Inspection and recognition of quality standards for language schools

Spanish schools in Spain

The Spanish Instituto Cervantes is the main official institution granting quality certifications to Spanish language schools in Spain and abroad.

The Instituto Cervantes carries out inspections and renews accreditation permits every two years to its accredited or associated centres. Some of the aspects evaluated are the quality standards in the teaching of Spanish, the legal requirements for carrying out teaching activities, adequate teaching resources, properly qualified and trained teachers, teaching plans guaranteeing satisfactory progress, maximum number of students per class, certificates of attendance, accurate publicity clearly reflecting the services offered as well as course and supplementary services fees, and policies for addressing complaints.

The University of Alcalá de Henares through its CEELE Quality Seal, the National Federation of Spanish Language Schools in Spain –FEDELE-, the Association of Spanish Language Schools in Madrid –AEEEM-, the Asociación Mediterránea de Escuelas de Español de la Comunidad Valenciana –AMEELE-, the Association of Spanish Schools Granada, etc, are other institutions and associations granting quality seals to schools of Spanish as a foreign language in Spain.

German schools in Germany

In Germany, schools of German as a foreign language may be accredited as a TestDaF (Test of German as a foreign language) centre. Naturally, in order to be accredited as a TestDaF examination centre, schools need to fulfil certain conditions such as experience in administering and executing language examinations with trained and qualified teachers, suitable premises with an equipped language laboratory, as well as correct management and administration of the school.

German language schools in Germany may also be telc accredited examination centres. telc GmbH, which sands for The European Language Certificates, is a subsidiary of the German Adult Education Association (DVV) in Germany, and it is the federal government’s exclusive partner for the language tests taken at the end of the integration courses for migrants.

In order to get a telc institutional licence, schools need to have premises which accommodate the requirements set forth in the examination regulations, equipped with central office facilities, appropriately qualified teaching staff, language courses taught along Common European Framework guidelines, and the payment to teachers must be commensurate with the generally recognised reimbursement of language teachers.

Italian schools in Italy

The main organization certifying the quality of language schools in Italy is A.S.I.L.S. (Associazione delle Scuole di Italiano come Lingua Seconda). Schools of Italian accredited by A.S.I.L.S. are required to adhere to strict didactic and professional requirements including a permanent study centre where Italian language courses are held, brochures and publicity with a detailed description of the courses and the various services offered, professional teachers with university degrees and experience teaching Italian to foreigners, etc.

Italian schools in Italy may also be authorized examination centres for the CILS certificate (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera), offered by the Università per Stranieri di Siena (University for Foreigners of Siena). The CILS certificate is a title of proficiency in the Italian language and is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Therefore, it is widely acknowledged in all fields yielding this certificate essential when seeking employment in Italy or the international labour market. Furthermore, the CILS certificate is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education and it is considered as a requirement for the admission of International students to the Italian higher education system.

Inspection and recognition of quality standards for language schools

In my previous post I supported the small and medium-size language schools over the big, chain-type schools, as well as the small group classes with less than 15 students for language courses abroad. However, modest size does not necessarily imply modest quality.

High quality standards are also very important when choosing a language school abroad. After all, a language course abroad is an investment on your education. Of course, it’s impossible to find out about the academic quality of the classes until you actually start your course. Fortunately, there are quality seals issued by official institutions which inspect language schools and assign them quality labels when the inspection is passed.

As you will not be able to check the school’s quality before you start your language course, make sure you choose a school which has passed one or more quality inspections. Particularly, look for quality seals, homologations, recognitions or memberships from language related institutions which not only asses the accessibility, the infrastructure, the publicity, the administration, etc. but also the academic aspect.

In my opinion, a language school recognized by more than one official institution is truly concerned with achieving and maintaining a high standard of service and education.

Here are some of the institutions with an inspection and recognition scheme:

English schools in England

In England, the main accreditation for language schools is the one given by the British Council. The English in Britain Accreditation Scheme monitors and improves standards of management, teaching, resources and welfare in organisations teaching English as a foreign language in Britain.

Schools in this scheme are regularly inspected and a report is produced on each institution on aspects such as the qualification of the teachers, teaching standards, accommodation standards, premises with properly equipped classrooms and relaxation areas, brochures and publicity materials with an accurate reflection of the services provided, and proper emergency procedures.

There are also schools of English as a foreign language which, as well as being accredited by the British Council, are recognized examination centres for official exam such as the TOEIC, Cambridge ESOL, IELTS, TOEFL…

English courses in Ireland

In Ireland, schools are inspected by the Advisory Council for English Language Schools –ACELS-, which controls standards in English as a Foreign Language schools through an inspection and recognition scheme. ACELS administers the scheme which leads to School Recognition by the Irish Department of Education and Science.

In the next post I will go on with official inspection and recognition organizations in France, Spain, Germany…

Learning a foreign language is about interaction and active participation

School size:

Give some thought to what you would like to find when you arrive at your destination: a big, chain-type school with hundreds of students coming in each Monday, or a medium-size or small school with a limited amount of newcomers per week.

My personal choice is a small to medium-size language school, with a relaxed, cosy and friendly environment. Chances are that in a small, laid-back school I will also find friendly and relaxed staff and teachers, who will really have time for me. Not only do I want to learn a language or improve my language skills, but also to get to know the local people working at the school, as well as my fellow classmates from around the world.

Usually, the “about us” section in the website of every language school has a description of the school. Some schools are cooperatives in which the administrative staff and the teachers equally share the profits, or even non-profit organizations. I like to favour this kind of schools whenever possible.

Course size:

Foreign language classes with 15 students or more are just too crowded for my taste. Learning a language is about interaction and active participation, not just absorbing grammar rules and vocabulary (which I can do at home on my own).

In class I want the teacher to be able to focus on my weak points and help me overcome them, I want to work with my classmates, use and exercise my newly acquired skills, and have fun. Ideally, group classes shouldn’t have more than 12 or 13 students, 15 at the most.

You will be able to make the most of each class in smaller groups, with student-centred lessons and more time of personalized attention. It’s not about craving for attention or selfishness, but hey, in-context language learning is not for free, so it does make sense to try to make the most of each class minute!

Obviously, the fact that I prefer the smaller schools with reduced group classes does not imply that I also go for “reduced” quality. In the next post I will discuss quality standards and labels.

Language Travel: advantages of learning a language where it is spoken

But the advantages do not end there, as learning languages is also good for your brain. There are studies which suggest that multilingualism brings an extra advantage as it improves other skills such as learning in general, complex thinking and creativity, mental flexibility, interpersonal and communication skills, and even a possible delay in the onset of age-related mental diminishment later in life.

Now, when it comes to learning a language, language travel is the winner. Learning a language in context, in the country where it is spoken and with every aspect of the language related cultural aspects right in front of you, is simply unparalleled.

Language travel is jumping in with both feet into learning the language, as you are completely surrounded by the language lessons, not only inside the classroom but in every aspect of daily life.

The extra bonus of language travel is that, along with the language competence, you will also become culturally fluent, which will all in all enhance your intercultural communication skills.

Cherry on top: some studies claim that experiencing different cultures also enhances creativity

So, if you are thinking about booking a language course abroad, rest assured that you are making a wise choice. Stay tuned for the coming posts with tips on how to choose a language school abroad.

TANDEM International e.V., association of independent language schools for the promotion of cross-cultural awareness and understanding through in-context language learning.

Día E at Instituto Cervantes Viena & TANDEM Spain

Last year, the Spanish Instituto Cervantes launched an interesting celebration aimed at increasing the visibility of the Spanish language throughout the world, and at revitalizing the value of Spanish as a language of international communication.

The Día E or Día del Español is organized as an open doors day celebrated in the Instituto Cervantes centres throughout the world. This year, the Día E was held on June 19.

The TANDEM Spain schools, accredited by the Spanish Instituto Cervantes, joined the celebration at the Instituto Cervantes in Vienna, which activities which focused on the way the Spanish language is perceived, as a diverse, warm and happy language of connection.

About 500 people enjoyed the activities organized for the open doors day at Instituto Cervantes Vienna which included a parade, folk dances of the Hispanic countries, music and paella tasting.

TANDEM Spain member schools accredited by the Spanish Instituto Cervantes:

• TANDEM San Sebastian
• TANDEM Madrid
• TANDEM Valencia
• TANDEM Granada
• TANDEM Cadiz

English Language Learning for Visually Impaired Students

As good learning material for visually impaired children is rare, it is essential to create innovative material which opens up new possibilities for this target group.

Learning tools based on iconic material (images, pictures, animations) are practically unavailable for visually impaired persons. This language course is aimed at those who are unable to use these technical aids, who need further assistance and prompting through a system that supplies feedback in other than audio-file form, namely by the «force-feedback» reaction that the joystick offers.

José Saramago

Born in Portugal in a peasant family, he forged his way from car mechanic to translator, then journalist and finally writer. Unable to finish his grammar school education, he managed to get a self-taught education in the public library.

A communist and atheist, he caused considerable controversy in Portugal, especially among the Catholic community, which led him to move to Spain.

His book, The Gospel According to Jesus Christ, which is may favourite Saramago’s work, was particularly controversial. I read it many, many years ago, but I still have a distinct memory of the pleasure I felt reading this novel.

Writers are immortal, as they come alive each time a person reads their books. So is Saramago to me, as I still have many of his books to read.

Summer English courses for children and teenagers in Totnes, England

Play with English Course (for 7-11 year-olds)

The Play with English course is addressed to children aged 7 to 11, and it aims at offering the child a gentle introduction to learning a foreign language. Play with English includes 3 interactive sessions a day with daily afternoon workshops in arts, crafts, sport and play. The emphasis of this course is on enjoyment and fun, rather than on formal teaching.

Details of the Play with English course:

• Lessons: 20 lessons (15 clock hours) of English and activities during the morning and the afternoon
• Timetable: 09.00 – 15.00 Monday to Friday
• Groups size: maximum 12 students per group
• Start dates: any Monday from 19/07/2010 to 20/08/2010
• Accommodation: contact Totnes School of English for accommodation options

Participation requirements:

• The child must be accompanied by a parent or family member
• Minimum level of English: Elementary +
• Minimum age: 7 years
• Minimum course length: 1 week

Teenagers Summer Course (for 12-16 year-olds)

The Teenagers Summer Course in Totnes offers plenty of speaking and listening practice, using Totnes School of English’s own materials and projects as well as a wide range of other course materials and books.

Teens may choose the Standard or the Intensive Summer course. The Intensive option includes additional intensive grammar practice.

All the classroom and social activities are fully supervised by responsible adults. The staff and the teachers of English as a Foreign Language are enthusiastic and enjoy working with children. They are carefully selected and well trained.

The Summer Teenager courses are based on Kennicott campus – the local Sixth Form College, a 10-15 minute walk from Totnes town centre and the Gate House, where the adult school is located.

Details of the Teenager Summer courses:

• Lessons of the Standard course: 20 group lessons (15 clock hours) of English per week according to the student’s level, in the mornings or afternoons
• Lessons of the Intensive course: 25 group lessons (19 clock hours). This comprises 20 lessons in the mornings or afternoons plus 5 lessons (4 hours) with extra grammar practice.
• Start dates: any Monday from 19/07/2010 to 27/08/2010
• Groups size: maximum 12 students per class
• Included in the price of the course:
  • placement test, welcome pack, TSE student card and introduction to Totnes
  • end of course certificate
  • free computer access
  • a range of different creative workshops and sporting activities daily, Mondays to Fridays (except excursion day)
  • one half-day excursion per week
  • 2 evening activities per week
  • full day excursion to places of interest in Devon (usually 1 full day excursion per 2-week course)

Participation requirements:

• Minimum level of English: Elementary +
• Minimum age: 12 years and maximum age 16 years
• Minimum length: 2 weeks

Totnes School of English – TANDEM Totnes
Contact: Margie Barker
Gate House, 2 High St., TQ9 5RZ Totnes, England
Tel: + 44 1803 865722 / Fax: + 44 1803 865722
Web: www.totenglish.co.uk
TANDEM International member school 1995

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Learn French in France and Canada!

French is an official language of all United Nations agencies and a large number of international organizations. According to the European Union, 129 million (or 26% of the Union’s total population), in 27 member states speak French, of which 65 million are native speakers and 69 million claim to speak French either as a second language or as a foreign language, making it the third most spoken second language in the European Union, after English and German.

Twenty-percent of non-Francophone Europeans knows how to speak French, totalling roughly 145.6 million people. In addition, prior to the mid 20th century, French served as the pre-eminent language of diplomacy among European and colonial powers as well as a lingua franca among the educated classes of Europe.

Most French native speakers of the language live in France, where the language originated. The rest, live essentially in Canada, particularly Quebec, New Brunswick and Ontario, as well as Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and certain places in the U.S. states of Maine and Louisiana

TANDEM International helps you learn French in Montpellier and Toulouse in France, and in Montreal in Canada.

Book online, easily and at discounted prices, your French course in France or in Canada through TANDEM Shop!

French courses in Toulouse:

Toulouse – Bildungsurlaub Super-Intensive French Course
Toulouse – Standard Intensive French Course – 2 weeks
Toulouse – Standard Intensive French Course – 4 weeks
Toulouse – Standard Intensive French Course – 8 weeks

French Courses in Montreal:

Montreal – Intensive French Course

Exposure is key to learning a foreign language!

Dr Sulzberger from the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, claims that the neural tissue required to learn and understand a new language will develop automatically from simple exposure to the language, which is how babies learn their first language.

His research was prompted by his interest in finding out why it’s so difficult to learn foreign words when we are constantly learning new ones in our native language. He found the answer in the way the brain develops neural structures when hearing new combinations of sounds.

Looking for ways people could develop these structures to make the learning process easier, he came across a simple answer: extensive exposure to the language. Movies, radio broadcasts, songs and, most important, cultural immersion. Fortunately, globalisation and new technology make language learning way easier!

The importance of language travel: Dr Sulzberger maintains that people trying to learn a foreign language in their home country are at a disadvantage compared to those who travel to another country and immerse themselves in its sounds and culture.

Read the full article at Physorg.com