TLA-The Language Academy in Fort Lauderdale Located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, TLA-The Language Academy is an ACCET and AAIEP-accredited language school and a proud member of IALC. With 20 classrooms in a prestigious building in the Museum of Art plaza, TLA offers year-round English, Test Preparation for TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS and Cambridge, Business English and a very popular Junior Summer Program. TLA's methodology of complete immersion in the English language and the dedicated staff create the perfect environment to learn.
The Institute
20 classrooms all with natural light, air conditioning and audio-visual equipment take up two floors in our modern glass building in the heart of the city. TLA has a state-of-the-art media center with 20 flat screen computers and a separate executive media center. Our student lounges and resource library offer great study environments and also a place where students can go to converse with one another. TLA also has a kitchen offering free coffee, tea and purified water all day-this is also the site of our weekly welcome breakfast and many of our social events where students and staff can come together to learn from one another. Learn more..
Programmes
Year Round: Eight Levels of General English (Beginner to Advanced) from Semi-Intensive (20 lessons per week) to Intensive General English (22 to 30 lessons per week). Absolute beginners will be accepted but must take private lessons until they can enter into the beginner level.
Executive English and Business English Certificate.
Test preparation: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS and Cambridge FCE and CAE. TLA is an official TOEFL and TOEIC test center.
High School Placement
University Preparation
Junior Summer Program
Certificates and Diplomas
Accredited by ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training) and AAIEP (American Association of Intensive English Programs), full member of IALC (International Associate of Language Centers), FIYTO (Federation of International Youth Travel Organizations) and ALTO (Association of Language Travel Organizations). Full member of NAFSA (National Association of Foreign Student Advisers).
Teaching Materials
TLA does not use the traditional method of teaching a second language; books and other materials take a back seat to focusing on the development of verbal and listening skills. Materials are handed out in class and are used more as a guide than as the lesson itself. TLA instructors do not focus on memorization and repetition; understanding the necessity for the student to utilize his or her creativity and actively participate in his or her learning process.
Methodology
Based upon the theory of Generativism first pioneered by the political analyst and linguist, Noam Chomsky, TLA's methodology is focused upon verbal communication and conversation. This theory seeks to prove that language is creative (not memorized) and rule-governed (not based on habit) and that there is a need for active learner participation. TLA instructors seek to immerse the student in the language and culture by maintaining that active participation. The student is able to utilize his or her creativity instead of memorizing the lessons in books or constantly repeating words and phrases. The student's knowledge grows much in the same way that a child learns from his or her parents.
Social and Cultural Activities
Monthly activity calendar put out by Student Services Office:
American Barbecue, festivals and fairs, art and science museums, shopping trips, professional sporting events, concerts, group trips to local restaurants.
Accommodation
Homestay with American host families (Single and shared rooms, half board options available)
Student apartments (studio and one-bedroom options available) with kitchens/kitchenettes, one or two beds, linens and towels, cable television, local telephone, kitchen accessories, wi-fi and maid service three times per week.
Hotel options: budget or deluxe options available.
Excursions and Visits
Everglades tours, tours of Miami, West Palm Beach and the Florida Keys. Weekend trips to Orlando (Disney, Sea World, Universal Studios and other theme parks). Trips to Fort Lauderdale court house, local universities and local companies.