Beginner classes are designed for students with little or no knowledge of English. These classes focus on building a solid foundation of English skills, such as learning the English alphabet, counting, and basic vocabulary and grammar. Beginner classes are conducted in small groups to ensure that each student receives enough attention from the teacher. Students who arrive with little or no English ability will typically spend two - four weeks in beginner classes before moving on to our specialized higher-level classes

Conversation classes focus on speaking and listening in typical conversational settings. These classes are conducted in small groups to give each student lots of speaking practice. Classes are student-centered and based on the communicative approach to language teaching. Some textbook exercises, such as giving directions, or using the phone, are used at the lower levels, but the primary source of material is real world topics. A conversation class at Hansa is a dynamic dialogue, where students will do everything from telling jokes to talking politics, or discussing anything else that the group chooses. Strong, life-long friendships are often forged in conversation class, as this is frequently where students get to know each other by conversing about their lives. Often, the members of the class will choose to meet at a nearby coffee shop or restaurant to increase the 'reality' of the class.

Hansa Grammar classes improve the students' overall grasp of English by improving their understanding of English grammar. Much of the course material is derived from the latest grammar textbooks, and our Grammar teachers all have a special knack for explaining grammatical principles in easy to understand ways.

Perhaps the most important part of learning a language is acquiring a practical and functional vocabulary. A subject that may have seemed like tedious memorization in your past studies is brought to life by Hansa's vibrant teachers. 'Real World' material is often brought into the classroom, as our teachers focus classes on the students' goals and requirements.

In addition to using appropriate vocabulary and grammar, pronunciation is an extremely important part of being understood in a target language. Hansa recognizes that people with different first languages will have different pronunciation problems, and we therefore adjust our pronunciation classes accordingly. Pronunciation class at Hansa is much more than the typical 'repeat after me method' used at other schools. Our Pronunciation teachers use everything from recording a student's voice and playing it back for them to hear, to mirrors so that the student can observe tongue and mouth position. Whether you simply want to be understood, or if you want to speak with no accent, pronunciation class is a must.

In addition to using appropriate vocabulary and grammar, pronunciation is an extremely important part of being understood in a target language. Hansa recognizes that people with different first languages will have different pronunciation problems, and we therefore adjust our pronunciation classes accordingly. Pronunciation class at Hansa is much more than the typical 'repeat after me method' used at other schools. Our Pronunciation teachers use everything from recording a student's voice and playing it back for them to hear, to mirrors so that the student can observe tongue and mouth position. Whether you simply want to be understood, or if you want to speak with no accent, pronunciation class is a must.

Idioms are interesting phrases that have meanings different from the literal meaning of the words. For example "It's raining cats and dogs" doesn't mean that cats and dogs are falling from the sky; it means that it is raining very hard. Also, idiom classes often include slang and some common phrasal verbs. If you want to truly understand English, and sound like you have mastered the language, idioms are a must.

The ability to understand what you are hearing is a vital part of learning any language. At Hansa we understand that there is a big difference between being able to understand when words are spoken slowly and annunciated clearly as opposed to spoken quickly with contractions, accents, and colloquialisms. Listening classes incorporate the latest multimedia equipment, television, and music, training the student's ear to pick up the subtle differences in tone, intonations, and rhythms.

The ability to read is clearly a necessary skill when learning a language. Hansa's reading classes combine the use of textbooks and 'real world' material, such as newspapers, magazines, novels, and reference books. Students are encouraged to bring in articles of interest for use in the class. At the intermediate levels, Reading focuses primarily on recognizing the written words and their meanings, where as at the higher advanced levels students are taught to read faster, and to identify the author's message and purpose. Because of the close connections, there are many classes that combine reading with vocabulary, grammar, and/or writing.

Writing class goes well beyond forming English letters into words and sentences, (although this important foundation is never overlooked). At the intermediate levels there is a strong connection with using appropriate grammar, and vocabulary. At the advanced levels the focus moves towards more specialized writing skills - such as essay organization, and writing business letters and resumes - that are required to succeed at English universities and business.

A phrasal verb is a unique grammar form that combines a preposition, called a particle, and a verb. For example "turn on", "take off", and "pick up" are all phrasal verbs. Because there are so many variations and meanings of phrasal verbs we have classes dedicated specifically to them.

Business English classes are small and designed for students who have a good concept of the specific skills, vocabulary, and negotiating prowess they want to build. Hansa's Business English coaches build the classes around the specific needs and requests of the students. They are expert at diagnosing focus areas that will produce the highest return on investment for the student. Students who take Business English as part of Hansa's Intensive or Executive Programs will also receive a Certificate in Business English.

For over 60 years Cambridge English Proficiency tests have been used by many universities and colleges to determine if a prospective student's English is adequate to be admitted to the institution. Hansa offers preparation for the two more advanced tests, the First Certificate in English (FCE) and the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE). These prep courses are good for students who are planning to take a Cambridge exam, as well as simply improving general English skills.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL is an English proficiency test required by many universities where English is the language of instruction. Hansa has a long-standing reputation of excellence in preparing students to write the TOEFL exam, and graduates of Hansa consistently outscore students from other schools. The TOEFL exam tests many aspects of English, such as reading, writing, listening, and grammar to name just a few. This is why Hansa offers classes dedicated to helping students polish every area of the test. TOEFL Grammar, TOEFL Listening, and TOEFL Reading, are each offered many times a day, as are TOEFL Mix classes, designed to train students in all areas of TOEFL. Many students take advantage of Hansa's flexibility and combine TOEFL Mix classes with specialized TOEFL classes in areas where their score can improve. Hansa also provides students with the opportunity to write practice TOEFL exams, and many students take advantage of our many computers with TOEFL practice programs.

The Test Of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is an English proficiency test required by many employers in fields where English is an important language for business communication. Hansa has a venerable reputation of quality in preparing students to write the TOEIC exam, and graduates of Hansa time and again outscore students from other schools. The TOEIC exam tests many areas of English, such as understanding of common idioms, listening, and vocabulary to name just a few. Hansa's TOEIC classes focus on all areas of the test, are available at a variety of levels and taught by several expert teachers. This ensures that you will find a TOEIC class perfect for your needs.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a language proficiency test used by many universities, colleges, and immigration departments. There are two types of IELTS test, the Academic Module and the General Training Module, and Hansa offers preparation classes for both. There are four components of IELTS - listening, speaking, reading, and writing - and our instructors will shift the focus of the class to ensure that each individual student's needs are met.

The ability to make a presentation to a group on a specific topic is a skill necessary for both business and academics. This can seem like a daunting task, even for native speakers, so Hansa has classes that teach essential skills and techniques that make for an effective presentation. Students are given (or select) a topic such as pollution, politics, current events, or something they have a specific interest in, and after a day of preparation make a presentation in front of the class. After the presentation, the teacher offers feedback on what the student did well, as well as areas that can be improved.