After deciding the Hubby's course.. Now it's my turn, my course... initially I thought about doing a specialisation and also a heavy English course! However, I would still have to find some time for some extra work and still take care of our little one. I'd be very busy!!! In a conversation with my husband about a video I watched on YouTube (https://youtu.be/zzFGZ4NJhbQ), I suggest that anyone who can watch it, we decided that initially I should prioritise English that I am not yet fluent. Researching for courses that can provide me with faster learning, I found a school option, which unlike Brazil, offers daily classes with options between 2 and 8 hours, this format is called Individual Classes. Cambridge School is located in Parque das Nações, a few blocks away from the hubby's school (we can go on foot or by bike, or even by subway, valuing the long-awaited quality of life). This school fulfils exactly my need. In other words, I will be able to choose to have daily intensive classes of 4 hours, I will still be able to have a 4-hour job, and I will still have time for my little one! Imagine my face of happiness!
For better understanding of what I say, below is a return to an email in which I sent requesting information from the school and course options:
Individual Classes
Individual classes provide faster and more specific learning, giving greater flexibility of schedule. They can start at any time of the year, in any of our schools and be taught according to yours and our availability.
They also have the advantage that they can be cancelled or changed by 12 noon on the previous business day. These classes are available in series of 20, 50 or 100 classes, but can be purchased in modules of 10.
Individual classes must be paid in full before they start and their cost includes books and other study materials.
School Year Courses
The academic year courses run from October 1 to June 30. With the exception of beginners, students can enrol at any time of the year, at one of the various existing levels, where we have a wide variety of times between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (morning, lunch time, afternoon and end of day). These courses usually have a weekly workload of 3 hours, which can be 2 days a week 1 class of 75 minutes a day or 3 consecutive hours, such as Saturday morning. Classes have a maximum of 15 students and fixed schedules.
Next course for beginners (Park of Nations school):
From: January 1 to June 30 Class: Frost (3h weekly) Time: Mon/Wednesday 20:35 – 21:50
Students who have been assigned levels 7, 8 or 9 of English after having completed this interview can choose to attend an exam preparation course at the University of Cambridge (recognised internationally): Cambridge English: First (B2), Cambridge English: Advanced (C1), Cambridge English: Proficiency (C2), IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
Intensive Courses (Intensive)
In addition to academic year courses, intensive courses are held for groups, ranging from absolute beginners to a post-intermediate level. These courses are 40 lessons, 2 consecutive per day 2 or 3 days a week (between Monday and Friday), the schedules vary according to the student's level of knowledge, but are usually post-labour (ex:18h-20h,19h-21h, 20h-22h). The courses last approximately two and a half months. They are classes and fixed schedules.
Next intensive course for beginners:
Benfica Rapid School - Mon/Wednesday 20:10 - 22:00 (2017.01.09 -2017.03.20)
Almada Rapid School - Tue/Thursday 20.10 - 22.00 (2017.01.10 -2017.03.21)
Campo Grande School - Rapid - Mon/Wednesday 20:10 - 22:00 (2017.01.09 -2017.03.20)
All our courses are face-to-face and taught by teachers of nationality whose language they teach.
The opening hours of Lisbon and Almada schools are as follows:
Academic year - Monday to Thursday from 8am to 10pm, Friday from 8am to 9pm and Saturdays from 8:30am to 1:30pm.
July and August - Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm and are closed on Saturdays.
September - Monday to Friday from 8am to 10pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
Each English course format varies in price:
Individual classes could vary between € 1,754.40 and € 8,312.00
Course Academic Year with 3 hours per week the monthly fee is approximately € 150.24
Intensive Course may vary between € 4,710.00 and € 12,192.00
And the enrolment fee for any modality chosen is € 65.00 non-refundable if you give up the course. For more information about Cambridge School I suggest you consult their website, as these prices and/or tuition fees may change.
And then... comes the newest and most important decision.... I decide on the husband's course and mine... Depending on the location of both... We really consider the option of residing in.. Surprise!!!! =) PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES To make what I say better easier... look at the map and the distance between schools...
In the not-so-distant future, I can think about validating my undergraduate, graduate and MBA in Lisbon. And after already being able to communicate in English with a certain ease, do a new specialisation, right?! THE FUTURE BELONGS TO GOD!!!! =) However, for now, we are evaluating options and open to change. In case we change our mind about hubby's university, everything changes for me and our girl. There's nothing better than dreaming and planning. Huh?! See you later!