About Your Holiday
Your tutor and the family
Jean Gibbens is a fully qualified teacher with a Bachelor of Education honours degree in English and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. She has more than 20 years experience in teaching both children from 3 years old and adults of any age. No-one is too old to learn! She also teaches music from home during school terms and would be happy to offer piano or flute lessons and, or practice facilities to language students in addition to their English lessons during their stay.
Jean is married to Norman who is a retired gardener. A rather shy cat called Mungbean and Daisy, a small friendly dog are also part of the family.
Classroom and leisure activities
"I am living in Japan at the moment and I am learning English. I have the opportunity of speaking English here, but there is nobody to correct my mistakes. I talk to Jean via Skype once a week. We chat about funny every happenings and she corrects my mistakes and helps with my pronunciation. In this easy and natural way I learn to speak English better."
Claudia S., Hattingen
Your level of English will be informally assessed when you arrive so that your program can be designed to meet your individual needs and interests.
You will find out how best you learn and will develop study skills which help you achieve your goals.
Your learning will encompass four important areas - speaking, listening, reading and writing.
You will be provided with a study booklet which will provide all the activities and exercises which you will be using during your visit.
Lessons will include some practice each day in pronunciation, conversation, listening, reading and writing. Learning activities will include in addition to written exercises, watching television clips, listening to music, playing games designed to improve aspects of learning and other practical activities.
Learning continues during excursions and leisure activities when you take responsibility for purchasing tickets and finding out information, listening to guided tours and through asking questions.
You will be able to watch films and television with English subtitles, go to the cinema or spend time at the local leisure centre taking part in swimming, tennis, badminton and other activities of your choice.
At the end of the visit you will be provided with a certificate of achievement on request.
What is the daily timetable?
Lessons start at 9.00 am and finish at 12.00 midday with a break between 10.15 and 10.45. Lunch is from 12.30 to 1.15pm
After lunch excursions and sight seeing will be arranged between 1.30 pm to 6 pm.
The evening meal will be between 6 pm to 7 pm.
Your time will be free to do what you wish after the evening meal. There are TV, video or DVD films, board games and books available for your use.