We often get asked by prospective clients "what progress can I achieve, say after a 10 day course?"
This is more often a question asked by complete beginners to a language. Clients coming to us say with an A level in
the language rarely pose the question.
A certain amount depends upon the individual of course and their motivation of course. The pattern of taking a course
also is relevant.
We always ask our clients to provide a review and critique of the course so that we can strike to maintain our high standards
and we are always on the lookout to improve further..
Sometimes we might overlook the particular difficulties faced by individual groups of clients-perhaps they are slightly
dyslexic or even hard of hearing.
We have decided to publish some of these not so much a to "blow our own trumpet" but more to examine some of the challenges
faced by clients so that they too can recognise these.
In March 2006 a client from the BBC took a 10 day French Course over 2 weeks (8 Hour days).
The client had zero knowledge of French and was required to acquire a working a ability as rapidly as possible.
The client (he) reminded us of the need to explain to clients that learning the language is not made at a uniform linear
pace. A learner will experience setbacks and self-doubts. In simple parlance you have good and bad days.
One of the advantages of a concentrated immersion is that you take these periods and you overcome them. You are not tempted
into thinking that you have hit a terminal brick wall and give up blaming yourself and that this is a factor unique
to just you.
Languages are for many people a discretionary investment of time money. Learning a language is often
not perceived as being that vital a skill to acquire. Therefore many people hit a bad patch and give up.
Think if the same were true for passing your driving test. Driving a vehicle is seen as an indispensable skill
and if you hit a difficult patch you pick yourself up and carry on. Taking the bus for the rest
of your life isnt seen as an alternative.
