The ALC Academic Program

In general, language teaching at the ALC is through the communicative approach. Using the latest American and British language-teaching materials, students practice the language in meaningful contexts, using only English in the classroom, and work toward language goals that are within their reach. Lessons tend to be student-centered rather than teacher-centered, as in more traditional approaches. We want students to use the language in class in ways that they cannot by themselves.

Course participants are evaluated based on a final examination, and must succeed at one level before passing on to the next.

Adults

Young Learners

There are 10 levels in the Children's program and 10 levels in the Juniors' program. Regular Children's classes meet once a week for 2 hours, and Juniors for 2.5 hours per week, and there are intensive courses offered in July, where young learners’ classes meet once a day for 1.5 hours. Learners in the Children's program who turn 11 join the Juniors' program, and students in the Juniors' program who turn 14 join the Adult program after taking a placement test that determines their level of English in the program they are going into.

(Click here for information on time slots and fees)

Free Learning Activities

Besides the opportunities for learning that students have in class, we encourage students to participate in the ALC's free Learning Activities, which provide additional practice time with other learners in fun ways. Opportunities offered generally every term include a Film Series, a Drama Club, a Writing Center, and extra activity sessions for Beginning One and Beginning Two students. Other fun learning opportunities, depending on the term, might include the Pronunciation Center, Word Games, Children’s Story Hour and/or Juniors’ Story Hour.

All of the above organized learning activities are conducted by qualified teachers. Any ALC student with a valid ALC student card can attend these activities free of charge. (click for a schedule of sample free activities).