ON ARRIVAL

At the centre we shall evaluate your ability in English.

Each working day you can attend 3, one hour, classes: Conversation; Comprehension; and General English. Small tutorial groups ensure a lively and efficient learning environment. Those seeking a more intensive schedule can also participate in the afternoon lecture programme.

Our teaching methods are varied, modern and adapted to differing ability levels. The linguistic programme is very complete. Coursework is linked to the extra-curricular activities to facilitate learning and make it a more enjoyable process.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

COMPREHENSION

Advanced - You will analyse the subtleties of the language as it is written and spoken and study the range of language skills which native English speakers must master.

Intermediate - Whether we are concerned with reading a text or listening to a discussion, this class will improve your capacity to understand and reply. It will give you the confidence necessary to hold a conversation with others.

Elementary - Comprehension and expression are the two fundamentals of any language. This class will develop your capacity to understand a person speaking English at normal speed and your ability to read a simple text. It will give you the base on which to develop more complex language skills.

CONVERSATION

Advanced - The objective for students of this level is to speak easily, effectively and without mistakes. Accordingly we shall consider a variety of current affair subjects designed to awaken your interest. Students are actively encouraged to express themselves as if they were speaking in their own language. Experience has shown that this technique often produces results which surpass the expectations of our very demanding teachers.

Intermediate - This class regroups the natural advantages of studying a language in its country of origin. It is designed to encourage participation, improve oral expression, develop vocabulary and perfect pronunciation. Students undertake press and cinema reviews, surveys of public opinion, structured debates and role playing games. In short, a very complete and varied programme which makes the learning process a real pleasure and surprisingly easy.

Elementary - Conversation, like comprehension, is an essential skill. Naturally it is just as important and our teachers are always aware of individual needs. The emphasis here is on developing the confidence to use the new vocabulary that you will acquire in everyday conversations. You will progress quickly by virtue of the advances that you make daily.

GENERAL ENGLISH

Advanced - At this level a good understanding of grammar is assumed and the programme concentrates on the diverse usage of language. We shall examine how written expression differs according to the context in which it is used : literature; journalism; business; love letters... We shall also study the use of idioms and metaphors which have such an important role in English.

Intermediate - Here we aim to improve your syntax, build on your existing understanding of grammatical structures and refine your capacity to communicate in English. This class is designed to your writing skills creative and precise.

Elementary - When you begin to study a language, nothing can replace a good grasp of basic principles. We therefore pay very special attention to individual difficulties. Our teachers do not give classes at a uniform speed and simply assume that everyone can follow. They are very aware of the needs of beginners and deliberately cultivate an atmosphere in which you will not be afraid to say "I don't understand".

At the end of the course a certificate will be issued to students who have completed the programme. This may be a useful support for future job applications.