 When a student makes a decision to study away from home, there are many factors that must be considered. One of the main things to take into consideration is location. Geographic location is essential to this choice-not only for the student but also the parents. Travel between their home city/country is extremely important. Living in a safe and family friendly environment can help to make this decision of greater importance. At Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU), the students can feel like they're at a home away from home.
NWMSU is located in Maryville, Missouri. Here is a little background on Maryville. Centered between three metropolitan areas, Omaha, Kansas City and Des Moines, Maryville is a natural choice for relaxation and convenience. A family oriented community, Maryville offers a variety of cultural, entertainment, and athletic events as well as hunting and fishing through out the year. With 10 city parks, several small ponds, two lakes, a handful of conservation areas, the State of Missouri Arboretum, and an award winning18-hole championship golf course, Maryville offers many options. Founded more than 150 years ago, Maryville has become the commercial, educational and entertainment center for the region with events such as fairs, auto shows and rodeos. The historic Nodaway County Courthouse (built in 1882) islocated on the downtown square and is surrounded by antique and craft stores, jewelers, florists, video shops, styling salons, unique specialty shops and traditional services that give friendly, helpful service. The ESL Program at NMSU offers small, high-quality English classes in a very pleasant, friendly academic environment. Here you can improve your overall English language skills, meet new friends, gain a deeper understanding of American culture, prepare for academic study in the United States, study and share experiences with individuals from different parts of the world, and immerse yourself in U.S. life. Ms. Nancy Hardee at Northwest Missouri State University provided International Connections Consulting (ICC) with some additional information regarding the programs at NWMSU.. ICC: "What is your role at Northwest State University? How long have you been at the school? (any other background information that you wish to provide)." NWMSU: "I teach in Northwest Missouri State University's intensive English program. I have been a part of the Northwest family for eight years, and I have been active with the International Student Organization and other international concerns on campus." ICC: "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend Northwest Missouri State University? What makes Northwest Missouri State University unique?" NWMSU: "Northwest Missouri State University is not just another university. It is a gem in the "Heart of the Midwest" that is being discovered by more and more international students every year. Students find their way here and then they stay because Northwest provides the highest quality education available for the lowest price. This is in large part because we are a teaching university rather than a research university, with all classes taught by dedicated and caring teachers, not graduate students. The moderate size and rural location of Northwest make it unique. Located in a small city in Northwest Missouri, but near several large cities (KansasCity, Omaha, and Des Moines), students have access to all conveniences and innovations, but live and study in a pleasant, clean, safe, and low pressure environment." 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?" NWMSU: "Northwest is a full service university, offering an intensive English Program, bachelors, masters, and specialist degrees. Students who need English preparation can study in the intensive English program and step directly into their undergraduate or graduate program. The variety and quality of programs enhance the learning experience because those programs have depth and substance equal to that of larger universities. Some of the popular courses of study offered at Northwest are Biology, Business,Finance, Computer Science, Music and Education among many others. Masters of Arts and Science degrees are offered as well as MBA's." ICC: "What are your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance? Age? Language proficiency?" NWMSU: "For the intensive English program, students must be high school graduates and fulfill the visa requirement of having sufficient financial support for one year of study. To be accepted to undergraduate study at Northwest, students need to have these requirements plus at least a 2.0 grade point average on their college preparatory courses in high school and at least 173 CBT (500 PBT) on the TOEFL. Graduate students need a bachelors degree, a 2.5 GPA, a GRE or GMAT score, and a TOEFL of 213 CBT (550 PBT)." ICC: "What type of student do you accept? What qualities do you look for or consider when deciding to accept a student?" NWMSU: We accept all types of students who meet the basic entrance requirements. We actively promote diversity and multiculturalism on campus, so we encourage students from every part of the world to apply. We currently have students from over 50 countries." ICC: "Explain your teaching methodology." NWMSU: "Northwest's teaching methodology at all levels involves leading students to be independent learners so that they may continue learning and growing throughout their lives. All teachers and classes aim to help students learn to solve problems, think critically and creatively, work in teams, communicate well, and grow personally and socially as well as to master their subject thoroughly." ICC: "Do you offer financial aid, scholarships, or assistantships to help defray the costs of tuition, room and board? Academic scholarships? Dancescholarships? If so, what are the eligibility criteria?" NWMSU: "While Northwest's prices are very competitive, there are some scholarships for international students who are not enrolled in the intensive English program. These are available based on GPA after a student has transferred to Northwest or has been enrolled at least one semester. There are also some competitive departmental and athletic scholarships and campus employment opportunities. In addition, graduate students may apply with their department for assistantships." ICC: "We would like to thank Ms. Nancy Hardee for the interview." The English as a Second Language Program (ESL) offers intensive Englishcourses to non-native speakers of English to improve their language skills, primarily for academic reasons. There are five sessions per year, beginningin January, late February or March, June, August, and October. Sessions are about seven or eight weeks long. The Program offers Small classes:
When students arrive for each session, the school gives them a placement test. Then they design classes to meet the students needs and ability level. Classes may be beginning, low-intermediate, high-intermediate or advanced level. During each session, the student will study grammar using a comprehensive computer program, TOEFL preparation, listening and speaking, reading, and writing. Classes start at 9 a.m. and go to 3 or 4 p.m. each day, Monday through Thursday. On five Fridays during the session, you will have a practice TOEFL test, and at the end of the session, the student will take the institutional TOEFL. In addition, the ESL Program sponsors at least one educational or recreational excursion during each session. Trips they have offered in the past include the world class Omaha Zoo, historic Nebraska City, Old West museums of St. Joseph, Worlds of Fun amusement park, and museums and shopping in Kansas City. NWMS hopes future students will come and join them! International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Ms. Nancy Hardee at Northwest Missouri State University for providing all of the information for the article. To learn more about NMSU and to enroll, please contact International Connections Consulting. Student Testimonials:
In today's global environment,
the need for a wide variety of tailor made courses to meet the needs of
today's current and future business people is becoming an essential ingredient
for success in any field. Combining this with learning the Spanish
language allows our future generation to compete in any specialty.
Sociedad Hispano Mundial (SHM), located in the Conference and Exhibition Center (Palacio de Congresos) in Granada, Spain, has what it takes to prepare their students for the new millenium. Their motto is "Aprender para Crecer" (Learning for Growth). Fully equipped with the latest technology and only minutes from the city's center, SHM provides comfortable, modern, air-conditioned/heated classrooms, audio-visual equipment, a student library and self-access center. SHM's location caters to everyone from the family to the diplomat. Concerts and political events are held in the Conference and Exhibition Center throughout the year which provides a wonderful atmosphere for cultural enrichment and observing Spanish Politics. In addition, SHM can arrange various Internships in related fields to enhance their clients learning experience. Located near by is the Sierra Navada and the beach. Whether your fancy is skiing in the mountains or relaxing on the beach, SHM provides excursions that allow you to mix both worlds within the shortest distance. There is something for the whole family-sightseeing in some of the cities famous landmarks, skiing in the mountains, swimming at the beach or "just living Spanish." Mr. Jose Antonio Ruiz Cantero
(JC), Director of Sociedad Hispano Mundial, was on hand for an interview
with ICC's President, Tasha Lewis, outside the famous La Alhambra castle
in Granada, Spain in October during the FEDELE conference.
ICC: "What is your role at SHM? How long have you been at the school?" JC:
"I am the founder and director of Sociedad Hispano Mundial. I have nearly
17 years´ experience in foreign language teaching. SHM has
been working as it is now for 5 years. Before opening SHM I was a
teacher of Spanish as a Foreign Language, Director of an International
School (bilingual) and Education
ICC: "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend SHM? What makes SHM unique?" JC: "I could mention many reasons I am very proud to offer to the students, such as the high quality language teaching, our enthusiastic and well qualified teachers ( all of them with post-graduate qualifications), the wide range of activities outside the class, our comfortable and well located facilities, our excellent accommodation service, our total quality control, the many prizes and awards we have been given by national and international bodies, etc. But what I consider most unique at SHM is our focus on the individual. Our main objective is to encourage and facilitate one´s personal development and so enhance one´s quality of life. The most important thing for us is the student as a person, we like people, and the students can feel it. In our school our students are our friends." ICC: "What type of courses do you offer?" JC: "We offer general Spanish Courses (Vacation Courses) with activities, Spanish for specific purposes programs (Legal and Political Spanish, Business Spanish, Spanish Literature and Spanish Civilization and Culture), Hispanic Studies Course for university students (to get credits for their universities) and a Teacher Training Program for people who want to become teachers of Spanish as a Foreign Language with the internationally recognised OCR Certificate (Oxford, Cambridge, Royal Society of Arts). To enhance the learning experience we include in our courses a program of activities which goes from visiting monuments, to tapas tour, learning flamenco or salsa, and learning to play Flamenco on the guitar. On the other hand, as we have many Spanish students, the foreign students are immediately in contact with Spanish ones. We also provide all kinds of accommodations, from very well selected families to hotels. All the students have access to our library, where they can borrow books or audio-visual materials and they can have free access to Internet. There is also a continuous Information Service to the students and a 24 hour telephone service to help them while they stay with us. Don´t forget that Granada has activities that go on 24 hours a day in the city with more than 60,000 students!" ICC: "What is your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance?" JC: "In the case of the Vacation Courses, we accept individual students from 16; and in the case of groups, we also accept younger ones. The groups are divided into children, teenagers and adults. For these courses we always have all levels available, so the level is not a problem (from beginners to advanced). In the case of Spanish for Specific Courses, the students must have a minimum of intermediate level. For the Teacher Training Program, the students must have university studies, minimum of two years at the university, and a very good knowledge of Spanish." ICC: "What type of students do you accept? What qualities do you look for or consider when deciding to accept a student?" JC: "Basically, what we look for in the students is their motivation to learn Spanish and to integrate within the Spanish culture. We usually have students, professionals, teachers, and diplomats, etc." ICC: "Explain your teaching methodology." JC:
"Being a Teacher Training Centre, we are always fully updated in
all methodologies and teaching techniques. We are ready to use any methodology
to fulfill our students´ needs. But, in general, it is the
ICC: "Do you offer financial aid, scholarships or assistantships to help defray the costs of tuition, room and board? Academic scholarships? Dance scholarships?If so, what are the eligibility criteria?" JC: "Unfortunately we can not offer any financial aid. But we know we are helping the students with our cheap prices. For what we offer, in the courses plus the activities, any student would pay at least 25% more in other schools. In the case of dance classes, we offer them for free in our activities program and if there are students who are really interested in this, they can have two more dance lessons a week for free as well." ICC: "Ms. Lewis would like to thank Mr. Jose Antonio Ruiz Cantero for the interview." International Connections
Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Mr. Cantero and
all of the staff at Sociedad Hispano Mundial for the material for this
article and for their generous and thoughtful hospitality while she was
in Granada, Spain in October. If you would like to enroll or more
information regarding any of their courses or Sociedad Hispano Mundial,
please contact International Connections
Testimonies from students. These are only some testimonies from our students; but we have a long list for people who require it before making the decision to come to SHM. We provide their e-mail so that they can contact them. "Sociedad Hispano Mundial is more than a school... it´s a family. The staff is very supportive and offer fun excursions outside of the classroom. The classes are excellent: the professors always teach according to the needs of the student, are flexible and very dedicated to the goals of each person. The teaching method is active and effective, the environment friendly... Come to SHM!" "Sociedad Hispano Mundial has offered me a great environment in order to learn the language and experience the life and culture of Spain. The method of instruction is effective and intensive and also very enjoyable. The teachers are excellent and always aware of the needs of the students" “My experience at SHM opened so many doors to me it is incredible. I had the opportunity to not only learn Spanish, but also to be exposed to the rich culture and history of Granada. Through the staff, teachers and host family, I was made to feel confortable and at home. We studied and then applied those studies by participating in cultural events, it was a lot of fun! I believe that SHM had an incredible positive impact on my life and it changed the course of my life. I do miss My Granada!"
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.
Whether your an artist looking for the perfect ambiance and environment for your next masterpiece or a future scholar trying to learn Spanish and have a fabulous vacation simultaneously, Hispanica Colegio Internacional will provide with everything you need to obtain your desired objective. Overlooking the Mediterranean sea with a breathtaking view of hills and mountains, Hispanica Colegio Internacional (HCI) is situated on a cliff on the outskirts of Nerja. HCI gives new meaning to an exhilarating learning experience. The school provides a quiet and peaceful setting to enjoy a historic town while staying in a hotel/school that caters to all of your desires for a luxurious accommodations and elegance. There are seven terraces, each with its own unique ambiance and character. This is a perfect site for the selective and discriminating client who wants the best at value prices. Not only will the students learning experience be enhanced by this ideal environment but their stay will be unforgettable. In addition to providing high quality accommodations and location, HCI's hotel has a sauna and Jacuzzi in their basement. So after classes, sightseeing, swimming and getting a tan, the student can just relax and get ready for the next day. Hispanica Colegio Internacional would be an ideal location for a wedding, honeymoon or even a location shoot for a commercial, movie or video. Mr. Enrique Caro Bernal,
Director of Hispánica Colegio Internacional, was only to happy
to give International Connections Consulting a host of reasons why his
school makes the grade.
ICC: "What is your role at Hispanica Colegio Internacional? How long have you been at the school?" HCI: "I am Enrique Caro Bernal, Director of Hispánica Colegio Internacional. The school was founded in 1985." ICC: "What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend Hispanica Colegio Internacional? What makes Hispanica Colegio Internacional unique?" HCI: "The most compelling reason for a student to attend Hispánica:
HCI: "Courses and programmes that we offer: Course A (ING) 4 lessons per day, max. 10 students per class
from Monday to Friday: 08.30 a.m. - 02.30 p.m. Levels: all Minimum stay: 2 weeks Course C (PHS) Private course with ad lib hours Course D (SIHS) Semi-individual Course with ad lib hoursAdditional information: As the courses are intensive and involve the complete immersion of the student in participating for a concentrated period of time, they are short in duration. Although there are other courses, our typical standard courses are organized in full cycles of his choice. Minimum enrolment is for one two-week cycle and we recommend participation in two two-week cycles in order to achieve a substantial command of the material. For those wishing to take full advantage of all facets of the method we recommend the full 4 hour-cycle programme of 8 weeks.Special courses for professionals: Those experts active in the various professions, in which the knowledge of the Spanish language is essential in today's world and in the future, such as translators of the variousOur social programme: In addition to the normal course work and daily classes, no effort will be spared to make the student feel at home and among friends and to overcome those difficulties that sometimes beset the student of a foreign language in a foreign country. We take every step to develop familiar, friendly and relaxed relationship between all the members of the college, a characteristic of which we are very proud.
HCI: "The minimum age accepted at our school: 16 years. We do not ask for a special type of student or qualities. On the first day each student has to take a written test and after we will know the exact level, and we can, in this way, make a classification easily." ICC: "Explain your teaching methodology." HCI: "Our teaching methodology: HISPANICA'S method is cyclical in nature and is organized to accomplish fluency in three inter-related stages:
From the beginning, the student is immersed in a truly Spanish atmosphere. To further the aim of perfection through constant practice, radio cassette recorders could be provided for private study periods. The text and conversation books will be provided to all students as a part of the programme. Frequent video sessions will give you extra opportunities to practise, learn and discuss. All are university educated and specially trained in our method. They have had vast experience in teaching Spanish for foreign students, are endowed with distinguished linguistic qualifications and pedagogic abilities, and have been selected on the basis of their personalities and qualifications in addition to their ability to work closely and effectively in assisting each student to reach his or her individual goals."
HCI: "We are afraid we do not offer any kind of financial aid or scholarships." ICC: "We would like to thank Mr. Enrique Caro Bernal for the interview." HISPANICA offers credits according to different programmes organized by some colleges in California. International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Mr. Enrique Caro Bernal, Director of Colegio Internacional, Mrs. Bernal and staff for their hospitality during her visit in October 1999 during the FEDELE Conference. If you would like to enroll or more information regarding HCI, please contact International Connections Consulting. Some testimonies: HISPANICA is...the creation of a total experience. Overall my experience at HISPANICA was a wonderful in almost every way and I will remember it fondly forever. The care and attention given each student is very special and makes HISPANICA a unique and special place... There is no way I can express in words or thank everyone enough for this meaningful experience! You have created a magical place in which to share the language and culture of Spain. Centro Linguistico Internazionale Sorrento Lingue
Centro
Linguistico Internazionale Sorrento Lingue in Italy offers you a wide
variety of courses to enhance your future learning experience
Located in a 16th century palazzo in the dramatic seaside town of Sorrento, Centro Linguistico Internazionale Sorrento Lingue (Sorrento Lingue) aims to be the premier center for excellence in international education and language studies. Open all year round, they specialize in innovative and creative programs. Recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, Sorrento Lingue maintains the highest standards of quality and integrity in its courses and programs. They are committed to offering students, educators and universities alike a rich, immersive experience in language and culture. Perched on a high plateau, Sorrento is the Italy of our imagination. It's easy to see why Sorrento, with its luxuriant vegetation and sun-drenched climate, became a favorite resort of wealthy Romans. A cliff-top setting, an imposing cathedral in the main piazza, a Franciscan church with a distinctive 13th-century cloister, and a charming, flower-filled town draws thousands of modern-day visitors as well. Sorrento stands on a dramatic line of 150-foot cliffs, looking north across the Bay of Naples. It was originally a Greek village whose name was derived from the mythical song of the mermaids. The very position of the town, built on a high plateau protected by the sea, is typically Greek. According to early Greek legend, it was at Sorrento that Ulysses heard the tempting song of the Sirens, the nymphs who labored long hours to seduce and shipwreck passing sailors. Sorrento is your gateway to the romantic island of Capri, a magical place where, from the depths of the Tyrrhenian Sea, magnificent white cliffs rise to cradle a beautiful, jewel-like town. It's also your way to the historic city of Pompeii, which offered the world its first glimpse into ancient Roman life. Sorrento is perfect for study and fun! International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, had the pleasure of meeting up with Titanya Hughes (TH), on-site Educational Marketing Consultant for Sorrento Lingue, again after meeting her at a conference in Virginia this past March along with Barbara Russo, General Manager for Sorrento Lingue during their visit to the USA in June. Titanya and Barbara shared many of the interesting facts about Sorrento and Sorrento Lingue. ICC: What is your role at Centro Linguistico Internazionale Sorrento Lingue? TH: Within any international institution, your role gets defined and re-defined on the basis of need, changes and expectations and often times, in response to the global economy, the international market and the myriad of global and international events that can change the dynamic of the organization, the market, the preferences of the students, etc. With that said, my role at Sorrento Lingue is an on-site educational marketing consultant. Sorrento Lingue contracted my company T.A.G. Marketing International, Inc. (www.tagmarketinginc.com) earlier this year to maximize operational efficiencies which will support and grow their current student base, to identify new markets for which to sell their language school and then to implement new courses, programs and packages to cater to the new markets. My role also includes helping the school stay marketable amid growing competition, so i do a lot of research on product, pricing and packaging. Additionally, we have re-branded their product and have only begun to target new markets by which to present this new image. Finally, we are developing a series of academic programs that are specific to the Campania region (where Sorrento is located) by which (generally U.S. college students or graduating high school seniors are looking to take courses abroad for credit) Recently, we created an Archaeology courses which concentrates on the ruins of Pompeii, Ercolano, Versuvius, Paestum, Herculaneum, etc. We have also designed a Marine Biology course and an Italian Culinary Arts course giving diversity to Sorrento Lingue's already rich Italian language program. ICC: How long have you been at the school? (any other background information that you wish to provide). TH: I officially transferred on-site to Sorrento in February, 2003. However, I learned of this school in August, 2002 and was really quite impressed with the mission and the vision of the Director (Cristiana Panicco). I am glad that I transferred on-site as I feel an incredible energy. I truly believe this school will soon emerge as one of the leading Italian language schools in the market and I am estatic tpart of it. ICC: What in your opinion is the most compelling reason for a student to attend Centro Linguistico Internazionale Sorrento Lingue? What makes Centro Linguistico Internazionale Sorrento Lingue unique? TH: To answer this question accurately, I would have to say there are many different reasons and this school is not for everyone. How can I paint an un-biased picture of the school? I live and work in Sorrento and I came from New York to be here. This alone is a great basis for bias. But I will try to answer that. First, unlike many language schools in the world but especially in Italy, this school has a very diverse product base. Sorrento Lingue's most significant products are:
From this standpoint, Sorrento Lingue offers something for everyone. Second, at Sorrento Lingue quality and service are the hallmarks of its courses and programs, with the personal success of every single student coming to Sorrento Lingue being our primary aim. Sorrento Lingue endeavours to offe possible quality at the best possible price - a principle which has made them one of Italy's leading language schools. Additionally, the sheer beauty of the landscape in-between emerald seas and green cliffs, the infinite allure of historical sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum, the warmth of the weather during the greater part of the year, is what makes the Sorrentine peninsula and Sorrento Lingue the ideal destination for students, professional, retired people and business travelers to learn Italian and Italian culture while enjoying the richness of this historical landscape. Most students, in fact, people could not ask for much more. I must also say, that the Director of the school (Cristiana Panicco) is one of the most forward-thinking, passionate people that I have met and is prepared mentally and physically to grow the school according to its anticipated influx of new students, partners, agencies, etc. without COMPROMISING its original values and its number one focus - the student and the entire study abroad experience. ICC: Explain some of the programs that you offer? TH:: SORRENTO LINGUE OFFERS: · Italian language and cultural instruction to foreigners · English, German, French, and Spanish courses for Italians · Internships for students seeking to incorporate their language training in a professional environment · Partnerships with universities, including hosting and academic support services · Conferences and seminars on international education and foreign language instruction for university administrators and teachers How does this enhance he learning experience for your students? The student learning experience is enhanced because the course offering is always in response to student needs. At Centro Linguistico Internazionale Sorrento Lingue, many students can feel very challenged and stimulated however, relaxed and appreciated. ICC: What types of courses do you offer? TH:: The most recent addition to our courses are:
ICC: What is your criteria for evaluating a student for acceptance? Age? language proficiency? TH: Sorrento Lingue has no language requirements for a student to get accepted into our program, but for students traveling to Sorrento to take our classes under the age 18 must have a parents consent, or be accompanied by a parent or teacher or with a group. ICC: What type of student do you accept? TH: We accept all types of students. From 18 year University students to retired professionals, housewives to executives and dignitaries and ambassadors to children accompanying parents interested in study at Sorrento Lingue. ICC: What qualities do you look for or consider when deciding to accept a student? TH: Sorrento Lingue's mission is to bring the school and all of its programs to all people desiring to learn another language and study abroad, as well as Sorrento Lingue desires to eventually bring its product and programs all over the world with state of the art online courses, as well as on-site language immersion seminars and conferences. So the only quality I can think of, is will. Those who have the will to dare to do something that will enhance their life, are usually the school's most desired customer. ICC: Explain your teaching methodology. TH: Sorrento Lingue's Italian language courses are divided into six levels consistent with the criteria of the Council of Europe: Beginner (I), Elementary (II), Pre-Intermediate (III), Intermediate (IV), Upper Intermediate (V), and Advanced (VI). If a student has previous Italian language experience, a test will be administered in the beginning of the course to determine placement. Each level lasts fours weeks. At the end of each level, students will have the opportunity to take an examination accreditated by The European Language Certificates (TELC) for an additional fee. Courses are practical, stimulating and interactive, with teaching materials not only from textbooks but also taken from everyday life (i.e., articles from newspapers and magazines, videos and tapes) to build a contemporary and relevant understanding of the language. The overall objective is to enable students to communicate effectively in Italian, to confront the most important daily situations confidently, and to be able to interact with Italians and express one's ideas. In addition to classroom instruction, the Sorrento Lingue community offers students the opportunity to practice their language skills. Because Sorrento Lingue also teaches foreign languages to Italians, students are exposed to Italian native speakers on a daily basis. Whether it's a casual encounter in the hallway or a school-organized event, students are in an environment which encourages conversation and interaction. This is not only the perfect way to learn the language, but also to develop life-long friendships with Italians. We believe this is one of the biggest advantages of the Sorrento Lingue experience. 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? TH: Unfortunately, in this moment, Sorrento Lingue is not able to offer scholarships or financial assistance to students looking to study abroad and learn a language at our school. However, we do offer discounts to returning students and special promotion offers. For example, this summer our promotional offer is one free week of classes when students come for a month with a friend. But, the response to scholarships Sorrento Lingue is very much working to partner with major Italian organizations like NIAF and Order Sons of Italy to find ways to help sponsor a student in response or gain an endowment of sorts or a grant to begin to implement this much needed aspect of study abroad and foreign language education - to try to assist deserving students who otherwise would study abroad but because of financial setbacks cannot. We are working hard on this. Hopefully the solution will be soon. ICC: We would like to thank Ms. Titanya Hughes for the interview. Sorrento Lingue offers a range of accommodation depending on your personal preferences. Accommodation is normally available from the Sunday before courses start until the Saturday after they finish. They ask that you book your accommodation as early as possible to avoid disappointment (especially in summer months) and they will send you full details approximately two weeks before your course starts. OPTIONS FOR ACCOMMODATION INCLUDE: HomeStay/Families
Shared student
flat Residence Hotels Cinema Theater Music Religious Festivals
Water Sports
Shopping A Day in Capri
& Ischia A Glimpse Of
The Amalfi Coast A Taste Of Naples
A View Of Pompeii
Sorrento Lingue's professional development seminars offer SEVERAL options and can be conducted in both English and Italian. The objective of the seminars are advanced through homestays, excursions, guest lectures and interaction with local professionals as well as immersive language instruction. In our highly intensive seminars, students are asked to seek and build on the cultural and linguistic connections between seminars and local surroundings. Seminar objectives
include: 1. TEACHERS OF
ITALIAN Our seminars provide an immersion in Italian culture and language, as well as the opportunity to gain hands-on experience as an Italian language instructor in a simulated teaching environment. Seminars include a part of theory and practice that includes teaching Italian and watching professional teachers of Italian actually teaching in a real-life teaching environment. Students gain professional teaching methods, didactic and hands-on professional development in teaching skills, and experience in our historical Italian life from the perspective of a student as well as a working professional. 2. BUSINESS 3. ARCHAEOLOGY Program begins
with a field trip to Pompeii, Italy: 4. CINEMA This seminar is designed for those who have a passion and/or professional interest in Italian cinema. This professional development seminar aims not only at providing knowledge of contemporary Italian cinema, but also at improving the student's general knowledge of the Italian language on the basis of the didactic principle that the things that interest us are much more easily assimilated. Seminars are particularly structured to focus on cinematic movement, on a director or in a particular work, the course can focus entirely on one topic. Cristiana Panicco, Director of Centro Linguistico Internazionale Sorrento Lingue, has a passion for learning and teaching foreign languages and has provided countless students with the opportunity to learn another language at her school. Cristiana has put her understandings of students, diverse culture and language learning to work for a diverse range of students, teachers and professionals. International Connections Consulting's President, Tasha Lewis, would like to thank Titanya Hughes (TH), on-site Educational Marketing Consultant for Sorrento Lingue, and Barbara Russo, General Manager for Sorrento Lingue for supplying all of the material for the article. If you would like to enroll or more information, please contact International Connections Consulting. SORRENTO LINGUE STUDENT COMMENTS Sorrento Lingue
was the best language program I've ever completed. The teachers are
very knowledgeable and helpful and everyone is very kind. Thank you,
Sorrento Lingue for a wonderful stay in Sorrento!!!! The course
and the teachers were excellent and covered exactly what I had hoped
for. I would love to come back to study here again. Sorrento Lingue
was a very nice experience for me. The teachers have so much enthusiasm,
it's the best environment for learning I've ever seen.. For most of
us learning seems difficult. It is just too hard to pursue something
where you hardly ever have the answers. No one likes to be wrong!
No one likes to feel stupid! The minute you do have the answer, the
teacher likes to move on to something you don't know. That's why the
most important thing is building confidence in students so they can
express themselves. Information can always be found in a book, but
self-esteem is only available through good teachers. This is something
that most teachers seem to have absolutely no knowledge of. Thank
goodness for Sorrento Lingue!
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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French
doors open onto an outdoor dining terrace with beautiful sea views serving
breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and at night, fine dining by candlelight.
Refresh in their beach side swimming pool or relax in a hammock shaded
between palm trees. Complimentary kayaks or mountain bikes are available.