Last summer, 34 high-school students from Martinique crossed the ocean to study in Edinburgh for 4 weeks. The academic goal of the trip was for the students to improve their English in order to successfully pass their admission tests to higher education.
The language trip was organised by ESL for the “Internat de la Réussite Condorcet”, in which the students from different parts of Martinique are preparing to sit the admission test to a grande école (which are very prestigious French higher education institutions).
Obviously, the participants did a lot more than just study: they discovered a new culture, met up at pubs, went on trips, participated in all kinds of activities… This is what they told us about their Scottish experience:
Mario Marcelin:
It was a good experience for me to be here for a month. Thanks to the lessons, I improved my English and now, I am able to discuss with foreigners as well as with native people and it’s very pleasant. The staff was very funny, the teachers were very, very competent and helpful. The activities proposed were very cool, we met new friends and discovered new cultures, etc.. If I could, I would be back here.
Céline Davidas:
Before I go to ELC, I was very shy. Thanks to this English experience, I am more confident! I speak more and I understand more. Welcomings and teachers are beautiful. Thanks to Marc (my teacher during four weeks) I improve myself. Pedagogy is very well. Excursions are very fun and instructive. Phil, Sioban, Niall, Val are those I really knew. They were very nice with me. It was an amazing experience – and I want to come back.
Maël Leon:
Edinburgh is a beautiful city with a lot of history. My experience in Edinburgh Language Centre was good. We can learn English faster than in normal schools. I liked the excursion with Duncan to different places like the Edinburgh Zoo, Lock Common Glasgow, St. Andrews and Edinburgh Castle. It was funny. Moreover, I learnt a lot in this country and I think that, thanks to Edinburgh Language Centre, my English level increased. Finally, I’d like to return in Edinburgh and Edinburgh Language Centre.
Joé Dadou
Since I arrived in Edinburgh, I was really shocked by the architecture of the buildings and above the behaviour of the Scottish (I mean in positive way). About the school and my host family, I’ve nothing important to reproach them. Thanks to the lessons (and Allan) I feel more confortable en English now and my vocabulary have increased. The conditions of work are good and the lessons studied were useful. Never had I imagined to adapt myself as easily I did. The activities with Duncan (the guide), the behaviour of the staff towards each pupil, the well-developed pubic transports allow me to get the better of my trip in Edinburgh. Thank you Allan! Thank you ELC! Merci à tous!
Jonathan Noël
Since 3 weeks I’m here and it’s my 4th week. I was in Edinburgh and Edinburgh Language Centre help me to improve my English. Now I am very better than 3 weeks ago, I like courses and I like teachers. The best moments in this school it was when I met strangers. I like this city, it’s very different than my country, people are very kind and sympathetic. I didn’t have problem with my house family, they are very nice.
Jérémy Mathurina
The Edinburgh Language Centre was a very good experience to do. I think I really improve my English in that school. In fact, the teachers have a good pedagogy and give good explications. All of people here are nice and they make you easy to speak with them. The excursions, the conversation club and the others activities were so interesting.
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After such a success, the Head Teacher at Internat de la Réussite Condorcet is already organising a three-week programme for next July, so that the next generation of students can also prepare their final English exams with confidence… and live an unforgettable experience!
What do you think?