Language school
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A language school is a place of learning where one can study a foreign language. In most cases, classes at a language school are geared towards, but not limited to, communicative competence in a foreign language. Language learning in such schools typically supplements formal education or experience in a foreign language.
Students vary widely by, among other factors, age, educational background and work experience, as well as language proficiency. Teachers are expected to possess native fluency or acquired comptence in their target languages; formal qualifications to become a language teacher, however, vary by school, region or country.
Language schools, generally private ones, enable the learning and the intense practice of a foreign language during a given period. As a general rule, the program starts with a linguistic test which enables teachers to determine the level of participants on arrival. Courses can be organized in groups or for individuals (one-to-one lessons). These language schools, generally open all year round, are equipped with pedagogical material (books, tape recorders, videos, language lab, library etc.…).
Contents |
[edit] Business
Most language schools are for-profit; that is, students contract with a school for lessons in a foreign language. Costs vary depending on demand for the language in the area in which a certain school is located. Language schools are either independent entities or franchises for corporations.
[edit] Various languages and destinations
Language schools offer a wide range of languages and destinations. The main ones are listed below:
- English (in the United Kingdom, in Ireland, in Malta, in Canada, in the United States, in Australia or in New Zealand)
- German (in Germany and Austria)
- French (in France, in Belgium or in Québec, Canada)
- Spanish (in Spain and South America)
- Portuguese (in Portugal and Brazil)
- Asiatic Languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean…)
- Arabic (mainly in Maghreb countries)
English is, obviously, the most popular language and also the most offered. In the current world, Shakespeare’s language is the language of international communication. The rare and/or exotic languages are experiencing a boom, in particular Chinese, Japanese and Russian. Besides the traditional programs in language schools in England or in Spain, some organizations offer now more exotic destinations, which allow to both study, relax and discover a country (Costa Rica, Malta, or Morocco are good examples).
[edit] English Language Schools
Globally, English language schools have seen the greatest demand over schools for other languages. Over one billion people are said to be learning English in a second language or foreign language context.[1] In the United States alone, ESL learners make up over one-third of all adult, non-academic learners.[2]
English language schools are among the most numerous in Asian countries such as China, Japan and South Korea, as Western culture influences the rising demand for English in business and cultural contexts.
[edit] Other Languages
Chinese is one of the largest growing languages among second or foreign language learners, and demand for such classes has typically followed suit. Language schools teaching Mandarin Chinese in the United States and the United Kingdom have increased in number over the last two decades. Arabic also is a rapidly growing branch of foreign languages that are being sought globally in the last decade. Reasons include the rapid growing of Islam followers population worldwide, of which the holy book is written in Arabic, besides cultural, economical and political reasons.
[edit] Language teachers
Generally, language schools carry out a very rigorous selection of their language teachers. In order to ensure a quality teaching, teachers are generally natives of the taught language and/or have a long experience in teaching. They may have graduated of a B.A, Master or a PhD. Pedagogy, experience and strong skills are the principal criteria during the recruitment of the language school's teachers.
[edit] Language exams
Some language schools offer specific programs to participants wishing to prepare internationally recognized language exams: preparation of the TOEIC, the TOEFL, of Cambridge Certificates or of the DELE for example for Spanish. These courses are particularly well structured and complete in order to train the applicant in the best conditions.
[edit] Accommodation
Most language schools offer various kinds of accommodation to their students: host family, campus residence, shared flat, or even hotel for the top-of-the-range services. As a general rule, host families live close to the selected school and students can go there walking or by public transport. The campuses and shared apartments, generally available for students aged 18+, offer various facilities such as an Internet access, TV sets, air conditioning in some countries, a shared kitchen etc.
[edit] See also
- Language education
- English language learning and teaching
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- Français langue étrangère
- Arabic language school
- Second language acquisition
[edit] External links
- Language Schools Worldwide
- European Language Portfolio
- Council of Europe, European
- Spanish Language School, México
