Italian universities
Everyone knows that Italy has the tastiest pizza, the richest coffee and the creamiest gelato but not many people know that some Italian universities are among the world’s best ever. For example, the University of Bologna is the highest ranked university in Italy whilst Sapienza University of Rome ranks as the 190th best university in the world. The aforementioned universities specialize in the following subjects: health, humanities, sciences, social studies and technology. Students travel from far and wide to take advantage of Italy’s excellent education system.

Expats in Italy – how to choose the best school for your child…

When selecting an Italian school for your son or daughter, it is necessary to choose whether you want your child to attend an Italian state school or one of the few schools in Italy that uses English as their main teaching language. If you send your child to an Italian state school, he/she will be studying all of their subjects in Italian. It is noteworthy that after the age of 12, children tend to learn languages more slowly. Young children, on the other hand, adapt fairly easily.
While English is taught as a second language throughout state schools in Italy, the quality of the education your child is likely to receive is probably not going to allow your child to maintain a high level of reading and writing in English. Consequently, many parents pay for an English tutor to allow their child to hold onto their knowledge of the English language. This is especially important for parents planning on returning to the UK while their children are still of school-age to keep them from falling behind in their English studies.
You should also take into account the following five pieces of advice when selecting the best school for your child…

1.    Parents usually send their children to private school for religious reasons or to find support for children with special needs. Italian private schools do not offer a higher quality of education; state schools are perceived to be of an equal standard.

2.    If you are planning on living in Italy for a short period of time, it may not be worth enrolling your child in a Spanish speaking school. It may be said that the length of your stay needs to be at least one year to make becoming a student at an Italian school worth your child’s while. For example, two months in an all-Italian-speaking educational institution is not enough time to allow your son or daughter to progress and is likely to do more harm than good to your child’s confidence.

3.    Expat parents need to be aware that the majority of Italian students are required to attend school on a Saturday morning. Therefore, it may be necessary for the family to rearrange their leisure activities around Saturday classes.

4.    Undoubtedly, the younger your child is, the easier it will be for them to integrate into Italian school life.

5.    If you choose single-gender education for your child, you have no alternative but to send your child to private school.

I teach Spanish as a foreign language. I’ve worked with don Quijote for a long time now, but I still don’t like doing it.

Do you travel abroad often?

I travel abroad as often as I can. I’m very interested in cultures that are different than mine, and clearly the best way to get to know them is by traveling.

Have you studied abroad?

I’ve thought about it, but I’ve never had the chance to, although I know from my experience working with students from all over the world that it’s an important life-experience for anyone.

Which languages do you speak or have studied?

I speak French and English. I studied French in high school and I learned French along the way. I’ve taken courses in German; I can understand some but I can’t speak it. I also understand Italian and Portuguese.

How and why did you get into the Study Abroad market?

Because I think it’s a fascinating field. I think that having the chance to act as a communication bridge between different people from all parts of the world is incredible.

What is your job or function at the organization?

I’m a teacher and right now I’m also responsible for the online lesson content for don Quijote and their group.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

The absence of routine, having to look for solutions and constantly improvising so that everyone that wants to learn Spanish can learn it. I also like the chance to learn a lot of things about a lot of different areas that in other circumstances I wouldn’t get.

Was a person, group of people or organization instrumental in your success?

I think the word success here may be going too far. Clearly, to explain my career with don Quijote, I have to mention Caridad Santana, who always had so much confidence in my potential and I don’t want to let her down. And of course, firstly the group of teachers in Granada, and then in Tenerife, who’ve always been, and are available to collaborate, lend a hand and not let me rest on my laurels.

Tell us one of your biggest challenges in starting your organization.

My permanent goal is to make my explanations clear and simple and to be able to make the student feel like learning is easier than he or she expected.

Can you tell us about your school’s philosophy, specialty and/or why you think it is special?

There are a lot of reasons. One of them is: the constant concern for quality, not only in physical elements (materials, classes, etc) but also in the human; permanent training, avoiding “auto pilot” mode…

Another reason: Getting to know people from all over the world. When someone –that doesn’t work at don Quijote –wants to meet people, they have to move around, travel… I, we, are lucky in that the world comes to us, we just have to have a receptive attitude and we get to enjoy the world in our own house, to put it a certain way.

Last week, we interviewed Quebec City's School Director, Viviane Brassard. This week, we're meeting Nathalie Tremblay, the Director of Studies at our partner Quebec City French school. Here is what she had to say!

What is your background?
I am over 40 years old and the single parent of a 10-year old boy. I have 2 bachelor degrees as well as some post-grad courses in Teaching French as a Second Language. I obtained my CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) in 2001.

Do you travel abroad often?
Sadly, no!

Have you studied abroad?
Never had the chance.

Which languages do you speak or have studied?
French,English and what I call 'survival Spanish.'

How and why did you get into the Study Abroad market?
Through my work at our school! 

When did you start/join your organization?
From the very first days, back in November 2009.

What is your job or function at the organization?
I am the Director of Studies.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Most of all, to lend a hand to the teachers in preparing their lessons: It make me realize that all the good ideas I have for them are simply the product of all my experience and it is a nice feeling to be able to bring it all into play.

Tell us one of your biggest challenges in starting your organization.
On the very first day, facing an empty work desk and realizing we had to start from scratch, I mean from buying pen and paper and all. After that, my challenge was mostly using everything I learnt from over 15 years of combined experience in teaching French as a second language and as a teaching manager to built the best pedagogical foundation I could for the school, i.e. competency-geared curriculum, function-based lesson plan, pedagogical advising and support for the teachers and everything else necessary to the upholding of a warm friendly yet extremely professional working environment for staff, teachers and students.

Tell us one of your biggest mistakes in your job, studying/teaching a language and/or traveling abroad.
English is my second language and I am not always as bilingual as I think I am… Let me explain: During my CELTA training, I taught a whole lesson on 'Giving Advice' saying advices (yes, plural, just like in French!) only to be asked by my instructor, during the feedback session, if I knew that advice was never used in a plural form in that context. “Well, it appears I did not,” was my answer! Mind you, I was the only trainee not speaking English as a first language and the only one with a 9-month old baby at home – but I graduated with an excellent grade.

Can you tell us about your school’s philosophy, specialty and/or why you think it is special?
We work hard at maintaining what I think is the most essential thing for a small new company: a great "esprit de corps". It is defined as a common spirit of comradeship, enthusiasm, and devotion to a cause among the members of a group. And our cause is the French language, its teaching and its learning.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Develop, keep and maintain a good sense of humor about yourself and about all of the intricacies of life: it does make learning French, managing a language school and experiencing new places a lot easier! 

 Learn about AmeriSpan's partner Quebec City French school

Meet Viviane Brassard, Director at AmeriSpan's new Quebec City French school. Viviane is proof that AmeriSpan is committed to finding the best staff, as we switched our partner school to follow her!

 What is your background?
I'm 61 years old and live in center Quebec City. I have 2 daughters and 6 lovely grandchildren (yes.. 6!) aged from 2 months to 6 years old.
 

One experience I want to share with you: In 2008, Quebec City celebrated its 400th anniversary. One outside concert was organised on the Plaines d’Abrahams. Sir Paul MacCartney was the performer. He wanted to address himself to Quebec's people in French so, I, myself, was asked to be his teacher and the person who adapted his French lyrics. I'll never forget this wonderful experience.  

Do you travel abroad often?
At least once a year- for work, to visit friend in the France or the USA, or sometimes just to be a tourist!

Have you studied abroad?
Yes, I studied life.. I lived in Africa with my husband and daughters for three years during the 80's.

Which languages do you speak or have studied? 
French and English – and I understand a little Spanish and German

How and why did you get into the Study Abroad market? 
Well, it really was a gift from life.  I studied Health Science, got married – stayed home with my children for 17 years, always loved the French language and suddenly had the opportunity to work at a French school. I have been in the business for over 20 years.

When did you start/join your organization?
I started 21 1/2 years ago.

What is your job or function at the organization?
I am the Director.

What do you enjoy the most about your job? 
Meeting people – different people from different countries – meeting people opened to learn a foreign language no matter the age their age.

Was a person, group of people or organization instrumental in your success?
Every person I have met during all theses years was instrumental in my success

Tell us one of your biggest challenges in starting your organization.
Starting it was the biggest challenge of my life. Directing another school for 17 years helped a lot but all the provincial administrative part to start a business was huge work…. Yessssss, I did it!!!

Tell us one of your biggest mistakes in your job, studying/teaching a language and/or traveling abroad.
Hmmmmm i have to think, because while I try not to make mistakes, I may have made some… maybe waiting too long before i started that new school 21/2 years ago…

How did you and amerispan begin working together?
While i was Director of another language school I worked with AmeriSpan enjoyed it, so i was eager to start working with AmeriSpan again..

Can you tell us about your school’s philosophy, specialty and/or why you think it is special?
At école québec monde we teach only french language. Our goal is the world recognition of the french language, the french culture and the french society in north america. The province of québec is the only province in canada where french is the official language. Quebec city is the most european and french speaking city in canada.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Perhaps some advice to potential participants, teachers, school owners or travelers to your country or city. Ecole Québec Monde is openned all year round – all seasons. No reasons for not coming to québec in winter time. Even if january temperature can do down to -30, you can ski down hill or cross country at less than 30 minutes from downtown. Same for dog sleigh. You can skate on the plaines d’abrahams or in the old city. It is magic!! Winter time is a wonderful experience: walking in the old historic city all covered with snow, going inside a café and drink a hot chocolate… hummmm life is beautiful even in winter time!

A bientô!

Find out more about Amerispan's Quebec City French school

Meet Alfonso Nájera Sánchez, Academic Coordinator and a Spanish Instructor at AmeriSpan's Playa del Carmen Spanish school

What is your background?
41 year old, Degree in Spanish, Resident of Playa del Carmen since 1999

Which languages have you studied?
English

Have you ever studied abroad? 
I would have like to work or study abroad at some point.

When did you enter the study abroad industry?
I have worked with our school since 1999

What is your job within the organization?
Playa del Carmen school's Academic Coordinator and Spanish Instructor

What do you like best about your job?
I love to teach the Spanish Language and share our Mexican Culture with the students. Every week I enjoy the challenge of organizing the classes and meeting the objectives of our students and helping them meet their goals.

What person or group of people have contributed to your success?
The entire school staff is like a family and has had a great impact during my 11 years at the school. I have learned a lot from every member of the team.

Tell us one of your biggest challenges in starting your organization?
Teaching Spanish and sharing the rich Mexican culture. Satisfying the needs of our students and helping with  any concerns while they are here in Mexico.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Un curso de español no solamente se limita a la enseñanza de la gramática. Durante su inmersión debemos lograr su satisfacción comunicativa y guiarlos hacia un encuentro real con la cultura mexicana. De esta manera los estudiantes podrán disfrutar cada proceso de aprendizaje en la lengua.

("A Spanish course is not only limited to the teaching of grammar. During your immersion, you must achieve communicative satisfaction and be open to a real encounter with Mexican culture. In this way, you can enjoy the learning process in each language.")

Learn more about AmeriSpan's Playa del Carmen Spanish school

Meet Katherine Neumann, Reservations, Information and Front Desk at AmeriSpan's Playa del Carmen Spanish school

What is your background?
I am a 29 year old Canadian who has been living in Mexico on and off for 10 years (as a permanent Resident for the past 6 years). I have a BA in Spanish. 

Do you travel often?
As often as I can! I love nothing more than visiting somewhere new.

Have you studied abroad?
I did a study abroad program in Mexico when I was 18 and it completely changed my life. What was originally meant to be a 5 week Spanish Program in Mexico has turned into a decade and counting…..

What foreign languages do you speak?
I studied French in Canada and am fluent in Spanish.

How did you get involved in Study Abroad?
My study abroad experience had a huge impact on me and my life. I learned so much from the host family I lived with and am still in touch with them today. I wanted to help other students have the same experience I did in Mexico.

When did you start working at the school?
December 2009

What is your job at the organization?
Reservations, Information and Front Desk. I am here to answer any questions that the agencies/ students may have, both during the planning process and during their time in Playa del Carmen.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I truly enjoy meeting the students from all over the world and seeing them fall in love with this country. It is always sad to say goodbye to students at the end of their stay, but incredible to hear how their study abroad has changed their life- especially when they tell me in Spanish!

What person or group of people have contributed to your success?
I love that our school is a big extended family and every student feels part of that here.

Tell us one of your biggest challenges in starting your organization?
When I first arrived in Mexico, I definitely experienced a bit of culture shock and was so nervous about being in a foreign country and not being able to speak the language whatsoever. The first day I called home crying wondering if I was really as brave as I thought I was. I thought about cutting my trip short but  decided to stick it out and see what happened. By day 3 I had made lots of friends at school, by the end of week 1 I was able to answer questions in Spanish and find my way around the City on my own and by week 4 I was loving all the delicious Mexican food and couldn´t seem to eat without Chile y limón. On my last day I called home crying again but this time because I didn´t want to leave.

Anything else you'd like to add?
If you are unsure about traveling to Mexico, please feel free to ask as many questions as you have. AmeriSpan can relate to the questions/concerns that students and their families may have and we are always happy to help.

See more about the  Playa del Carmen Spanish school

Meet

Yamileth Sequeira, Host Family Program Coordinator:

“I am 53 year old and I live in Alajuela, Costa Rica. I have worked at ICLC ecological campus – The Costa Rican Culture and Language Institute in the past 16 years and as a Host Family Program Coordinator I have enjoyed meeting lots of Costa Rican families that love to receive visitors from other countries. The biggest satisfaction of my work is to make sure that both, the host family and the foreign visitor, complete a successful cultural experience. It is gratifying to receive constant comments of participants that tell me that the opportunity to live with a Costa Rican family was unforgettable”

Rosy Garcia, Registrar:

“I am the person in charge of receiving registration documents from ICLC participants, to submit all important details to the Host Family Program Coordinator and to the Academic Department. Students often ask questions that are very important and I feel glad to be able to help them before arrival, with pre-departure issues. One of my duties is also to help students on campus answering their daily questions to help them have a successful experience abroad.  I remember when Sonia and Ronny initiated the school project in a small rented house in Carrillos, 20 years ago, and now we work in a big beautiful ecological campus. I have worked with them in the past 18 years.”

Learn more about our Alajuela Spanish school in Costa Rica

Meet Barbara Franconi, Head of Studies and Volunteer Coordinator at AmeriSpan's Buenos Aires Spanish school (Budget-Friendly)

What is your background?
I am thirty years old. During my childhood, I lived in southern Argentina have been living in Buenos Aires since I was a teenager. My family consists of my 3 brothers, an adorable nephew and my friends. 

Do you travel abroad often?
Yes, in recent years I have traveled to various countries in Europe and Latin America. I started to travel abroad in my teens when I traveled to the USA.

Have you ever studied abroad?
A few years ago I was an exchange student for 2 months to learn English in the USA. Last year, I took a specialized course in English in Lima, Peru. 

Which languages have you studied?
I speak native Spanish and English. In recent years, I've studied a little Portuguese, Italian and French, acquiring basic knowledge for chatting with students. 

How did you enter the study abroad industry?
I remember working in a library, Mayo Avenue in BA, and I noticed that they sold, among other texts, English textbooks. So I started to investigate the industry and learned that a relative of mine worked at a language institution beginning to develop their Spanish department. With him, I presented an English proposal and they decided to hire me. 

When was your organization started?
Our school opened in 2009; our partner school in Cusco, Peru opened in January of 1998.  

What is your job within the organization?
I'm the Head of Studies and Volunteer Coordinator 

What do you like best about your job?
That the whole time I'm facing new challenges brought about by learning and knowledge. 

What person or group of people have contributed to your success?
Everyone who has accompanied me at some point in my life. 

Tell us one of your biggest challenges in starting your organization?
Being a good team, maintaining a spirit of solidarity and thoughtfulness- both teaching and administrative, for excellent service and therefore an excellent product. 

Tell us one of his biggest mistakes teaching a language or traveling abroad?
At first I had to learn not to assume that whoever is in front of me has the same knowledge or worldviews I do. My experience has been demonstrating and teaching diversity, and there is always the possibility of complementing the different knowledge and perspectives. 

Can you tell us about your school's philosophy, specialty and / or why you. think is special?
Our school has two distinguishing features: firstly, the excellent pedagogical performance of teaching staff, interpreting the communicative approach to teaching ELE effectively for students who come in search of a linguistic and cultural immersion. They will not only be satisfied and see the results, but will also enjoy learning and learn to enjoy the new cultural context. On the other hand, our school is also like home. From its infrastructure, to the decor, the location in BA, to the team and the atmosphere we breathe, the school is a welcoming and comfortable place. 

Anything else you'd like to add?
Let us never forget that communication is vital, learning languages ??opens us up to the future and that to come in contact with different cultures is enriching at any stage of life.

See details about our Buenos Aires Spanish school (Budget-Friendly)

Meet Aaron Duff, Director of Development at AmeriSpan's Shanghai Chinese School

What is your background?
I’m a 29 year old Australian who has married into a Chinese family. I have lived in China on and off since 2003 in the city of Shanghai and a small town of 2 million on the north Korean border called Dandong. I also have 2 young children who have a much better Chinese accent than me.

 
Do you travel abroad often?
Not too often, but I travel around China a lot as there is so many different things to see, foods to try and cultures to experience.

Which languages do you speak or have studied?
I am a native English speaker, can speak fluent Mandarin Chinese and have previously learnt some Korean and French with varying degrees of success. I can also understand some of the local dialect of "Shanghainese".

When did you start/join your organization?
A little less than a year ago. I joined Mandarin House as it is the leader for what is a very fast growing and increasingly significant industry – Chinese language learning. It is a great opportunity to capitalize on growing demand for Chinese language worldwide and complements my passion to help more foreigners understand more about China.

What is your job or function at the organization?
Director of Development. This means a lot of things – everything from marketing to editing our self-developed curriculum. I often have to point out though that I don’t do any Chinese teaching. Compared to our teachers I am way too under-qualified.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?
I like talking in Chinese with other foreigners from all over the world.

Can you tell us about your school’s philosophy, specialty and/or why you think it is special?
Our school is special not just because we are a pioneer of the Chinese language school industry but because of our emphasis on quality. We are the only school with international accreditation from IALC (International Association of Language Centres) and we have won and been nominated for a number of international language awards.

Further, our schools in Beijing and Shanghai are in the hearts of the city with modern, comfortable classrooms and facilities. Moreover, aside from our business Chinese and HSK programs, our self-developed curriculum is unique in that it focuses in ‘living Chinese’ with a choice of learning Chinese characters or not. Ultimately a major factor that sets us apart is the quality of our teachers. Our 100 or so teachers are all qualified to teach Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages and have a cumulative average of over 3,000 hours of teaching Chinese to foreigners.

Anything else you'd like to add?
If you have never been to China before, no amount of documentaries or travel guides can fully prepare you. The country has developed so fast and changes so quickly that it will amaze you. China is a great country and due to its difference from other countries around the world, in my experience people can either love it or hate it. To love it, approach the country with an open mind and be ready for anything.

Discover AmeriSpan's Shanghai Chinese School

Meet Pedro Martin Rodriguez Valladares, Head of Studies at AmeriSpan's Guanajuato Spanish school

What is your background?
I live in Guanajuato, I am 42 years old, and I have a degree in Academic Psychology.

Do you travel abroad often?
At least twice a year.

Have you studied abroad?
Yes, I went to university abroad.

Which languages do you speak or have you studied?
English and a bit of German.

How and why did you get into the Study Abroad market?
I was an instructor of Spanish for over twenty years. Eventually, I taught at a Community College in the state of Oregon through an Intercambio ("Interchange") program. And here I am!

 

When did you start/join your organization?
In 2003.

What is your job or function at the organization?
I am the Head of Studies.

What do you enjoy the most about your job? 
Working to organize courses and supporting instructors inside and outside of the classroom. And of course, meeting people from around the world!

Was a person, group of people or organization that were instrumental in your success?
All of our instructors and host families. Without them, our programs wouldn't be nearly as successful.

Tell us one of your biggest challenges in starting your organization.
Everything is challenging when you strive to create the best cultural and academic environment possible!

How did you and AmeriSpan begin working together? 
AmeriSpan and Don Quijote are partners.

Can you tell us about your schools philosophy, specialty and/or why you think it is special?
Everyone at Don Quijote is committed to our students living the language in this city and, of course, our school. We encourage our students to not just learn the language but to appreciate the culture as well.

Find out more about our Guanajuato Spanish school