Thursday, July 28, 2011
Is there any help in Germany's schooling system to prepare a student without any background in German language?
Is there any help in Germany's schooling system to prepare a student without any background in German language?
Next year I'm traveling to Germany for 2 years. My son knows nothing about german language. He is 13 years and I wonder if there would be any extra help in school to speed up his language letting him him to follow his education in German schools with german students.
Home Schooling - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Most schools have "German for Foreigners" classes. These are free and some teachers offer private tutoring as well. There are other options. 1. You may choose evening classes with Berlitz for example. These are good for beginners. It costs money but these have a good reputation and progress at good speed. (I took these in the beginning) 2. You can sign up with the Volkshochschule for a "Deutsch als Fremdsprache". They have various levels, starting at different times of the year. In my area the price is about 200 Euros for a semester, or one level. 3. You may choose to advertise for a University student to come and teach your son at home. The going rates are from 10-20 Euros per hour. 4. The Goethe Institute has great courses and gives tests and certificates of German skills. They are more expensive but it is the standard in instruction and certification, especially if you think he may wish to prove his competencies later, if he wishes to come back to Germany for his secondary education, etc. I learned most of my German by being in school all day, finding friends, going out with them, and taking a Berlitz beginner's course. I watched TV and listened to the local radio stations. Hanging out at the mall. In a couple of months I was starting to speak and within a year I was fairly fluent. I was 11 years old at the time. Full immersion is the best way. Finding a family who agrees to take your son on trips or to their home for the weekend and agrees to speak only German with him, will also help! Let your son know, there is lots to do and try. The worst thing for him to do is to cocoon himself with English speakers. Language skills will help him in the future, in his education, with job opportunities.... etc Don't worry now, adapt once you arrive to whatever fits the bill the best for you two! Allow yourselves the time to learn and allow mistakes. It is all part of the learning process, and it is OK! Enjoy it!
Read more other entries :
