I’ve been studying languages since the age of 11 and have taken language classes at various institutions. Before you take a new language course (whether you pay for it OR if you win a scholarship), these are things you should bear in mind. These are especially true for if you move abroad to study, as if you are enrolled in the wrong course, it may be more difficult to change.
Schedule
What time are the classes? Will classes be in the morning, afternoon or evening? How much time will you spend in class and how much free time will you get? Can I study at the weekend? These are all questions you should ask yourself so that you can organise your time. Remember, you’ll need to leave yourself a few extra hours each week for self study and any homework set, so although a 6 days a week language course sounds great…will you really enjoy it when you only have one day to rest?
Materials
This is really important, especially at intermediate and advanced levels. Contact the school and ask which textbooks and materials will be used. Speaking from experience, it’s frustrating having to repeat the same exercises from the same book and although using the same book means you save buying a new one and the classes are easy, are you taking the class just to pass or to learn the language?
Class size and classmates
How many students will be in each class? Will your classmates be of a similar background to you? What nationality will they be?
Qualifications
When you finish the course, will you get any type of graduating certificate? Will this have your grades on too, or will it just acknowledge that you took a course at their institution? Are there any extra exams you can take to enhance your CV and ‘prove’ your language capabilities? Does the qualification expire after a number of years, if it is something you wish to use in the future?
Rules and Regulations
Is your participation in class, including attendance counted as part of your final examinations/course qualification? Be sure to make sure you read all the small print, as being late, missing a % of class time, or even being dressed inappropriately, or without the right equipment for class could incur penalties. I know of one language student who had to produce a handwritten letter in Mandarin apologising to the teacher for being late for, and subsequently disturbing her class, and all of his classmates.
Do you have any other tips? Add in the comments below
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