Local Language Courses
There is a great variety of courses available. This section describes the different types of courses, their advantages and disadvantages, and which type of learner they suit.
Local Authority Classes
These take place in schools and adult education centres. They are one of the cheapest options. They are typically two hours per week, with a break in the middle, during term time. The pace is often quite gentle, unless you join an exam class. Many local authorities assign levels to different classes. These do to some extent mirror the levels for the European Passport. However, they do vary from area to area, so you need to check with the centre to find out what the various levels mean.
Look out also for the Get-By series, which usually last about six weeks and give you just enough language to cope when you go on holiday.
Most of these courses are centred on a text book, so that if you have to miss a week you can catch up easily. Also, the teachers are usually very hard working and often produce many of their own handouts.
Advantages
Good value for money, usually good fun with end of term parties and trips out included. They are easy to find. They always use qualified tutors.
Disadvantages
Pace can sometimes be slow and may depend on other members of the group. Some schools and centres can be a bit grim, especially in the winter.
Learning style suited
For people who like learning in a group, and appreciate the discipline of having to attend every week, possibly completing some homework each time.
University Continuing Education Departments
These are very similar to local authority classes, but are more demanding. They tend to be three hours per week, and a beginner's class would bring you up to that important level of operational competence, equivalent to a good GCSE and the first level at which you can really use the language usefully, within one year. They are a little more expensive than the local authority classes, but this just reflects the extra length of time. Again, they will often feature a course book and the tutor's own materials, but in both cases, these are harder.
Advantages
Highly qualified tutors are used. The pace is fast, and if you can keep up with the course, you will learn rapidly. As these are university based, you usually have access to good resources, including video labs and self study materials.
Disadvantages
The pace can be too fast sometimes, and there is a general assumption that the students understand languages and the language learning process.
Learning style suited
These courses suit people who already have competence in another language, perhaps at A-level or above. They would also be good for students who are learning just because they are interested in languages, and who want to make rapid progress.
