This is a long-term comprehensive foreign language study program abroad, designed for a full academic year, that is, 8-10 months. It is called Academic Year (like the school exchange program) or International Year. As a rule, it consists of a basic course (e.g., General English) with an intensity of 20-30 academic hours per week plus various options: business language, preparation for international exams, academic vocabulary, etc. At the initial stage, the tone is set by group or individual lessons of a general nature, and as the language is mastered, the choice of options expands. Group lessons are usually held in the first half of the day.
Who is such a program intended for? From this point of view, there are two main types of long-term programs: for children from age 11 who are aiming for a foreign school, and for young people from 16-18 who plan to receive higher education abroad.
In the first case, training is often organized on the basis of private boarding schools. There, children are under the supervision of experienced teachers around the clock. In addition, a guardian is appointed for the foreign child, who monitors their progress, helps them adapt to the new environment, and maintains contact with parents. For the second category, long-term programs are conducted by language centers. Here, typical accommodation options are a student dormitory or a host family.
The main advantage of academic programs is mastering the language from an elementary level to an advanced one through complete immersion in the language environment. It is important that outstanding knowledge is usually not required to start classes. The "academic year" program is designed precisely for those who have insufficient language skills. After all, for those who, for example, know English, the path to a private school is opened by Secondary School Preparation, and to universities by the Foundation program.
An important advantage of the "academic year" is its cost. Many schools set special prices for such long-term programs. In general, the budget for such a trip ranges from $8,000 in Malta to $13,000 in Europe. Additionally, the flight, consular fee, insurance, and exam fees are paid separately.
"Academic year" programs usually start in September, January, and April. The school must receive your application at least a month before the intended trip. Overall, it takes two to three months to process all the documents. But if you try, you can manage to arrange the program by September of the current year, provided there is desire and funding.
Long-term programs can be found in all countries where language courses for foreigners exist. The choice of country is determined, first, by the language; second, by the goal and prospects; and, of course, by your own budget. When choosing among the many programs, we would recommend EF. The program lasts nine months and takes place in countries such as the United Kingdom, USA, Malta, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Spain, Ecuador, and Italy. You can choose the main course (24 language lessons per week) or an intensive one (30 lessons per week). Initially, you will begin learning the language according to EF's unique program. Having reached a certain level, you will be able to move on to studying academic subjects: literature, art, history, political science. An academic year is not only classes at school. You practice the language constantly by working on the student newspaper, electing a student council president, or playing football.
On the first day of classes, you will take a test and begin studying in a group corresponding to your level. The curriculum combines written exercises, role-playing games, communication, and much more. This allows you to quickly expand your vocabulary, improve your grammar knowledge, pronunciation, and intonation.
Each EF school offers a wide range of academic subjects from which you can choose the ones that interest you most. Students with an above-average language level can take the EF Master Business English course, which is taught using the famous case method of Harvard Business School. This unique course combines in-depth study of English and business disciplines. The program uses publications from Harvard University Business School and the case-study method. Particular attention is paid to such aspects as negotiation, leadership development, international management, marketing, and others. The course also includes a month-long internship at a company. You will also prepare for and take one of the international exams in English.
There are also combined programs: one language – two countries, two languages – several countries. This unique educational program is an extraordinary journey and the simultaneous study of several languages! You will master two or three languages and see the world. The "multilingual year" can start on any Monday of the year, in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, the USA, Canada, Australia, France, Spain, Ecuador, Italy, and Germany. The course consists of six modules combining 36 study weeks (one module equals six weeks). You create your own learning program and route, distributing these six modules across two or three languages and countries. For example, if you want to study French and English, you can choose two modules (or 12 weeks) at the EF school in Paris and four modules (24 weeks) in Cambridge.
Upon completion of the program, you will receive documentary confirmation of your achievements.
An academic year abroad is a serious step. Of course, deciding on such a program is not easy, but upon its completion, having achieved significant results not only in language knowledge but also having absorbed the mentality of another country, you will understand that you made the right decision.
Yulia POLOTOVSKAYA,
company "Ukrtekhintur".