leonardo accepts students who are at least 16 years of age and who are very interested in Italian culture and have a strong desire to learn the Italian language. The average age of a Scuola Leonardo student is 25. Of all the courses offered at Scuola Leonardo, the Intensive Plus, among the language courses, is the most sought after. It's popularity can be attributed to the fact that during the six hours per day spent on Italian language a student can combine the group course in the morning and the private lessons in the afternoon. "The real PLUS is that the students choose the subjects in the afternoon classes." Among the cultural courses, the Cooking and Wine courses are the most popular. Scuola Leonardo, in all of its three campuses, affords students with a unique opportunity to learn the language, travel throughout Italy, embrace the culture and learn the art of preparing fine Italian cuisine. Sounds like a winner to me! We would like to thank Mr. Giambattista Pace, Marketing Assistant for providing us with the information for the article. If you would like more information about Scuola Leonardo da Vinci's programs, please contact International Connections Consulting.
Internationally known as a major center of academic excellence in the English-speaking world, Boston is alive with students. Some 250,000 students live, study and have fun in Boston. The atmosphere is youthful, lively and exciting. The cultural life is unparalleled anywhere in America, and its hundreds of pubs, clubs and restaurants are crowded with students from every corner of the world. Pine Manor College is a four-year liberal arts college dedicated to preparing women for roles of inclusive leadership and social responsibility in their work places, families and communities. Education for Inclusive Leadership & Social Responsibility (ILSR) is guided by a definition of inclusive, community-based leadership, which involves the interaction of group members at all levels to motivate, coordinate and sustain efforts to pursue socially responsible common good purposes. The school is located about 20 minutes from Boston which is one of the USA's oldest and most traditional cities. It is the birthplace of the American Revolution. At Pine Manor College, faculty and staff are committed to providing an active, collaborative learning environment where students get involved in the excitement of discovery, creativity and problem solving. Our faculty are in the process of developing an outcomes-based general education program with portfolio assessment. Additionally, traditional advising is being replaced by Mentoring Teams, composed of faculty members, a staff member, an alumna and two peer advisors. These multi-faceted teams encourage each student to personalize her education by matching her own interests, learning style, goals and talents with the appropriate resources available to her both inside and outside the classroom. Our outstanding Internship Program requires every student to participate in an on-site work place experience in her field of interest. Carefully integrated into the curriculum, the internship program allows students to explore career options and prepares them for success in their professional lives. Through internships, service learning, mentoring teams, an integrated curriculum and co-curriculum, Pine Manor students are provided with the guidance and networks necessary to make sound choices about their studies and careers. Manor College English Language Institute is ideal for students looking for a friendly supportive college environment-and it offers exceptional opportunities for someone who wish to transfer to full-time programs. Ms. Rhonda Seidman (RS), Director of Pine Manor College English Language Institute, shares with International Connections Consulting (ICC) why students find their school an ideal environment for learning English. ICC: What is your role at Pine Manor College English Language Institute? How long have you been at the school? (any other background information that you wish to provide). RS: I am the Director of Pine Manor College English Language Institute. I have been the Director since the school began in 1996. Prior to working at this program, I taught and coordinated English programs at a variety of schools and companies. I received a Master's in Education from Harvard University where I focused on second language acquisition, educational technology and administration. ICC: What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend Pine Manor College English Language Institute? What makes Pine Manor College English Language Institute unique? RS: The English Language Institute ( ELI ) is not an outside organization but an integral part of the College. The ELI students are encouraged to participate in activities with the students from the United States. We have a beautiful campus with exceptional facilities and services including: library, several computer centers with free access to e-mail and the internet, language lab, dining hall, residence halls, gymnasium and exercise center. ELI students have access to all these facilities and services. Our campus is located just 8 km -20 minutes from the center of Boston by excellent public transportation. 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? RS: We offer the following programs and courses: Intensive English Program
RS: We accept students from Beginner to Advanced. 16 years old or more. When students arrive, we evaluate their level by a placement test and place them in the appropriate level for them. ICC: What type of student do you accept? What qualities do you look for or consider when deciding to accept a student? RS: We accept students who are serious about studying and learning English and would like to learn about US culture by living on a University campus. ICC: Explain your teaching methodology. RS: We have a student centered approach where all students are encouraged to participate in class. All classes are interactive and dynamic. Our philosophy is that students learn best by applying and practicing the language skills that they learn in class. ICC: Do you offer financial aid, scholarships, or assistance ships to help defray the costs of tuition, room and board? academic scholarships? dance scholarships? If so, what is the eligibility criteria? RS: Students should contact us for scholarship information. ICC: We would like to thank Ms. Rhonda Seidman for the interview. There is so much to do on the campus, the students may be tempted never to leave: Lectures, movies, drama workshops, computer and video workshops, seminars, debates, music, concerts and plays. For the sports enthusiast, the facilities are superb: Soccer and softball fieldsStudents at PMC live in residential housing on campus. Each residence has a student lounge with television and video player, a public telephone and a laundry room. The residence consists of two floors: one for men, the other for women. Each floor consists of: 4 double bedroomsInternational Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Ms. Rhonda Seidman, Director of Pine Manor College English Language Institute and Dr. Gloria Nemerowicz, President of Pine Manor College, for providing all of the material for the article. If you would like to enroll or more information regarding PMCELI, please contact International Connections Consulting. The following are student
testimonials:
" I was astonished when I arrived on campus. It is beautiful, and the people are so friendly. The teachers and staff are really dedicated to the students. They put a lot of time and energy into helping us learn English and making sure we have a good experience here. " I really like being here at PMCELI. The teachers and staff are great. There are a lot of activities here on campus. The campus is beautiful and not far from the center of Boston. If you have never been here, you are really missing something. My internship introduced me to key people in my field. It was also one of the most incredible educational experiences I had at Pine Manor College. What I learned on the job went beyond what I learned in the classroom.
Last year while attending the FEDELE conference in Spain, International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, had the pleasure of visiting Instituto Mediterraneo Sol (IMSOL) in Almunecar (Granada). Ms. Concha Saez, Director at IMSOL and her host, was most gracious to give her a tour of their facility and the nearby beach that allowed you to see some of the other more historical points of interest. The Mayor of Almunecar, Antonio Manuel Rebello Martinez, was also on hand along with several other local dignitaries to expose her and the other conference attendees to a taste of their towns hospitality. They ate at a local restaurant that was also a training facility for future hospitality students. Not only was the food superb but the service was excellent. Ms. Concha Saez (CS), Director at IMSOL, provided Ms. Lewis, ICC, with a host of reasons why a student would want to study at one of their schools. ICC: What is your role at IMSOL? How long have you been at the school? (any other background information that you wish to provide). CS: Imsol is composed of two schools that are entirely dedicated to teaching Spanish to foreigners, one in Granada and another in Almuñécar. I am one of three directors that run the two schools. Both schools are coordinated in such a way that it is possible to study in one of them the whole time or divide the course between the two. My position is that of directing some aspects of the organization of the school together with my partners and marketing; I am also involved in some of the promotional trips. Our centers have been open since October 1992, I joined the company a little later at the end of my studies at the University of Granada which allowed me to dedicate myself to the same field. ICC: What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend the school? CS: The students desire to learn or perfect a new language in a student atmosphere (Granada) and vacation by the sea (Almuñécar) in a region more renowned to Spain. Andalucía is famous for their parties and pleasant temperature. What makes Imsol unique is the family atmosphere of the school, where all the students and professors know each other, and at the same time they learn the language and enjoy some of the cities magic. 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? CS:
The language teachers in IMSOL have superior degrees in Hispanic Philology
in addition to their Teacher Training Certificate CAP. the rest of the
teachers have degrees in their respective specialties (Commercial Spanish,
Literature, etc.). Each student will have at least two teachers during
the course. The group of teachers are coordinated by the Director of the
Institute. Thanks to this and to our methodology together with a process
of total immersion while studying the language in class and using
Here are some of the types of courses we offer Intensive: They are courses of general learning of the Spanish language (4,5 or 6 hours/ day). These courses contain a maximum of 5 or of 10 students per class. DELE: Courses of preparation for the official exam of Spanish in their three levels: Initial, Basic, Superior. Hispanic studies: They are courses for learning the Spanish language by combining it with other cultural aspects of our language.ICC: What is your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance? Age? language proficiency? CS: The approaches for admission depend on the type of course selected. In the courses for adolescents the minimum age is 13 or 14 years old; in the rest of the courses, it is 16 years old. In the courses for professors, the students should have a minimum of the intermediate level of Spanish and also in the specific courses like commercial Spanish, literature, history. ICC: What type of student do you accept? What qualities do you look for or consider when deciding to accept a student? CS: We accept all types of students, with the requirements of those level of Spanish and ages mentioned previously from all nationalities. The main qualities that we expect from the students are that they want to learn our language and about our culture. ICC: Explain your teaching methodology. CS: The teaching will be carried out entirely in Spanish using direct methods and looking for mental associations between the object or concept and the corresponding word or words in Spanish. Vocabulary and grammar are studied and learned using situations which help them to be understood and defined. We emphasis the continual practice in written and spoken language. There will be various exercises to practice different grammatical structures, regular and irregular verbs, dictations, essays, reading with special attention to phonetics and free or controlled conversation in Spanish. All these exercises will be checked by the teachers. Our courses have passed a rigorous exam in order to obtain the CEELE (Quality from the teaching Spanish as a foreign language) that is granted by the University of Alcalá of Hayfields (Madrid) ICC: Do you offer financial aid, scholarships, or assistance ships to help defray the costs of tuition, room and board? academic scholarships? dance scholarships? If so, what is the eligibility criteria? CS: Since our prices are quite competitive in the market we don't offer scholarships to the students. It is possible to receive a discount from 10% to 20% on the courses that he/she attends for groups or for students that repeat our courses. We also offer accommodation and free courses to professors that come accompanied by a group. The student will not pay anything extra for the social program that the school offers daily. ICC: We would
like to thank Ms. Concha Saez for the interview.
Recreational and cultural activities The Albaicín The school in Granada is situated in the Albaicín which is the old Arabic neighborhood of Granada famous for its narrow cobblestone streets and typical Andalusian charm. The Albaicín has been designated as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The main attraction are the many restaurants and terraces where you can sit outside and have something to eat or have a drink with a free tapas. General Activities not included in the Excursions price and additional courses Conferences about literature, art ...Accommodation In an apartment with other IMSOL students
As we venture into the 21st century the demand for well rounded qualified students becomes greater than ever. Not only are we faced with tremendous advances in technology, we are also confronted with the need for well educated and culturally rich businesspeople. At Cavendish College London, they are in a prime position to meet this challenge.
Cavendish College London (CCL) is located in the center of London, United Kingdom in a prestigious building. Offering the worlds most envied arrangement of historic buildings, museums, libraries, galleries, concert halls, restaurants, cafes, London provides an ideal location to study. In order to meet the requirements of the arts, business, and related technology-based education, CCL has designed teaching (word) specifically to meet this requirements. The main building, which is spacious and comfortable, makes it a pleasant environment to work and meet with fellow students. Located close by is the British Museum and London University Library for those desirous of cultural pursuits and wishing to study. Near by public transportation services give the students access to all of London including Britains most renowned provincial cities and sites with historical significance and natural beauty. Mr. Keith Porter (KP), Vice Principal of Cavendish College London, offered International Connections Consulting (ICC) a host of reasons why students should take advantage of their wide selection of courses and programs of study. ICC:
"What is your role at Cavendish College London? How long have you
been at this
KP:
"I am the Vice Principal of the college and have a wide brief. About half
my time is teaching and the other half is spent on marketing and recruitment.
I've been here as a full time member of staff for the
ICC: "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for students to attend Cavendish College London? What makes Cavendish College London unique?" KP: "Cavendish College is a private college - one of the largest in London and all our students are from overseas and are fee paying. UK students would attend a local State college of further education since their fees would be paid by their local education authority whereas they would not if they came here. Most of our students are here by recommendations from friends and acquaintances and the remainder are recruited by agents. A few are simply passers-by who are in London on holiday or are studying English Language courses at other, smaller, colleges and wish to continue their studies in other subject areas. We have about 350 full time and 400 part time students from 70 different countries.They prefer Cavendish College because we offer a wide range of vocational & academic programmes that are simply not available at most other colleges. We also restrict our class sizes so that students receive a great deal of personal support & assistance from the staff. We have a student counseling service to help with personal problems and with accommodation in London." ICC: "Explain the language learning concept." KP: "All students are given a diagnostic English Language paper when they arrive. This helps the teaching staff in identifying those students who may need additional language support. In addition, they are also given an 'English for Academic Purposes' paper which gives us an indication of the level of their study skills. All students are regularly monitored and tested - especially those intending to progress from here to UK University Degree programmes where their level of English must be more advanced. We offer a very wide range of courses - Business Studies, Marketing, Investment & Portfolio Management, Import/Export, Hotel & Catering Management, Travel & Tourism, Tour Guides, Fares & Ticketing, Secretarial Training, Art & Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Fashion, Photography, Special Effects Make Up, Computer Animation, Multi-Media and Website Design, Computer Aoded Design & 3D Modelling, Systems Analysis, and Programming ( Visual Basic & C++) as well as a number of programmes in English as a Foreign Language. All students can attend additional English Language support classes for 2 hours per week if they wish - there is no charge for this." ICC: "What is your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance? Age? language proficiency?" KP: "Students are expected to have completed their secondary education and should be of Upper Intermediate level of English. We do run classes for absolute beginners. For most courses there is no academic minimum requirement. For some of the business studies programmes the professional bodies will have their own entry criteria which normally includes previous work experience." ICC: "What type of student do you accept? What qualities do you look for or consider when deciding to accept a student?" KP: "Students come from a wide educational background and we would look for a positive attitude and also whether a student is likely to benefit from the course. The UK Home Office checks on the attendance of overseas students and we need to be sure of the student's motivation for being here before accepting them. We encourage applications from mature students who may not have traditional academic qualifications." ICC: "Explain your teaching methodology." KP:
"Because many students come from very formal school & college traditions
we have to be a little careful how we approach the teaching process. Students
have to learn quite quickly that they are expected to discuss ideas, present
their own findings and opinions and question much of what they are learning
- many find this difficult at first and trust is necessary otherwise students
feel that they 'lose face' if they admit that they are unsure of something
or do not understand a particular concept. Teaching therefor often begins
in a formal class setting but then students are expected to work on their
projects & assignments in small groups supported by the teaching staff.
The lecturers will normally provide summary handouts and will use a range
of teaching methodology from formal lectures to small group discussions
&
ICC: "We would like to thank Mr. Keith Porter for the interview." International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Mr. Keith Porter, Vice Principal at Cavendish College London and Dr. John Sanders, Principal, for providing all the information for the article. If you would like more information or to enroll, please contact International Connections Consulting (ICC).
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.
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."
A Note from the President
International Connections Consulting (ICC) works 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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