The Hansa Program is based on the idea that each student is an individual who benefits most from a
program customized to their unique needs. Hansa offers over 300 classes per day, giving students the
freedom to choose what and when to study with teachers best suited to their learning style.
At any time, students can change or alter their schedule. This helps them to rapidly achieve higher levels
of language proficiency; it is common for students to achieve university level TOEFL score within months.
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
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.
Grammar
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.
Prepositions
Changing a preposition can entirely alter the meaning of a sentence. Prepositions are therefore a
tricky and extremely important part of English grammar. Many learners struggle with prepositions
and because of this we have classes dedicated to helping students understand them. Students will
use a combination of textbook lessons, as well as 'real world' material such as newspapers and
magazines.
Reading
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
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.
Listening
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.
Pronunciation
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.
Phrasal Verbs
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.
Idioms
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.
Vocabulary
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.
Business English
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.
Cambridge
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.
TOEFL
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.
TOEIC
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.
TWE
TWE is the writing portion of the TOEFL exam. During this section of the exam students must
write 300 words on a given topic within 30 minutes. Because this can be a particularly challenging
section of TOEFL, Hansa has classes that simulate this test to help students get used to it. In the
first half of the class students practice writing for 30 minutes on TWE topics, the second half of the
class is dedicated to advising the students on areas of improvement.
TSE
The TSE is a test used primarily for professionals (medical doctors, engineers, lawyers, etc…)
to gage their oral command of English used in their particular field. Hansa arranges special
courses designed specifically for professionals planning to take the TSE.
IELTS
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.
Effective Presentations
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.
GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a test that must be taken by students applying for
an MBA. Hansa has special courses designed to help prepare students for this exam. The course covers
all areas of the exam including Problem Solving, Analytical and Critical Reasoning, and Reading.
