Language Training

Back to categories

Back to articles

'Even though it is a journey of a thousand miles you have to start at the very beginning'

Xhangzu, Chinese Philosopher

Dorothy Jackson, language programme manager at Farnham Castle reports on a recent particularly challenging programme.

Earlier this summer Caroline & Ian Barry completed five weeks of intensive language training at Farnham Castle in preparation for their assignment to China. They spent six hours per day with a native Chinese tutor with breaks only for coffee, lunch and tea.

This was a great undertaking for the Barrys, coming at a time when their departure to Shanghai was drawing ever closer. Their children, Jack and Claudia, were coming to the end of their school year and each day seemed to bring new problems related to their imminent departure. Despite all these domestic pressures, they approached each day of the course with total enthusiasm and commitment. The dialogue and daily exchange of ideas with delegates on other courses and with members of staff was an important part of the 'Farnham Castle experience'. Their response to the course is best expressed in their own words.

Yes, the pressure involved in learning a language is great, part of the self-induced commitment. Our very experienced tutors know how and when to vary the learning activities so as to 'mitigate the intensity of the experience'. They do this in a variety of ways. As well as the usual classroom teaching/learning activities, there is practice in using the language in realistic situations, e.g. shopping, ordering a meal in a restaurant, making small talk at social functions, chairing a meeting and making presentations.

This case study is an excellent example of the understanding of the importance of the need for a level of language ability by the assignees and of their company, Robert Bosch, who demonstrated a major commitment to the employee & partner in permitting such an extensive period of time for thorough preparation.

At Farnham Castle language courses are tailored to the delegate's requirements. They may be one-to-one or one-to-two as in the case of the Barrys and may include the delegates' children for all or part of the course.

"Thank you to you and your staff for all the care and attention that you put into organising our Chinese tuition for us. We are both extremely grateful for your close supervision and your nurturing through the difficult times. We count ourselves very fortunate to have spent five weeks at Farnham Castle. Its unique environment allows you to suspend some of your own cultural constraints and to exercise a willingness to experiment with new visions. Being a meeting point for people at a crossroads in their lives also makes it electric with a sense of impending adventure. What a special atmosphere and so suited to dealing with people in transition who need the opportunity to pause for thought. It has been a privilege. Our thanks to you all." Caroline & Ian Barry