Home Language International Testimonials

• Heather McLoughlin - a professional language teacher
• Caroline Ridding - a student
• Duncan Fox - an export area sales manager
• Jean-Michel d'Arros - international sales director

Heather McLoughlin
Professional Language Teacher

Mrs McLoughlin had a good knowledge of French and Spanish, but felt that her Italian needed improvement if her own language teaching company in Alberbury, Shrewsbury, was to prosper. As a professional, she knew that the most efficient route was a total immersion course, and after much research she selected Home Language International.

She stayed with the Bardone family in Milan, selected because they shared her interest in art, visiting many galleries together as part of the course.

"The whole family made me feel very much at home, and I know my Italian benefited a good deal. Having had experience of Home Language International's prompt and efficient service, I would be happy to recommend the firm to any of my students!"

Caroline Ridding
Student

20-year-old Caroline is currently studying Economics and Law at Plymouth, but felt "the way things are going with the EU and everything else, a second language would be a tremendous asset." She decided to improve her French, which was taught in an "uninspired" way during her schooldays.

"I looked at an English/American University in France and tape courses and night school. All the advice I got was that actually living the language was important, and the Home Language International scheme seemed the best way to spend my money!"

Caroline was placed with the Resche family in the south of France. Her conclusion: "It was fabulous. I had structured tuition Monday to Friday and was a real member of the family. I wasn't treated as an au-pair - the only things expected of me were to learn and speak French."

Caroline's French is now conversationally fluent, and she intends to go back - to the same family - to further improve her new language - and make her a very desirable employee in the future!

Duncan Fox
Export Area Sales Manager
Cooper Roller Bearings

Based in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, Cooper Roller Bearings Ltd makes bearing assemblies for everything from roller skates to radar dishes. France is a particularly important market for the company, so when Duncan Fox was appointed Export Area Sales Manager knowledge of French was essential.

Duncan's position means spending as much as 6 months in France: potentially a daunting prospect for someone who had never spoken any language other than English—even at school. Cooper Roller Bearings Ltd selected a two-week 5-Star Executive Programme for Duncan during November.

He stayed in the Loire Valley with the Ardans family receiving structured tuition and total involvement in social and leisure activity.

Before the course, his knowledge of French was "none at all" but now he is fluent in conversation.

"The course went extremely well, and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to others" says Duncan.

He is considering living in France, since his job requires him to spend so much time there. "If that does happen, I know exactly how my family are going to learn French— through the same Home Language International course I completed."

Jean-Michel d'Arros
International Sales Director
MECI

Previously responsible only for France, M. d'Arros trained as an electronic engineer and had never spoken English. His company sent him on the Super 5-Star Immersion Course, which involved intensive study with his personal tutor, Dee Bunting, at Stratford-upon-Avon.

His promotion to the position of International Sales Director meant increased foreign travel, particularly to the Far East and Malaysia, in an industry where English technical jargon is commonplace.

After only a relatively short stay, M. d'Arros found the system a good one.

"For me, this is a good solution. It is easy now to understand the advantages of adding conversation to the more formal practice in a very English atmosphere".

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