I would like to join an intense language course to learn High German in Zürich. I have browsed through many websites and forums, however have not found up to date information on Bellingua Language School.
Could anyone update me with info on them? Are they still excellent? Or do you have any other language centres to recommend? I am looking for a very intense (3-4hrs a day) morning course.
Many thanks for any informative comments.
zsófi
I began from scratch at the A1 level (M-F Intensive Course) and completed the C1 with them, successfully sitting the Goethe C1 Exam 18 months after beginning my lessons.
One thing to note is that the speed of the classes is fast. There are weekly tests - if you fail 2 tests in any one level, you will be asked to move back a level. You recieve a good 2-3 hours of homework per day as well, which is expected to be completed and is pretty much necessary for the group work during the classes. The fact that they don't slow their couses to meet the needs of the lowest common denominator really appealed to me. In A1, for example, we began with 10 students and I believe we lost 5 or 6 of them within the first 2 months of the level.
The focus on Grammar is also intensive. I found that to be a plus, given that German is a very grammar-intensive language. It helped me to fully understand the ins and outs of the language, allowing for new vocabulary to be seamlessly integrated.
In all, I can't speak highly enough of my experience at Bellingua. I had Stefanie, Ladina and Anna as teachers - I'm not sure if all are still there, but I can recommend each of them.
I will recommand you Academia Schule :
http://www.academia-zuerich.ch/en/
They are really great : Young team and open-mind.
Privat lessons or in group.
They are also everywhere in Switzerland. It might be helpfull.
Cheers,
Julie
I also went to Alamenia but i think a bit too short for just for 2 hours per day.
Just a roughly idea for you so I hope it does help.
Good luck
I loved how Bellingua teaches, but I felt that the focus is so much on proper grammer that people come out a little weak on the speaking part. If you have to always think about der/die/das and dativ/akkusativ, it discourages speaking which needs a certain degree of abandon. That said, the german speaking side of my family continues to be impressed how fast I learnt their language (all thanks to Bellingua)!
As others have already said, you may just go and sit the test.
None of the questions are multiple choice (apart from one about prepositions), they are rather like 1- complete the sentence, 2- fill in the appropriate word, 3- write a text.
The test is pretty challenging if you are used to multiple choice type questions. Also, Bellingua's marking policy is super strict and sometimes unreasonable...
However, it is a great language school for learning proper standard German. I started with A1 and climbed up to C1, passed my Goethe C1 with flying colours and have just recently did my C2. All this within 24 months of starting the language. All because of the "Bellinda-method" and naturally long hours of studying. In my experience not every teacher is good, they also do not accept as a school almost any criticism (however constructive it may be), but their structure and exercises are top!
I suggest you go and just write the test and start at whatever level they put you in (you can also start A1 in week 6 out of 10 for example). They know what they are doing. Good luck!