Interviews with the main Language Schools in the world

For Paula inSchool interviews the 22/09/2021

Interview with Helen Rouse, Director of Studies of the ETC International College in UK: “Studying abroad is the only way to kick-start an intensive language learning experience with accelerated results.”

Helen Rouse, Director of Studies – ETC International College, UK

Why would a student choose his school?

ETC Bournemouth is a large, well-known school on the south coast of England. First and foremost we are very proud of our friendly and caring atmosphere, and we try to help students feel at home and happy while they are with us, in our Residence, in a homestay or in our classes. Our teaching staff are experienced and professional and will always go the extra mile to help students enjoy the lessons, understand and progress. We offer a wide range of courses from general English to a number of specialist courses and exam classes and are well-versed in teaching effectively online as well as onsite. Our good climate and location by the seaside and the town centre in a stunning area of England, are added factors that keep out students studying with us.

In your opinion, what are the main benefits for a student studying abroad?

Studying a language abroad means that you are immersed in the language at all times, not only in your lesson times, and can learn so much extra by listening, watching and reading what is all around you, with ample opportunity to practise. In addition, you are experiencing a new culture first-hand, which can only enrich your mind, while if you are younger, it is a great way to foster your independence and initiative. Finally, for everyone it is a guaranteed way to make new friends from all over the world.

How do you see the future of language tourism?

Language tourism will always be a large sector of the economy and travel industry as the world becomes ever more connected and communication is paramount. Studying abroad is the only way to kick-start an intensive language learning experience with accelerated results and to gain a new window on other cultures.

What is a day like for a student at your school and what is networking among peers like?

A typical student will awake in our Residence and go to our café for breakfast, prior to crossing the patio and entering class. They will study a variety of language activities in pairs or groups for 90mins and then take a break to chat outside on the patio or have a coffee and a snack in the café. After another 90 mins of lessons it is lunchtime and students will gather in the café to eat lunch and relax. After lunch it is time to sign up for the weekend excursion and then some students will have another afternoon lesson while those that are free may decide to take the 5-minute walk to the beach at the end of the road followed by a spot of shopping in town. Others may opt to do dome extra studying on the computers in the library/study room while some students may attend an afternoon language club such as conversation, writing, drama etc. Later in the day, there will be football or volleyball or a video in the Residence lounge, and then it’s time for dinner in the cafe.

THE SCHOOL

Name of school

ETC International College

Country/City

UK/Bournemouth

What are the most significant things the school can offer?

ETC International College is a British Council accredited college based in Bournemouth, England. We offer courses for General English, Exam Preparation, Specialist English, Teacher Training, Junior English and Further & Higher Education.

We offer an on-site residential accommodation and cafeteria in addition to a large campus with outdoor gathering spaces.

If students wish to study outside of lessons they can do so in our computer labs or library.

Activities programmes run throughout the week in addition to paid excursions on the weekend to areas of interest such as London, Bristol & Bath.

ETC International College believes in putting the students first and our teaching methodologies reflect this. Almost all of our permanent teaching staff are DipTESOL qualified, providing the greatest quality education possible.

What are the types of courses taught at school?

General English
Exam Preparation Courses (IELTS, B2 First, C1 Advanced and more)
Specialist English (Aviation, Business, Tourism, Medical, Legal, and Military)
Teacher Training Courses
Group Programmes
Junior Programmes
Further & Higher Education Courses (OHTM, BTEC HNC/HND and more)

What are the biggest attractions around the school and in the city in general?

Located in Bournemouth, England, ETC International College benefits from scenic surroundings with its garden and world famous beaches.

Immerse yourself in British culture with friendly local people and fantastic weather.

For Paula inSchool interviews the 13/09/2021

Interview with Luisa Proto, Business Development Manager of the IH London School in UK: “By studying abroad students will immerse themselves in a new language and a new country”

Luisa Proto, Business Development Manager – Europe of IH London School, UK

Why would a student choose his school?

IH London has been voted London’s nº1 school for value and quality. So if you’re looking for a premium course at a reasonable price then IH London should be your first choice.

In your opinion, what are the main benefits for a student studying abroad?

The biggest reason students should consider a study abroad course is the opportunity to experience a new country, understand the people, its traditions and its culture.
By studying abroad students will get the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in a new language and explore a new country!

How do you see the future of language tourism?

As a former international student I understand the importance of language tourism. Looking forward to travelling again!

What is a day like for a student at your school and what is networking among peers like?

You will be living and learning in one of the most famous cities in the world – voted the best city for students. There is always something remarkable to see or do in London, and our team can be your guide. We have a dedicated social programme team who put together a monthly timetable of activities and day trips that you can sign up to, with many free of charge. This is available with any course, and for all our students to enjoy.

THE SCHOOL

Name of school

IH London

Country/City

UK/London

What are the most significant things the school can offer?

International House London is the nº 1 year-round language school with the best value courses in Central London, judged by the latest British Council inspections and reported in the EL Gazette.

We are based in the beautiful Covent Garden area of central London, famous for its shops, cafes, restaurants and West End theatres. Everything London has to offer can be easily reached from our school in Covent Garden, central London.

What are the types of courses taught at school?

General English
Exam Preparation (IELTS, Cambridge, OET)
Teacher Training
Executive group courses
One to One
Academic Skills
Career Skills

What are the biggest attractions around the school and in the city in general?

We are based in the beautiful Covent Garden area of central London, famous for its shops, cafes, restaurants and West End theatres.

Within a short walking distance you will also find the Royal Opera House (home to the Royal Ballet, as well as the Royal Opera), the British Museum (voted one of the top ten museums in the world by National Geographic) and The National Gallery (the story of European art, masterpiece by masterpiece).

There are several tube stops within a 5-minute walk of our school, and we are only two tube stops away from King’s Cross for an easy first arrival in the UK.

For Paula inSchool interviews the 06/09/2021

Interview with Nathalie Harrap, Sales & Marketing Director of the Ecole de langues ACCORD in France: “Students will always come to learn a language as nothing will replace that experience”

Nathalie Harrap, Sales & Marketing Director of the Ecole de langues ACCORD, France

Why would a student choose his school?

We have a reputation for bein a very professional school, one of the leading schools in France. As an accredited Qualité FLE School and member of Campus France, we welcome a great number of students requiring visas to study French.
We have been established over 30 years ago and is there a better place to learn French than in Paris and near the Eiffel Tower. After class, you can go to do your homework sitting at a café overlooking the Eiffel Tower or organise a picnic lunch with your classmates on the banks of the river Seine before returning to class.

In your opinion, what are the main benefits for a student studying abroad?

Studying abroad enables you to learn a language in situ and practice outside the classroom. Nothing can replace that experience. Besides, you get to meet students of all nationalities and exchange and share experiences. This is a one off experience which not only means you learning experience is second to none but you leave the experience enriched by sharing experiences of other students who you would never have been able to meet otherwise.

How do you see the future of language tourism?

I believe students will always come to learn a language as nothing will replace that experience, some for 2 or 3 weeks, some for many months because they want to enter university in the country they are studying in, or for professional reasons. At ACCORD, we listen to our students and partners.

What is a day like for a student at your school and what is networking among peers like?

Students come to school in the morning only for some, others study for the day depending on the intensity of the course they have chosen. The atmosphere at the school is very friendly and as we welcome new students every week, we make sure all students get to know each other and arrange their social life after class. They often go out together in various groups depending on their affinities, and also go out for dinner or on excursions at weekends.

THE SCHOOL

Name of school

Ecole de langues ACCORD

Country/City

France/Paris

What are the most significant things the school can offer?

Founded in 1988, our ACCORD Paris School is accredited Qualité FLE and a member of Campus France. We offer a great variety of French language courses at our school located near the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower, which welcomes students from the age of 16 from all over the world all year round. We guarantee there are no predominant nationalities. Our teaching method is based on Oral Communication as our aim is to helpstudents to reach a level of fluency where they will be able to communicate efficiently and effectively in French, and get an in-depth understanding of French culture. Included in our prices are all level testing, teaching materials and end of course certificate. There is no registration fee.
We also arrange accommodation and transfers.
We also open our own all-inclusive residential ACCORD Saint Nicolas Summer Campus for 6 weeks each summer to junior students aged 11 to 17 individuals and groups as well as our Day Student and Family Prgrammes.

What are the types of courses taught at school?

We offer a great variety of French language courses: Intensive French from 15 to 35 hour per week, Professional French, Legal French, Exam Preparation Courses as well as afternoon courses and lessons.

What are the biggest attractions around the school and in the city in general?

We are located in Paris, near the Eiffel Tower… Paris is the City of Lights…
Our students have access to the greatest French monuments,museums, gastronomy etc. and can also easily visit other parts of France for the weekend as well as visiting the Palais de Versailles and Disneyland. We don’t offer an official cultural programme at our school as students get together to organise their own social life after class but we do have a great partner who offers visits and excursions at the weekend. Students just pay directly once they are at the school.
Students can also join our French Culture & Civilisation course with two afternoon workshops dedicated to French culture.
At our ACCORD Saint Nicolas Summer Campus for Junior we offer an all inclusive residential programme which includes a full cultural activity programme in the afternoons and at the weekends, which Day Students and parents and kids on the Family Programme can also join if they wish.

For Paula inSchool interviews the 30/08/2021

Interview with Roger de Gaetano, Director of the Link School of English in Malta: “Foreing students deserve the comfort of their own home in our country”

Roger de Gaetano, Director of Link School of English, Malta

Why would a student choose his school?

We have been established for almost 30 years and we remained a middle sized school only offering personal attention. This is what students request form us. Foreing students deserve the confort of their own home in our country. With the mixture of nationalities in our school, students are exposed to a variety of nationalities thus they must only communicate in English.

In your opinion, what are the main benefits for a student studying abroad?

A full immersion in English is available in our school. In Malta English is spoken everywhere, and foreign students are thus given the right opportunity to immerse in our language since they are given the space to live-the-language. “Talk to Me” is a new course which allows students to improve their conversational skills. Generally students fear mistakes so speak less. This fear ir overcome with the assistance of our professional techers.

How do you see the future of language tourism?

The only way to widen and broaden one’s future is to travel, and the tourism industry will never die.
People are in search of new job opportunities and the use of English is thoroughly essential in this day and age.

What is a day like for a student at your school and what is networking among peers like?

“English for busness communications” since it encapsulates all the needed material to develop any skill or apply for job opportunities. We are born to work and the most successful are those who seek and strive with the right tools. English is the most essential tool to theis success. Our staff are trained to stimulate everybody’s experience in English with sheer success.

THE SCHOOL

Name of school

Link School of English

Country/City

Malta/Swieqi

What are the most significant things the school can offer?

We are a medium-sized school only offering professional tuition in English and other languages. We assist students to seek work opportunities in Malta, or assist to advance in their education by enrolling in a local univeristy.

What are the types of courses taught at school?

We offer a wide variety of EFL programmes including the most recuested: preparation for I.E.L.T.S. examinations, english for: tourism & hospitality, banking & finance, legal terminlogy, business, I.T., business communications, administration, insurance and english made easy.

What are the biggest attractions around the school and in the city in general?

We offer accommodation wothin walking distance. Our portfolio includes four apartments opposite out school, one villa with swimming pool, one villa with a 600 square metre garden and another villa with excellent amenities. Our school is situated in Swieqi close to a park, many shops and a tennis court.

For marketing inSchool interviews the 13/07/2021

Interview with Jamak Golshani, Vice President of the Institute of Technology Development of Canada: “As we become more connected as a global economy, we will increase this type of activity”.

Jamak Golshani

Jamak Golshani, Vice President, Institute of Technology Development of Canada

Why would a student choose his school?

We provide a high quality education with a very affordable price and the opportunity to pay the fees in installments. Our instructors are industry experts. We focus on getting you ready to start working as soon as you graduate.

In your opinion, what are the main benefits for a student studying abroad?

– Improve your English
– Learn how the Canadian work environment thrives
– Exposure to a new culture
– New contacts and network expansion

How do you see the future of language tourism?

As we become more connected as a global economy, we will increase this type of activity.

What is a day like for a student at your school and what is networking among peers like?

– Information Technology
– Company

THE SCHOOL

Name of school

Institute of Tech Development

Country/City

Canada/Vancouver

What are the most significant things the school can offer?

Small class sizes, students receive individual attention, hands-on experience, instructors are industry experts, campus is in the heart of downtown Vancouver in the education district, affordable tuition rates, payment plans, co-op work permit, ability to transfer to a public institution for graduate work permit.

What are the types of courses taught at school?

We have the following schools. Each of them has a number of programs. You can find the details through the following link.
– Business School
– School of Information Technology
– School of Hotel Management
– School of Arts
https://itdcanada.ca/schools/

What are the biggest attractions around the school and in the city in general?

We are in the heart of beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. You have everything around you. Parks, ocean, mountains, night clubs, restaurants, bars, etc. You can find anything and everything less than 15 minutes away. Vancouver also has a fantastic public transport system.

For marketing inSchool interviews the 13/07/2021

Interview with Katie Denton, Marketing Manager at International House Bristol: “Language tourism has always been a great opportunity to engage with people from a wide variety of cultures”.

Katie Denton, Marketing Manager, International House Bristol

Why would a student choose his school?

Bristol is a truly vibrant city, full of culture, colour and creativity, and with over 33 years experience teaching English to students from all over the world, we never tire of helping students discover it for themselves for the first time.

As an IH school, students already know they can rely on the quality of our courses, but we offer much more. Many of our teachers are also teacher trainers, so our methodology is always at the forefront. We are a Cambridge and OET exam centre, which means that once we have helped you prepare for your exam you will do so in a familiar environment and get the best possible result. Our friendly and experienced staff have lived abroad, so they know exactly what challenges you face when navigating a new country; we’re here to help you every step of the way.

As a family-run school, our two buildings are welcoming, with student rooms and beautiful outdoor gardens for students to socialize throughout the year. When you’re at IH Bristol, you’re at home.

In your opinion, what are the main benefits for a student studying abroad?

You can learn a language anywhere – 2020 proved that – but to really understand a country and its culture you have to live it. There is nothing comparable to getting completely lost in an unfamiliar place and piecing together the words and phrases you know to find your way; that feeling, when you get it completely right, is unparalleled. The biggest obstacle students face is often the fear of making mistakes, but when you live in another country with no other language in common, you are forced to face your insecurities and just try: you often learn more this way than in a classroom!

The other obvious benefit of studying abroad is the people and places you’ll meet, and the experiences you’ll treasure for years to come. From studying abroad you come back with a greater sense of independence, cultural awareness and many more stories to tell.

The great thing about studying abroad is that you will make friends from all over the world and always have a future trip planned.

How do you see the future of language tourism?

Online learning is here to stay, but as it cannot replace the experience of immersing yourself in a foreign country, we are likely to see more and more blended courses: studying online for a few weeks or months in preparation for an in-person experience, possibly followed by additional online courses upon returning home to refresh and continue progress. Language tourism has always been a great opportunity to network with people from a wide variety of cultures, and now you don’t even have to travel to participate. However students join us, the benefits are enormous. And for those lucky enough to be able to come to Bristol, they become ambassadors for the language and culture they study, building bridges between their home country and the place where they learned to see the world from a new and totally different perspective.

What is a day like for a student at your school and what is networking among peers like?

English+ courses are the future of language learning. At IH Bristol we have been running English+ courses for almost 20 years and the joy of seeing our students produce a video or photographic portfolio, perform a play, organise a DJ session or publish a blog is endless. Teaching Philosophy, Mathematics, Literature and a whole range of subjects through English gives students more confidence in their ability to master English than mere language study could ever do. We don’t learn languages for the sake of it; we learn to communicate with others and to unlock our experiences, and the more we are able to do through English, the more meaningful it will be to us. Students will always have to pass exams, of course, but what they can achieve along the way is just as rewarding.

THE SCHOOL

Name of school

International House Bristol

Country/City

United Kingdom/England/Bristol

What are the most significant things the school can offer?

IH Bristol offers a complete and personalised experience that makes you feel part of the IH family right from the start. We want you to feel confident in using the English you learn, so we meet you where you are in terms of language level, reinforce your language foundations and build on what is there to expand your language skills and work towards your goals. We focus on natural, everyday English and teach in sentences so that students can feel they are communicating in the same way as a native speaker. Every student is different, so our Individual Learning Plans ensure that your needs are met and that you have the best chance of achieving your ambitions. Our materials go far beyond textbooks and make extensive use of real-world English to explore and communicate real-world issues. We write our own materials for our junior courses, which are regularly updated to ensure they are always relevant and original; students not only learn English, but how to communicate and express themselves with ease.

What are the types of courses taught at school?

IH Bristol offers a range of courses for adults, young people and teachers. From general English to the most personalized programs, we have decades of experience to create exactly the right course for you. Choose from:

General/Intensive English, Cambridge exam preparation, IELTS, OET preparation, Individual English, English for Special Purposes – all available online or in person.

We are a CELTA teacher training centre, so we can provide native speakers with a qualification to teach English anywhere in the world, and our course for foreign teachers of English is very popular during the summer. We also offer CLIL courses and tailor-made programmes to suit all needs.

We also offer junior courses for groups and individuals in January, April and summer, and in addition to English students can choose to study drama, photography, video making and blogging. Closed groups are welcome all year round.

All of the above are available as tailor-made packages for individuals and groups.

What are the biggest attractions around the school and in the city in general?

Clifton, our neighbourhood, is a tourist attraction in itself and the world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge is an iconic symbol of Bristol. Stroll through the Georgian streets and explore the many independent shops and cafes of Clifton Village. Stroll through the many parks and green spaces that surround us or cross the bridge to watch the hot air balloon ascents during the world’s largest balloon fiesta. Next to the harbour, you can explore Bristol’s rich maritime history or take part in one of the many festivals held throughout the year. Spend an evening at the Bristol Old Vic (England’s oldest working theatre), browse the array of shops in Cabot Circus or watch the Bristol Bears play rugby at Ashton Gate Stadium.

IH Bristol is excellently located both within our city and in terms of the region itself. With our own international airport and within easy reach of London, we are surrounded by attractions and therefore a great base from which to explore the UK.