Our Method:
At Guadalajara Language Center we prefer not to use a rigid grammatical
teaching method. Instead, a more conversational and interactive approach
is employed.Even though all essential areas of grammar are covered,
students learn not by endless grammar tables and repetition, but by
using them in context that clarifies their meaning and use. This method
we feel enhances language development , accelerates oral proficiency and
is altogether more enjoyable for both student and teacher.
Our Class:
On application, you have the choice of group or private tutoring. Group
classes are limited to a maximum of 6 people in order not to inhibit or
devalue the learning experience of our students. As a group member, you
can choose to learn at a regular or intensive pace. The regular course
is 2 hours per day, Monday to Friday. Intensive courses run for 4 hours
daily, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can opt for private tutoring
- one-on-one with one of our qualified, native language teachers at your
pace. The Spanish classes here at GLC run in two blocks of two hours -
9am-11am and 11.30-1.30pm. As a private student there would also be an
option of an afternoon session - 2pm-3/4pm. The total tutoring hours
would be made up from one, two or all of these sessions. Of course,
these options are often a matter of personal preference based on your
own learning methods. All options on course type and your estimated
length of stay can be selected on our application form. We do however
try to accommodate any change of plan that may occur after submission,
whether that be before or after your arrival at Guadalajara Language
Center.
Our Levels:
Our classes are divided into levels of aptitide - beginner, elementary,
intermediate and advanced. Don't worry if you have no Spanish experience
at all - over half of all our students begin at the first, beginner
level. Your level will be assessed prior to arrival through a Spanish
level assessment test which is sent by email after enrollment. You will
then be placed into an appropriate level group. The beginner through
elementary levels can be covered in approximately 80 hours of classes (
one month of intensive program ) and all levels incorporate the main
language aptitudes of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Below is
a brief objective of each Spanish level.
Beginner - Students will acquire a basic level of oral
proficiency in order to communicate in every day situations and
understand basic text. The course will cover all aspects of elementary
grammar.
Intermediate - Students will acquire a higher level of oral and
written proficiency. More advanced areas of grammar will be covered. The
subjunctive mood will be introduced. Students will be introduced to
certain aspects of Latin American culture.
Advanced - The Advanced Spanish level is basically a continuation
from the Intermediate level. Once the grammar basics are at your
disposal, the aim of advanced level is to achieve a command of these
skills, greater fluency and the ability to understand and apply complex
texts. Students will also acquire a greater understanding and
appreciation of Latin American culture and linguistic nuances.
"The location of the school is great. It is near a historic market and
in a safe area of town. The staff was very helpful and the
accommodations with a local family made the trip. Thanks GLC. I learned
a lot."
Robert Kerr, Florida, US
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Our Materials:
Our teachers are encouraged to give enjoyable and interactive classes
leading to a specific learning objective. To this end, our teachers have
at their disposable a library of many respected teaching texts with
which to build their lessons. Teachers will from time to time suggest
non-compulsory exercises for homework. Also, if you wish to supplement
the Spanish classes with extra home study we can recommend a suitable
text and help you acquire it.
Timetable:
Students are requested to arrive at GLC around 8.45am on their first day
in order to be familiarised with the school, the staff and to answer any
questions or concerns that you may have in a short introductory talk.
After this, classes begin at 9am Monday-Friday. For those on the
intensive program, there is a break of 30 mins at 11am to rest your
brain, grab a bite and chat to other students and therefore complete
their 4 hours of study in two blocks of 2 hours each. Private tutoring
schedules are organised in advance with the Program Director but as a
rule, also commence at 9am.
Activities:
All intensive group students have the option to leave the school with
their tutor every Friday afternoon session. They can be taken into
Guadalajara or Tlaquepaque to visit a culturally interesting place such
as a museum or market. Moreover, every Saturday evening, students are
invited to a local bar/restaurant for our 'Conversation Club' - a chance
to practice the Spanish learnt in class with our English students and
locals in an informal, relaxed setting. During the week we offer an
"Intercambio" with one of our Mexican students who are learning English
at our school. You can meet outside the school in for example a nice
cafe where you can practice your spanish and the student his or her
English.
We encourage our students to participate in the many cultural activities
available in Tlaquepaque and Guadalajara as a whole. These include Salsa
dancing and Spanish guitar lessons. Our school is also near to a
gymnasium of which we can aid you in providing a temporary membership.
Certificate:
On completion of your course at with at least a 90% attendance record,
you will receive a certificate from Guadalajara Language Center. This
will outline the number of hours studied and standard attained.
