Be more valuable!
Optimize your potential for success. When you gain the skills and confidence of speaking a second language, you will become more valuable and more marketable in this global marketplace. We are pleased to offer language classes designed to fit into your busy lifestyle and demanding schedule. Your classes will occur at the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, downtown at the Republic Center at 325 North St. Paul St., Suite 4200. Valet parking is available in the building for a reduced rate of $4.
Berlitz Programs Offer:
The Berlitz Method is a highly effective, conversational approach to teaching. Berlitz classes focus on helping students to acquire active listening and speaking skills in a foreign language. Instructors emphasize practical vocabulary and grammar in the context of real-life situations and supplement study with relevant reading and writing exercises.
Focus on Speaking - Language is an oral phenomenon; therefore, all teaching and learning is done in an oral context. Reading and writing skills are essential, but must be preceded by and rest on oral mastery.
Active Participation - The mastery of a language requires active student participation in all stages of instruction. This is necessary as it facilitates the development of the intellectual and physical memories that are critical to acquiring oral skills. To maximize learning, students benefit from longer classes while taking short breaks after every 40 minutes of instruction.
Immersion in the Target Language - The Berlitz Method excludes any use of the student’s native language in either the classroom or in the student’s review materials. By totally immersing the student in the new language, we can most closely simulate the real-life situations in which he or she will be using the language, and eliminate the cumbersome process of introducing a concept first in the student’s language and then in the target language. The “direct” approach (from concept to language) is the essence of the Berlitz Method.
Building-Block Approach - The Berlitz Method is based on a “building-block” approach. During the early stages of instruction, primary emphasis is given to establishing basic structures and grammatical points. Each structure is introduced and thoroughly practiced and serves as a foundation for new information. Concepts proceed from simple to complex, from concrete to abstract. Initially, students deal with simple declarative sentences, then questions. Only later are they exposed to relative and subordinate clauses, compound and complex forms, and sentence embedding. Likewise, students are first taught to identify and describe the people and objects in their immediate surroundings. This is then expanded to permit them to discuss abstract relationships, feelings, emotions, conditions, cause/effect relationships, etc.
Who conducts the lessons? All lessons are taught by Berlitz-trained instructors who have a 4-year degree from a recognized educational institution and are native-fluent in the language they teach.
How long is each class?90 minutes
What if I cannot make it at the time scheduled for the group? As a special offer, you can purchase the option to make up any classes you miss for a one-time nominal fee of $40. The $40 fee entitles you to come to a group make-up class which is scheduled immediately before your scheduled classes on the premises. The optional group make-up class is 45-minutes long. In this class you will review what was covered in the previous session. You may attend as many make-up sessions as you wish if you purchase this option.
What course materials will I receive? All students will receive a Student Reader. The Student Reader issued depends on the proficiency level and language of study. The Student Reader is required and your lessons and exercises will be drawn from it. It is included in the $365 tuition cost. We also strongly suggest you purchase the audio component that accompanies your program. The cost of the CDs is $75.00.
For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions.
It's easy to get started:
Additional questions may be directed to WorldAffairsCouncil@berlitz.us