Now I have prepared for my interview - I begin to think in my mind in English!

On the beach at Milford on Sea

This latest English language student had two important objectives for his 12-day training course.  

First was to prepare a personal presentation for an interview with the Saudi boss of a partner company.  This was with a view to working in Saudi Arabia for his French company in 2014.
Second objective was to be able to deliver a technical presentation of a treatment process with fluency and without hesitation or mistakes.



He had two hosts, Sam and Andy Bown who live by the sea in Milford for the first week.  At the weekend he moved to the Browning family and their two children who live in a traditional New Forest cottage. Hubert was pleased with the welcome he had from these people and joined in their family activities at the weekends. 

His daily one-to-one lessons with Celia Lincoln and Toby Wilks were focussed on making him talk - to improve his presentation and introductions and to practise, practise and then more practise.   On arrival he had been quiet and hesitant - nervous and afraid to speak.  At the end of this training he was much more confident and ready to ask and answer questions.  He was able to understand English spoken quickly by a wide range of native British speakers. 

About his English course and lessons he said: "I have really appreciated my families and this one-to-one immersion method of training. Now I can communicate with people in English and I begin to think in my mind in English!  I have prepared my own personal introduction for an interview and also a presentation and I begin to understand news on television."


He left for Saudi Arabia directly from Southampton airport.
Bravo and good luck Hubert!

From Beginner to Pre-intermediate in only 2 weeks!

Michel (right) with Cynthia and Roy

Michel is Directeur Exploitation Grandes Installations with a French water treatment company.  His work involves regular business visits to Cyprus where he must communicate with colleagues in the English language exclusively.

He arrived with a level of Beginner, having taken some intensive lessons in France to prepare for his intensive 1-1 immersion training  in England. We had 2 weeks to raise his level to be able to understand and speak at meetings in Cyprus.
Simple questions he did not understand and his general vocabulary was limited.

When he completed his English training with Heritage English, he was fully pre-intermediate in all skills.  His teachers, Cherry and Toby, were amazed at his ability to exchange opinions and ideas on a wide range of familiar subjects at the end of this training period.  BRAVO!

After the lessons, at home, his hosts gave him plenty of opportunity to practise the questions and answers he had learned in the lessons, but in the relaxed atmosphere of evening meals and weekend conversations.  He wrote on his return:

"Excellent welcome from the two families who received me and some interesting discussions with them.  Both teachers also very welcoming.  I made progress in oral expression and in comprehension."

Book soon for junior study vacation courses 2014

We are already receiving requests for June/July/August junior study holiday courses next summer.  We are proud of the personal care we take of each junior student but this means we prefer not to overbook students.  Therefore we take only a limited number of junior reservations for the busy summer months.  

Places are limited because we only choose hosts that we know and trust -  previous visitors like to return to the same family and some families are already booked for next year.  So to avoid disappointment, please book early for junior courses in the summer of 2014.

This summer was particularly successful and many parents and teachers of overseas students who came to Heritage English have written emails and letters to thank our hosts and teachers for taking care of their young people while they are in England.  

Just as important as knowing your child is cared for - parents are always amazed at how much their childrens' English listening and speaking ability has improved in just a few weeks! That is the main objective - but making new friends and sharing family life in a different culture are a unique educational experience for young people who have this great opportunity.  Of course they do not realise this, they just have a lot of fun!

We are proud to reproduce below, three of the many kind comments received :-

1. Berta's English (Spanish) teacher in Cadiz wrote to us while she was here (a) and again on her return (b).  

(a) "We are really happy for Berta because we know that she's having a great time and learning a lot with you ..... we truly appreciate the detailed lesson reports and the activities you describe are useful and motivating.  Thank you for arranging the trip to London for Berta and thanks to the Webb family who made her so welcome."

(b) "Berta came over last week for her English lesson with me.  We spoke in English for an hour and a half.  
It's amazing how much she has improved.  I notice it in her pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary and now she uses the past form of verbs - one of her main problems beore."

2. Ahmed's father wrote to his host family just before his return to the Saudi Peninsula after a 6-week course in England this summer.

"As the time of Ahmed's return home rapidly approaches, I would like to thank you for the truly marvelous gift that you provided to my son by giving him such a caring and supportive environment for him to learn and grow.

Ahmed has told me many, many times how completely happy he has been during his time with you and how much he would like to return next year.
You have made this an most excellent experience and I absolutely cannot thank you enough.
With best regards, Mahmoud "

3. Tsimafei Banko came for two weeks and stayed with the Lacy family.  His mother stayed in Bournemouth during this time and wrote to Gail after seeing him on the weekend after his first week of lessons in English.  She wrote:

"Hello Gail, it was really very pleasant to meet you on the arrival day.  Thank you for your attention and hospitality.
As you know Tsimafei (Tim) went to me for this weekend and I was happy to note his good progress in English.  Even after one week I can see his improvement, so I told myself it was a good choice to have this course with you.  
About Tim, he is pleased with his lessons and with his host family ... very much!
So all that I can say is you are a high class professional organisation.

Also thanks for the detailed written report about Tim's first week.
Tatania"

Thank you to all the kind people who took time to write, because it is our great reward and pleasure to hear such comments.  Now we look forward to seeing old friends again next year, and maybe meeting some new people as well.

Celia and Gail 

Bookings for Junior Courses 2014 coming in now

Student from Japanese boarding school has study vacation in Lymington

Yoshiki Hiraguri took a 3-week immersion/holiday course with us when he stayed with the wonderful Murray family in their new forest located home - comlete with pet ponies, sheep, goats, hens as well as their family dogs and cats. 

Yoshiki had lessons during weekdays with his two tutors, Melinda and Sara having many outings after lessons - his favourite being a visit to Southampton football stadium.  (see photo below left)

After lessons and at weekends he shared the family activities and especially enjoyed playing football with Tom and his friends after school.  Yoshiki's main problem was speaking and with all the lessons and family contact he succeeded in raising his oral level from A2 to B1.

 Cycling in the New Forest with his teacher was another fun afternoon outing.... see photo below.   Question:  What is in the bag?  Answer:  Juicy blackberries
His teacher showed him how to cook them after the outing.

The Heritage English team all  hope to see Yoshiki here again next year.

The best atmosphere to learn English quickly

Alfredo Aspra, a lawyer from Madrid, came to Heritage English for a short one-week intensive immersion course this August.  He had a full programme of one-to-one lessons from Monday to Friday with personal coach, Toby Wilks.  Alfredo had lunch with Toby every day after morning lessons, followed by an excursion when he visited local places of interest with his teacher, speaking and being monitored all the time.

 His host for the week was Pam Myatt - and this is what he wrote before leaving today.

"Toby is a really excellent teacher because the time learning with him is pleasant, fun and interesting.  He taught a lot of basic grammar rules that I had forgotton and much vocabulary - I learned many new words and phrases.

The host, Pam, is a fantastic person that she is worried that everything been OK all the time.  I have really enjoyed in this home.

The course is very intensive because you are learning continuously every minute; the teacher's time is dedicated to your learning and the results are immediate.  For people very busy it is the best method; you and your teacher are focussed in the same target and working together to do it.

This place, the environment, the people who live here and their professionalism and friendliness - all make the best atmosphere to learn English quickly.  The organisation and human quality of Heritage English Academy is fantastic and very admirable."

Alfredo
 



 

Progress fantastic.... I didn't waste my money!

Alvaro Brasil Correa came all the way from Rio de Janeiro to take 2-weeks intensive immersion with Heritage English this August.  He works as an electrician on an oil rig and he needs English to talk to suppliers and customers all over the world.  His main problem was understanding native English, American or Canadian speakers.

We asked him, what did he enjoy most?

"First - Lessons.  They are dynamic so that you never wait for break

Second - Conversation.  The teachers make you talk, even when you been a shy person 

Third - Meet people, the teacher make you listen to many different voices

Fourth - The cultural and leisure time.  This is the best way for describing the afternoons and evenings.  It is very important for you learn new words and expressions.

When I decided study in Heritage course, I couldn't imagine the effect of this one-to-one method.  It is not the cheapest way to learn, but really we can say that the progress is fantastic. 

 I also can say that I didn't waste my money!"

Alvaro

Project Manager now more fluent

Herve Le Gac from Nantes in France has completed an intensive week this August, staying with our host Pam and having lessons with Toby (see lesson photo above).  Herve is a Project Manager for the International Department of a waste management company in France.  He needed to become more fluent in order to discuss and present contracts and offers to international corporate clients in English.

Read below his comments about his immersion course:

"It was a very good week, discovering the English way of life.  Pam and Toby are very sympathetic and it was a pleasure to share the time with them during these seven days.  I thank a lot both of them!

"I need to work more to speak in English without mistakes, but I am today more fluent and that was my main objective.  The one-to-one method of learning gives efficiency because the teacher can adapt his course to the student.  It is important to participate and not to be afraid with mistakes .... to practise is the better way to improve."

Note: All students have lessons in the home of their teacher who collects them from the host family.  The full intensive executive week means they spend all day with the teacher and the evenings are with the host.  The evenings are important for them to practise talking with different people in a relaxed atmosphere.  Total English speaking contact time is 65 hours per week.

Flexible, responsive - dedicated and professional

Berit came to Heritage English from Norway in August this year for a  two-week one-to-one intensive immersion course.  She is based in Oslo and works as a researcher for the Oslo School of Architecture and Design.  Berit had two personal teachers who taught on different days.  She stayed with two host families, one in the first week and another in the second - in order to give her a wide range of people to speak with.

 She writes below about her experience:-

" The one-to-one tuition is simply a privilege.  It is hard work, but it is very effective and givs great results!

"As my vocabulary and fluency grew, so did my confidence.  I made progress every day.  I am also very impressed by the teachers' ability to detect my weaker areas and by how they found ways to work with me on this.    The teachers were very flexible and responsive to my needs.  One day we would work on my pronunciation and vocabulary, the other day we discussed topics within my work area.  We really had some inspiring conversations!

"The teachers at Heritage English are dedicated and professional.  Celia and Cherry are also wonderful people, not to forget Steve's wonderful cooking and contributions to my learning process.  All this made my stay here really worthwhile, both professionally and personally.

"Did I achieve my objectives?  Yes, and even more so.

"What have I most enjoyed... ?  What makes the Heritage English such a great experience is the variation in teaching methods and the very friendly atmosphere.  You feel safe even though you are challenged by having to use English in all kinds of situations.  One evening I found myself chatting along with some people I had just met.  This would not have been a comfortable situation before I came here.  I think I did quite good, and that was a wonderful feeling.  I also liked staying with my hosts, another opportunity to practice the language and to learn about life here in Lymington.

I will miss you all. 
Thank you.
Berit"

Robin returns and gets a suntan!!

In July Heritage English had the pleasure of a second visit from Robin who is French.  This year he stayed with the Browning family.  Above you see him (centre) with the Browning children.

Last year the weather was bad, but this year he went home with a suntan!  Here are his comments at the end of his two-week immersion:

"Most of all I enjoyed the conversation in England because it was a good thing for progress.  My English is now much better.  I liked the Browning family because they was very sympathetic and help me for talk English.  I like also teachers because they was very friendly and they did good lessons."


Robin was quite sad to leave, as were all his friends in England. 

Berta's dream comes true! .. and English so much improved, says teacher in Spain

Berta from Cadiz came to Heritage English in July and stayed two weeks with the Webb family.  Photo shows Berta (right) with Chloe Webb. 
During her stay the teachers, Gail and Jo, sent her first week lesson reports back to her family and her teacher Cristina in Cadiz.  Cristina wrote:

"We are all really happy for Berta because we know that she's having a great time and learning a lot with you.  She feels very comfortable with the family and loves her lessons.  

We truly appreciate the detailed jreports of her lessons.  It shows how professional you are.  I really like your methodology and the materials you are using with Berta.  I'm familiar with some of the textbooks you are using and they are really motivating and complete.  The activities you describe sound very useful.  I think I'm going to use some with my students as well!

I fully aagree with the approach you are using with Berta, building on her syntactical and lexical knowledge by giving her lots of opportunities to use it to talk about her own experiences and reality.  It's the best way to make learning memorable and meaningful.

We also want to thank you for arranging the trip to ondon for Berta.  You can't imagine how much it means to her.  Visiting London has been her dream for many years.

Before leaving Berta wrote:  "I really enjoyed everything because the family is so lovely.  I was so comfortable with theirs and I have to thank them because they always paid attention to me.  The teachers make the lessons so interesting and I think that my English is better than when I arrived.
And... I had a dream to go to London and it was made true!!"

After Berta returned home she had her first lesson with Cristina in Cadiz.  Her Spanish teacher wrote:

"Berta came to me yesterday and we spoke in English for an hour and a half. It's amazing how much she has improved in two weeks.  I notice it in her pronunciation, fluency and vocabulary.  And now she uses the past form of verbs - one of her main problems before.

"She was so proud when I told her I could see her improvement." 

"I learned a lot more than in my last school" - Belarus student Tsimafei

Tsimafei (left) with Dominic

Tsimafei from Belarus stayed with Dominic and his family in June.  Aged 18, "Tim" as we called him needed to improve his English before starting a new school.  His mother Tatsiana brought him to Lymington and stayed in Bournemouth during his 2-week visit.

Tsimafei said:  "I liked Dominic and Deirdre, his mother.  Also my teacher Toby who was a great teacher and who took me on some great adventures after lessons.  


I learned more with Heritage English than I did at the school last year."

His mother wrote to Gail at the end of his first week:

Hello dear Gail,
It was really pleasant to meet you on our arrival day.  Thank you for your attention and hospitality.

As you know, Tim went to me for this weekend and I was happy to note his good progress in English.  Even after one week I can see his improvement.  So I told myself it was a good choice to have this course with you. 

About Tim, he is pleased with h is lessons and with his host family very much too.  So all I can say is you are a high class professional in your job.

Thanks for the report about Tim's first week.
With best wishes, Tatsiana

English people are kind, says Gianluigi

Gianluigi came back for a second 2-week immersion with Heritage English this year.  Everyone was happy to see him again, and astonished at how much he has grown in one year!  His two teachers were highly impresssed with his motivation to learn and improve in English lessons.  His hosts said he fitted in so well with family life - everyone was sad to see him go back to Italy.

On leaving Gianluigi said:

"I learned a lot this year.  I think that Heritage English is a good organisation because people learn a lot.  At college you make new friends, but you don't learn.  I had two teachers.  They taught me very well.  You learn a lot more when you have only one student in the lesson.

Gianluigi on the beach with Henry and Helen

Superman on speedboat

"Last year the weather was bad.   This year it was fantastic - temperatures like Italy! I visited new cities like Southampton and Bournemouth; I went surfing and I visited the Isle of Wight. 


 I find that people in England are very kind - especially my host family of course!"

Six weeks immersion for 12-year-old Ahmed

Ahmed (second from right) came for an immersion course with Heritage English for six weeks in June and July and stayed with the Webb family above.

 It was a big challenge for a 12 year old to spend so long with a strange family in a strange country but he found new brothers and sisters (Henry, Oli and Chloe) and English parents (Helen and Keith) as well as learning to speak English with his personal tutors, Gail and Huw - and to experience first hand how we live in Britain.

During his stay Ahmed had lessons every morning with Gail and Huw.  In the afternoons he had tennis lessons weekly, he went horse riding, had lessons in archery and visited a theme park with the Webb family.

This is what Ahmed's father wrote before Ahmed left England.

"As the time for Ahmed's return home rapidly approaches, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the truly marvelous gift that you provided to my son by inviting him into your family and providing such a caring and supportive environment for him to learn and to grow.

Ahmed has told me many, many times how completely happy he has been during his time with you and how much he would like to return next year.

I look forward to having the opportunity to host you and your family should you ever make your way to the Arabian Peninsula.

You have all made this a most excellent experience and I absolutely cannot thank you enough.

With best regards, 
Mahmous Alhefdhi

Meetings in English with new confidence....

Serge Le Gall came to Heritage English for one week to improve his English for international team meetings.  He begins work on a huge energy research project involving the co-operation of at least seven countries including US, Korea, Japan, France, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Working for his engineering company to create the headquarters for the research work, he will need to speak in many situations with a range of teams who are involved in the joint venture.

This is what he said about his training: 

"I've enjoyed the host family welcome, the hospitality and the chance to meet people.
 The lessons were tailormade and that is what I enjoyed most.

I wanted to be more confident when I have to speak English and now I feel more able to give an opinion.  I hope to use the language learned in my future job in a new project.

My advice if you come is to forget your job while you are here; think only about the English language and the lessons."

Thank you Serge.  We look forward to your second visit later in the year.

"It's a Miracle"

Hello,   My name is Thierry and I come from Paris.  

I work in the Events Management market and I created my own company "Less is MORE" 18 months ago.

I decided to work abroad, especially in the emerging countries and as I hadn't spoken English for nearly 30 years I decided to take a few lessons in Paris and then do an immersion course in the UK.

Can you imagine that in the beginning of the week I had a pre-intermediate level and then a few days later I was able to deliver you this message!  

It's a miracle ... and of course it is the talent of Gail and Celia!

Heritage English helped me to get confidence in myself and in the lessons, my teachers helped me to make an oral presentation of myself and my company in English.

Above: Thierry in the harbour of the historic town

of Christchurch

Lymington is a very nice area in the New Forest - between the sea and the forest - with welcoming people.

If I am able to do this successfully, I am sure that you can do it too!

Thierry

A new way for Francisco in Brazil

Two years ago, Francisco came to Heritage English for 3 weeks of intensive business English language training.  He made great progress - of course!  In particular he became a great story teller - and of jokes in particular.

 His gift for telling funny stories is something we take no credit for.  It is his particular natural talent :-)

He emailed us yesterday with happy news about a new promotion - a new way in his career. 
See his message below:

Dear Celia

This week I was chosen officially as Commercial Director of Usina Coruripe Group .

I’m very happy because I worked a lot for this and I deserve it!

Thank you for the help you gave me in English to get me into this new position in the company.

Francisco

IT'S OVER !!!

Dear Gail and Celia

The interview went very well.  My English was natural, and fluent.  I was at ease - and convincing.
Of course it did not happen exactly the way I had prepared with you.  It was not a presentation but a lively conversation.  They saw me in cristal clear!

Thanks for all your support, and see you soon!

Fanny Pallincourt

Senior executive job interview candidate presents herself in English

Mrs Pallincourt came to Heritage English for an intensive week to prepare in English - for a senior executive promotion interview in her company which takes place in Munich next week.

She raised her oral level from B2 to C1 (advanced) in one week!!

This what she wrote about her experience:

Above all, I appreciated the family life atmosphere which makes you feel at ease immediately. 

 This atmosphere frees your capacity to understand and to speak.   My fluency has improved quite quickly – thanks to extensive conversation time.  

Also I appreciated the way the teachers adapt the lessons to your own personal needs. 

The focus on my presentation for being interviewed in English greatly helped me to learn how to use more effective expressions and techniques to involve the audience, while improving my communication skills.

Finally -  a special mention for the cooking of Sam and Steve!

Thank you for coming and we wish you success in the forthcoming interview.

Celia and Gail 

Shortest - most intensive - most successful

Mr Palu is the Director of a nuclear power plant in the North of France.

Due to important meetings he had to cancel the last days of his course and stayed only for a very short course, comprising only 12 hours of very intensive training.  He needed to prepare a special presentation in English.

“What I appreciated most was the capacity to adapt the training lessons in line with my objectives – the most important task is to give a presentation at a meeting in China next month.

The lessons focussed directly on my difficulties.  In this short time I have improved my comprehension, my accent and learned some new vocabulary.

Also there was a very warm welcome from the teachers and my host Pam - and a real capacity to improve quickly my knowledge.”  

Andre Palu February 2013

We are hoping to see Mr Palu again - when he has more time to improve his English communication skills. 

Gail and Celia