Course Description
Each GLN course is theme-based and consists of 12 two-hour classes, or 24 hours per semester. In a given semester, depending on the language, we may offer one or all five levels.
The focus of our program, however, is on novice language speakers who typically take our Foreigner, Tourist, and Explorer (Beginner I-III) courses in sequence. Whereas, our Higher Level module (Frequent Flyer and Nearly Native) targets high intermediate and advanced speakers and is available for only a limited number of languages. These courses are designed to be flexible, and may be taken multiple times due to the breadth and depth of the sub-themes. Please note that there is a significant gap in skill level between our Explorer and our Frequent Flyer courses.
If you have already taken a class with GLN, no action necessary – you can automatically continue to the next level. If you would like to take a non-Foreigner GLN class, please read carefully the course descriptions below and complete our online placement questionnaire.
Foreigner (Beg. I)
You might be confused, but definitely intrigued…You don’t have prior exposure to the language. You might feel a little wary, but as soon as you enter the GLN gateway, you will find your comfort zone and quickly learn the basics.
Speakers at this level have no real functional ability and, because of their pronunciation, they may be unintelligible to native speakers not accustomed to communicating with foreigners. They can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. They can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details, such as where they live, people they know, and things they have or do. These speakers can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Read more about the theme and topics covered in this course
Tourist (Beg. II)
Your first encounters have been marked by great excitement and now you want more! As a tourist, you will learn skills to help you discover and experience this new language-speaking community.
Speakers at this level are able to handle a number of uncomplicated communicative tasks in straightforward social situations. They can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance and need (e.g., basic personal and family information, preferences, shopping, local geography, and ordering food), and conversation is restricted to the predictable topics necessary for survival in the target language and culture.
Read more about the theme and topics covered in this course
Explorer (Beg. III)
You again? We’ve seen you before…and are glad you’ve returned. You feel more comfortable with the language and want to get more involved. You know the basics about the culture, but you wish to continue your exploration. So, grab your passport and let GLN teleport you into the target language and culture of your choice.
Speakers at this level can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. These speakers are able to successfully produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar, or of personal interest, and describe experiences and events, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Read more about the theme and topics covered in this course
Frequent Flyer (High Intermediate)
You have accumulated many miles on your journey toward intercultural communicative competence. You have traveled frequently to these foreign-speaking language communities, whether actually or virtually, and are now a regular. You feel confident with the language, but that is not enough…You want to learn more, increase your exposure to and gain access to the target language and culture, and build upon your current knowledge and skills.
Speakers at this level can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. They are able to interact with sufficient fluency and spontaneity that makes interaction with native speakers possible without strain for either party. These speakers can produce text on a range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Read more about the theme and topics covered in this course
Nearly Native (Advanced)
You have gone native. You encounter random people in the street and you talk about the language and culture as if it were your own. People will either think you are crazy or that you are from that country/culture. You are not, but you keep trying to perfect your skills, and take pride in being mistaken for a native. You are a proficient speaker. You have traveled often to countries that speak the target language and have probably also studied/lived there. You miss it…so you come to us to transport yourself back via the “GLN experience” and to maintain and practice your skills.
Speakers at this level are able to understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They can express themselves spontaneously, fluently and precisely, without obvious searching for expressions, even in more complex situations. These speakers are able to use language flexibly and appropriately for social, academic, and professional purposes.