THE ART OF LEARNING TO PLAY BASKETBALL-THE BRANDON ADAMS WAY
By Dynamic Sports Management, Inc. Staff and ICC Staff

Giving 100% to any activity is the goal of any educator in any subject matter whether you are an athlete or soon to be scholar. Mastery encompasses what Brandon Adams envisioned for his company, Dynamic Sports Management (DSM), Inc.

Brandon Adams started playing basketball on competitive teams when he was in 8th grade. When he was younger, he was taller than everyone else and was constantly asked if he was a basketball player, which created in him, an animosity toward the sport. Then he learned that he could go to college for free on a basketball scholarship and that was motivating enough for him. His mother was always supportive taking him to all the practices and nurturing him after disappointing games. While Brandon knew he had the ability to be a professional basketball player, he was negatively affected by the lack of support from mentors and was also very motivated by his natural desire to be a businessman.

Both of these factors provided Brandon with the motivation to create a personal training program that has revolutionized the methods of teaching basketball. This training as well as many other programs and activities are offered through Brandon's company, Dynamic Sports Management, Inc. (DSM).

At DSM, an athlete of any age or skill level (elementary to professional) is trained in a one-on-one environment through a prescriptive developmental technology known as the Principle Oriented System of Training (P.O.S.T.). This technology allows a player to grow at their own pace in an environment that is challenging, nurturing and supportive to the individual's needs. The P.O.S.T. technology encompasses over 150 skills that are layered as building blocks to master physical movement, intellectual understanding, and styles of emotion.

Additionally, DSM offers mini clinics, tournaments, and the opportunity to join one of the Dynamic Sports University Leagues.

Mr. Brandon Adams (BA), Founder, President and CEO of Dynamic Sports Management (DSM), Inc. was on hand to give International Connections Consulting's (ICC) staff an up-close look at his company and its philosophy.

BA: "The purpose of my program became academics, athletics, and attitude - congruently nurturing the Mind - intellectually, Body - physically and Soul - spiritually/emotionally. All of those paradigms exist with fundamental principals. Everyone has distinctions of leadership, such as love versus fear. People tend to fear what they do not know or understand I began using those types of concepts with our athletes to help them work through their own barriers as to why they do or don't take risks. We realize that in an academic, athletic, and attitude environment, you have to have a balance. This translates to intellectually, physically and emotionally and then mind, body and soul. With respect to basketball, it is the same thing on an intellectual and emotional level. This allows the athlete to better articulate what they are going through. For example, "I got an F on my test today. That is really what is bothering me and what I am focused on. My Mom is going to really be upset with me."

I try to build really strong relationships with the athletes, so that the relationship becomes the reason why we are there and the vehicle that we are using is basketball. Indirectly, as a result, their participation in basketball becomes the method of improving our relationship because the athlete wants to please their mentor, friend and teacher. I have found that that has been stronger than anything else."

ICC: "It is great hearing about the trainer-student relationship. Can we also hear a little more about your teaching philosophy?"

BA: "We come to have a perspective together and a place of growth. That is the intellectual/emotional side. The physical side goes a little deeper into what we are actually teaching. That is where I became a technician and really begin to look at some of the most successful basketball players in the world. Who are they? How do they think?

Physically, I can jump just as high as the shortest NBA player, run just as fast as the slowest NBA player, and am as strong as the weakest NBA player. So the only difference between me and any other player was the quality of my thinking and my body's ability to adapt successfully to this critical thinking. My ability to focus on any task, to draw on intellectual resources (What does the coach and my team want from me? What has my past experience taught me?) and then be able to make split-second successful decisions like a trained martial artist.

In addition, I took a look at other businesses/vehicles where people were successful. What were their habits? What were the things that really moved them?

Those elements became the physical aspects of the basketball side. I realized that there was a system already in place. I needed to come up with or develop a system of movements, just like teaching the piano where you train the student to play scales before they can really be good. Creating these building blocks of physical movement skills will give students the proper theory and foundation to be able to do something great with basketball.

Before I founded DSM, I used to teach math and college calculus. I came up with this system of doing 4th grade math multipication tables with 9s and 12s. Once the student understands the system, they will never get it wrong. And this system style becomes a building block for them to go on to the next level.

The whole academic curriculum is set up along those lines. Basketball is set up in the same way. Once I understood that there were four fundamental roots, I started building on them. For example, people who were uncoordinated initially would leave coordinated. Similar to someone practicing playing the piano, your left and right hand would be operating independently of each other eventually. This allowed me to be able to separate the players thought patterns. Subsequently, the foot works well with the hands and the hands would work well with the core and the core then works well with the shoulders. This becomes the interdependent relationship that gives total freedom to any player.

Any player can look like anybody. I can drill students like a martial artist trains in the dojo or any simulation. Now, all of a sudden this person is competitive. If you can't get past those fundamental roots, then you will never make it to competitive levels. There may be barriers, but my teaching and instruction will discover them over time. If the student is unable to do their own self discovery, then they will not grow or progress as fast. My modus operandi became enabling people to break through those risk factors. Most people don't want to take risk. For example, while playing golf recently, I was tired of being corrected from my golf instructor. I told him to allow me to hit the ball again and see if there was any improvement. I got lucky and hit the ball some distance, which silenced my trainers thoughts that I did not understand his lessons.

In the end, I apologized to him because I was unaware of how I had completed that task with those results. I realized that I didn't have enough repetition or self discovery time to know how I had accomplished the hit. Repetition breeds success. You have to have enough self discovery time to come to those "Ah-ha moments." That is where basketball and academic instruction come into play. My desire is that the student will understand the theory behind your accomplishments. For example, if you understand why 2+2=4, then that will lead you to understand that 4 + 2 = 6.

That's the theory that I teach. It is even used by NBA players. They draw from their historical success experiences. Another comparison is related to chess. A pattern is established that can be studied and adjusted according to the player's subconscious mind. We deal with that based on the fact that all habits are formed by the subconscious mind. This level of thinking will eventually lead to independent actions. Then we operate on auto pilot. The quality of this style of thinking is what I work toward."

ICC: "Wow, that is such a great analogy. A whole new way of thinking about the sport of basketball."

BA: "Furthermore, if I can program your subconscious routines to recognize things and make the right decisions, then people will recognize their behavior patterns by comparing the player to other professional styles (Jordan/Kobe/etc.) whoever it might be. Others will be excited about their level of playing and desire them to be on their teams. Or they would like to come back and watch them play because of their performance.

The definition I use of a fan is someone who enjoys the work that the player is exhibiting on a particular task. The spectator could admire it for a few reasons. One, they would like to emulate the player's skills. Two, they realize that their own experience with the sport could be enhanced by dedicating more time to the sport. Finally, some people are just drawn to the sport itself and are in a dreamland.

It all boils down to your skills and talents. I believe that I was not as skillful as I was talented as a basketball player. Had I invested more time skillfully, I could have gone further in collegiate basketball. I could have played overseas. If I had put the right programming into my subconscious in order to recognize certain things on the court, I would be able to address any situation with confidence and aggression, which is the essence of the sport. I didn't have that. I am more skillful than talented at the piano. I don't have an ear for music. I am able to function skillfully within this arena based on theories and notes. My current level of golfing is as a beginner. However, eventually with time, it will be determined whether my skill level is only from training or also due to my talent.

This is the model that we would like for basketball players who may not be 6'5 at age 13, but 4'11. They can build off of the theory of the game versus their athletic ability due to a physical advantage. That is my job in basketball and that is the reason that DSM is committed to our programming sequence. I need a player to recognize this and build a relationship with me. From that relationship, we use the vehicle of basketball to express our concerns for each other.

Someone said "Character is who we are when no one is looking." With DSM's methods, self discovery naturally occurs with committed students. As the student's training evolves, they create good subconscious habits on the court as well as in the rest of their lives. Good character is a natural end result. Building a relationship with the parents is just as important. They learn to count on me, which is a reputation that I take pride in maintaining. It takes a village to raise a child and I enjoy doing my small part. The parents can be assured that I am interested in the overall development of their child. Add to that the disciplines that we instill on the court, whether male or female, the student will take these disciplines of that vehicle called basketball and apply it to any area of their lives.

Nourishing areas of life other than basketball is very important to me, as well as for my students. Proper training can help maintain a balance in the student's life preventing an obsession with basketball. DSM's goal isn't just about basketball, but offering a vehicle of discipline that creates harmony of the mind, body and soul, thus preventing neglect in other areas of life.

If a student shows neglect for academics, it is important to foster that area for them. If they show an extreme on their emotional side, then DSM can gear the training on developing an avenue to use that energy in the proper way on the court. Additionally, it is vital to offer the proper physical training with a focus on preventing injury. I have suffered a knee injury that affects my game. I tend to play basketball attempting to keep other players from my knee. With DSM's one-on-one training, these types of practices and habits on the court are easy to enhance and strengthen.

As you can see, DSM is not about the ego and the money. We are about personal development where basketball is the vehicle. That's why we are one of the most in-demand basketball training programs in the country."

ICC: "What are some of your goals for the future?"

BA: "My goal is to revolutionize the way that basketball is taught. I am in the process of working on a video that will communicate this teaching style. There are other products on the market; however, I feel that their approach could be better and more encompassing.

My private training program in Bethesda, Maryland, USA was sold out for three years in a row. Players from age 4 to 24, on every level are building the right fundamentals and programming due to their relationship with Dynamic Sports Management.

In addition to offering private training, I will continue to develop clinics and camps that strengthen a player's individual and team skills. As with the one-on-one training, these clinics do and will focus on intellectual and physical dimensions.

Currently, we have one clinic that takes place on Saturday mornings. In the future, I would like to have one on Saturday and one on Sunday afternoon. Each clinic would be in 3 hour segments. I have a lot of focused ideas on what the clinics would cover to meet the needs of families from across the spectrum. The prices could range from $15 to $30 per session (1 hour or 1 hour 1/2) and include 35 to 50 students per segment.

Additionally, I have a nonprofit organization called Dynamic Sports Foundation which is being further developed to offer other avenues of support to the mission of Dynamic Sports Management, Inc. We are also open to partnering with other non-profits to reach our goals."

Dynamic Sports Management, Inc. is the perfect solution for those who want the best for themselves and their children in terms of overall quality training that includes the intellectual, mental and physical elements of learning to play basketball.

For more information or to enroll in one of their programs, please visit DSM's web site http://www.dsmshock.com.

Photos Provided by 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
Living with an Italian family offers no better way to immerse yourself in Italian language and culture. For those wishing to stay with an Italian family, Sorrento Lingue can book single or double rooms (if available) with either bed and breakfast or half board (breakfast and dinner) with one of our carefully selected families. This is an excellent opportunity to practice your Italian on a daily basis and sample the delights of Italian home cookery! Double rooms are for students traveling together only.

Shared student flat
Rooms in shared student flats have shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. The number of rooms per flat varies from 1 to 7. Double rooms are for students traveling together only.

Residence
For those who wish to have a little independence, we can book a studio apartment with cooking facilities and private bathroom in residences in the city center.

Hotels
Sorrento has a wide range of hotels, from one to five stars, in the city center and surrounding area. Sorrento is full of cultural, artistic and outdoor activities year-round. Participating in these activities is a fun way to learn the language and interact with the locals. Some activities you can get involved with include:

Cinema
Every year Sorrento hosts one of the most prestigious cinematic events, the International Cinema Festival. It is a grand occasion to see celebrities from the international world of film.

Theater
In the winter months, the festival "Teatro Insieme" hosts performances most prestigious Italian theater companies.

Music
The festival "Estate Musicale Sorrentina" is the main cultural event of the year, offering a series of concerts and theatrical entertainments from the first week of July to the first week of September. Throughout the year, free municipal concerts, usually jazz or classical music, are held in several other venues. In the adjacent town of Sant'Agnello, the Concerti di Cocumella hosts weekend chamber-music concerts between May and September at the gorgeous 17th-century Church of Santa Maria.

Religious Festivals
These festivals Include processionals through the evening on Holy Friday, Christmas crèches, and celebrations on February 14th, the day of St. Antonino, the patron saint of Sorrento.

Water Sports
You can enjoy a wide range of water sports such as: snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, waterskiing, inflatable motor rentals and more.

Shopping
The main shopping street, Via S. Cesario, is lined with dozens of shops selling local and Italian crafts, as well as fruit and vegetable stands. Corso Italia has more modern boutiques. addition, for an additional fee, Sorrento Lingue offers excursions that allow you to get acquainted with Sorrento, her people, and her surroundings. To name a few, they offer:

A Day in Capri & Ischia
Explore Capri and Ischia, the two main islands of the Bay of Naples. Capri is probably one of the most famous islands in the world, a place known for its natural beauty such as the Blue Grotto (the Grotta Azzurra) and the dramatic Faraglioni rocks along the shore, as well as its fame as an isle of the international jetset. Dominated by the dormant Mount Epomeo, Ischia, or Isola verde (Green island) tempts you to soak in its magnificent thermal baths, suntan along its beautiful beaches, or appreciate its verdant scenery.

A Glimpse Of The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi coast was once described by John Steinbeck as a dream place that isn't quite real. Explore the turquoise coastline of the Amalfi, its dramatic seacliffs, watchtowers and Roman ruins, groves and beaches, monasteries and villages. Towns and sights may include the charming fishing village Positano, the monastery Il Deserto in SantAgata, and the charming harbor of Amalfi.

A Taste Of Naples
Naples -- a beautiful town that is so rich in history that at the end of the past century, Stendhal thought that it was the only town (together with Paris) that could claim the title of capital of Europe. Sights include the city's historic Baroque district Spaccanapoli, the Duomo di San Gennaro, the grand Palazzo Reale built at the height of 18th century Bourbon power, the neoclassical basilica San Francesco di Paola, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and shopping along the Galleria Umberto I and Via Chiaia.

A View Of Pompeii
Pompeii and Herculaneum remain just as they were almost 2,000 years ago when the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD engulfed the thriving Roman cities in ash. Discovered in the 18th century, the cities are perfectly intact, enabling you to spend a day doing as the Romans did. Traverse their roads, imagine gossiping in their forums, sleeping in their civilized houses, and watching an ancient play or ritual in their amphitheatres.

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:
To provide participants with insights into the realities of studying abroad and teaching or learning foreign languages To assist attendees in developing key skill and knowledge areas related to academic and organizational leadership To give attendees opportunities to expand their network of colleagues in the international educational community To assist participants in identifying the skill areas on which they most need to develop a strong grasp of foreign language learning and international education.

1. TEACHERS OF ITALIAN
Centro Linguistico Internazionale Sorrento Lingue Teachers of Italian professional development seminar is designed for students interested in Teaching Italian to speakers of English and other languages. Experience has shown that this offers excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing a degree in Italian to teach Italian to non-Italian speakers, or seeking employment in the field of international studies and Italian studies.

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
Sorrento Lingue seminars combine intensive Italian language instruction with highly intensive seminars on topics ranging from hotel and restaurant management to travel and tourism. Our seminars provide effective, entertaining and highly motivating seminars for students wishing to develop their Italian language skills for professional use in their careers.

3. ARCHAEOLOGY
Sorrento Lingue seminars combine intensive Italian language instruction with highly intensive seminars on Archaeology. Our seminars provide effective, entertaining and highly motivating seminars for students wishing to develop their Italian language skills for professional use in their careers in Archaeology.

Program begins with a field trip to Pompeii, Italy:
The field trip provides a hands-on introduction to Italian History, Archaeology and language. Pompeii, the once thriving town for wealthy Romans that was destroyed in the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Many consider Pompeii to be the most important archeological site anywhere in the world. The ruins provide fascinating insights into the lives of the ancient Romans, and include numerous villas, temples, theaters, baths, shops, amphitheatres, residential houses and unique wall paintings, mosaics and statues. Seminars are conducted in short courses during summer or winter and are designed to give students intensive, hands-on, immersive experience developing their skill both as a student and a professional. The seminars are designed to historic archeological sites specific to the local region of Campania

4. CINEMA
Sorrento Lingue seminars combine intensive Italian language instruction with highly intensive seminars on Italian cinema. Our seminars provide effective, entertaining and highly motivating seminars for students wishing to develop their Italian language skills for professional use in their careers in 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!!!!
- Carissa Gerving, former student - Los Angeles, CA - USA

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.
- Russell, former student - London, England

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!
- Paavo, Interior Designer - New York, New York - USA

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Photo provided by Latin Immersion

Argentina: The second largest South American country, Argentina's varied landscape contains everything from ice-capped Andean peaks to endless stretches of coastline. Adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and sportsmen will be well-satisfied with the country's plentiful opportunities:

The northern provinces towards Bolivia offers spectacular trekking and Amerindian villages. Andean mountains of the west have excellent ski resorts and sporting activities such as white-water rafting and mountain climbing.  South of Buenos Aires lie many beaches, including the famous resorts of Mar Del Plata (140 km from BA).  Patagonia, the southernmost region, is rich in marine life as whales, sea lions, and penguin colonies can be witnessed in this sparsely populated area.

All of Argentina's tourist locations are easily accessible from Buenos Aires, by economical domestic flights, by rail, and by bus.  Largely because Buenos Aires is amazingly still undiscovered by most tourists, you will quickly be embraced by locals (Porteños) happy to meet foreigners. Unlike what happens at many popular Spanish school destinations, your learning and cultural experience will not be amongst large crowds of English-speaking tourists. With high standards of living, very low crime rates, and an underdeveloped tourism crowd, our students have found Buenos Aires an ideal place for a Spanish immersion school.

Whether sitting at an outdoor cafe watching the beautiful porteños (local name for locals), dancing salsa until morning, playing soccer in the parks, or taking in a world famous Tango show, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires provides entertainment for everyone. The city is indeed large (three million residents in city proper), however it is very walker-friendly and public transportation (metro and buses) offers fast and efficient movement between all of the traditional neighborhoods.

Even with the energy supplied by the porteños and the night life, Buenos Aires is a remarkably safe city at all hours and students will feel comfortable in our neighborhood. Standards of living are high, and even drinking the local tap water presents no problems.

One of Latin Immersion schools is located in one of Buenos Aires' premiere neighborhoods, Belgrano and provides an ideal setting in a quiet tree-lined neighborhood close to many restaurants , and cafes; far enough from the center to have limited noise and pollution; very upper-middle class neighborhood safe at all hours; less than two blocks from the subway stop.  There are many housing options in the neighborhood. Students living in the centro have an easy 15-20 minute subway ride against rush hour traffic.

International Connections Consulting's (ICC) President, Tasha Lewis, had the pleasure of meeting with Graeme Saphier with Latin Immersion (LI), at a conference in Virginia in March 2003.  He was able to give her a inside track as to what their school has to offer.

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

LI:   "I am relatively new to the school even though its been in existence for 4 years. I studied with Latin Immersion for a month when I arrived here over a year ago. I then taught English for 6 months and then came back to work for the school.   My main responsibilities now are university relations and marketing. Before I came to Chile I studied Spanish in Guatemala for three months as well. "

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

LI:  "Honestly, I have to say that the people here at Latin Immersion is what sets us apart from other schools. Most language schools offer basically the same thing when you boil it down. The group of people working here, especially the professors are a special bunch.  As a student I was amazed at the cohesiveness of the staff when I arrived.  After I started working here I realized why. Everybody here truly cares about each other and about what they are doing. The support system among the staff translates to a strong support system for the students. The faculty goes on outings with the students, eats with the students and generally enhances their experience abroad. "

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? "

LI:  "We offer a myriad assortment of programs at Latin Immersion. Our flagship program is our basic language school. We also are affiliated with universities in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago, Chile where we maintain our two locations. College students who want college credit for their time spent with us are able to receive it. They are also able to matriculate at the campuses of these schools and take elective courses with the main student body.

Some of our most popular programs include the multi-country program and our specialty programs. The mult-country program allows a student to study at both of their locations for as much or as little time as they would like. We also have a partner school in Ecuador, where students can go study if they would like to add a third option to their itinerary. This program is great because it allows our students to experience two very distinct cultures and forms of Spanish.

Our specialty programs depend on which of our locations you are studying at. In Buenos Aires, we offer a study/Tango package. Students combine Spanish classes with instruction in Argentina's national dance, the Tango. In Santiago, we offer a study/ski package. Our students combine their Spanish study with two days a week on the world class slopes 45 minutes outside of the city.

Beyond language instruction we also provide volunteer and intern opportunities through our sister company, Southern Cone Internships."

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

LI:  "For our regular programs we do not require any sort of application from prospective students. Sign up, take your placement exam and you will be accepted. All levels are welcome. We believe that anybody who wants to learn a foreign language deserves a chance to learn one. Immersion programs like ours are a proven, effective method for rapid language acquisition. We are just as excited as our students to teach them as they are to learn."

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

LI:  "The type of people who get the most out of our programs are outgoing, adventurous and open-minded. Not only are our students learning a new language, but they are also experiencing a culture radically different from there own. For a student in the right frame of mind this can greatly enhance their experience and even accelerate their learning. A person who gets off the plane expecting everything to be the same as back home can and sometimes will run into problems that will frustrate them. We want people who are ready to experience something completely outside of what they are normally used to. The potential for personal growth is limitless down here!"

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

LI:  "We do not offer any financial aid or scholarships though we do accept them if a student has approval form his/her home institution to transfer that aid to their courses with us ". 

ICC:  "We would like to thank Graeme Saphier for the interview. "

The Latin Immersion school in Chile offers the student modern amenities while still holding onto an important colonial and indigenous past. The economic growth of the past decades has given Chile first world health and safety conditions and foreigners have little trouble adjusting while learning Spanish in Chile. Their school is located in the city of Santiago, Chile and provides an ideal setting to learn Spanish. It is Centrally located just five blocks from Plaza Italia on a quiet side street in the residential neighborhood of Providencia.

The capital of Chile, Santiago is conveniently located one hour west of the Andes Mountains and one hour east of the Pacific Ocean. The past decade's economic growth and investment have created a clean, modern city, while colonial charm and historic museums and monuments have remained preserved.

Santiago's modern subway system is both economic and efficient and, together with an extensive bus network and taxi supply, can quickly transport students to all parts of the city. Also the geographical center of Chile, Santiago supplies direct flights and/or long-distance buses to all corners of the country.

At the foot of the Andes and only 100 km from the ocean, Santiago provides all of the big-city attractions of night life, culture, and fine restaurants while also serving as a convenient point for starting day or weekend trips to Chile's world-famous nature. An extremely friendly population, low cost of living, and great travel opportunities give students a unique experience in Chile.  Our Spanish program in Chile provides the option of a small group (max 5)  or 1 to 1 instruction.

To make your immersion program complete, you may have them arrange a home stay with a local family. They strongly recommend this option as it allows you to practice and to improve your Spanish in a natural environment while also exposing you to the local culture. All families are carefully selected and provide the student with a private room, kitchen access, and comfortable surroundings. Living standards are high and all host families are middle to upper-middle class.  Meal options for family stays include no meals, breakfast only, and breakfast and dinner.  Family stays have a one week minimum and are priced according to the local market. Staying with a home stay is the best way to experience the local culture firsthand and to ensure that you will practice the language outside of class.

You might also choose a youth hostel in the neighborhoods surrounding their school. While they are not as comfortable as the family stays, some students choose hostels for the greater flexibility and to meet other
international travelers.

Latin Immersion will also help students make arrangements in nearby 3-star hotels. Please be aware that most will require credit card information to hold a reservation.

For qualified university students, Latin Immersion offers academic credit programs combining their small group Spanish language classes with electives provided by their partner universities:

The school encourages interested students to participate as volunteers for local organizations while in Latin America. Opportunities exist for helping children's organizations, working in public hospitals, for environmental groups and many others. The normal schedule of morning classes makes it possible to volunteer in the afternoon. 

While many positions require an advanced level of Spanish and a minimum time commitment of several weeks, there are many possibilities for people with basic level Spanish and with less time available.

Students enrolled in their Spanish immersion programs are eligible to participate in these programs. As a service to the community, the school helps place students with organizations free of charge. Students will take classes in the morning and volunteer in the afternoons and/or weekends. The time commitment varies by organization and ranges from a minimum of 2 weeks to 2 months. Spanish ability varies by position as well. Some only require basic Spanish while others need near fluency.

NOTE: Volunteer placement assistance is a free service they provide for their students. For those wishing to volunteer without participation in an immersion program, please contact organizations specializing in volunteer placements. Latin Immersion does not have the resources nor the expertise that such organizations specializing in volunteer placement have.

In today's increasingly competitive job market demands that you not only possess high academic credentials, but that you also must have prior work experience. Students without such experience, normally acquired through student internships, often face severe handicaps in the job-hunting process.

Southern Cone Internships gives students the opportunity for professional work experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile. Together with the Latin Immersion Language Network, not only will you learn the invaluable Spanish language, but you will also be able to live in the "Southern Cone", Latin America's most economically and socially developed region.

All of their teachers are native speakers with university degrees and are very experienced teaching Spanish to foreigners. Most have learned a second language themselves and understand the student's perspective. They are devoted to helping students best reach their goals and to keeping the classes enjoyable and entertaining.

For more information or to enroll, please contact International Connections Consulting.