NSTS 2011 Brochure

Leading the WayNSTS – English Language Institute leads the way in English Language training in Malta with its 48 years of unparalleled experience teaching general, business and specific purpose English to non-native adults, executives and professionals and activity based English to teenage Students.

Malta

Leading the W

ay

The NSTS English Language Insti

tute is one of

Malta’s

leading educational in

stitutio

ns that o

ffers

a wide varie

ty of English

language courses

that

cater for

the needs of both young and adult

learners,

as well a

s exe

cutives, w

ho aim to

impro

ve

their gra

sp of th

e English la

nguage.

We have

over 4

5 years

experie

nce in delive

ring th

e

highest quality

education.

Malta

Lead

ing

the

Way

Mal

ta

Leading the Way

Malta

Leading the Way

The NSTS English Language Institute is one of

Malta’s leading educational institutions that offers

a wide variety of English language courses that

cater for the needs of both young and adult learners, as well as executives, w

ho aim to im

prove

their grasp of the English language.

We have over 45 years experience in delivering the

highest quality education.

Malta

Leading the Way

Malta

Leading the Way

Malta

NSTS - English Language Institute leads the way in English Language Training in Malta with its 48 years of unparalleled experience teaching general, business and specific purpose English to non-native adults, executives, professionals and activity based English to teenagers.

NSTS Malta

MALTA …. two incredible islands of 314 square kilometers and 400,000 inhabitants in the sunny blue Mediterranean, just off the lower tip of Italy, on Europe’s southern-most border. A temperate winter climate where the sun shines every day. A summer of clear skies, hot sun and inviting refreshing seas.

MALTA … a land of colours. Of winter greens and summer browns. Of bright blue skies and golden sandstone buildings.

MALTA … a cradle of civilisation. 7,000 years of history. Unique free-standing megalithic temples of immense dimensions and impressive craftsmanship built well before the pyramids of Egypt. A world heritage hypogeum. City and village streets of exquisite medieval, baroque and renaissance architecture.

MALTA … a crossroad of people and seafarers. People with identity, charm and character, hospitality, friendliness and joy.

MALTA … a hive of commercial activitiy, leisure, sports, theatre, culture and entertainment.

MALTA ... an English-speaking country, legacy of the British connection. A bi-lingual Nation-State of English and Maltese. A Mediterranean character pervaded by English influences. An English system of education, government, business, commerce, shop signage and driving on the left.

Intro to Malta

Adult Group General & Business Tuition

Individual Tuition & University Access Exams

Teacher Training

Accommodation for Adults

Customer Relations & Leisure Time

Junior Offers, Family Club & Customer Care

School Group English, Culture, Work

High School & University Foundation

Accommodation for Juniors

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NSTS AdultsGroup Tuition - 1 to 7 weeks

Teaching MethodologyNSTS adopts the latest communicative techniques in ELT methodology as it continually researches international teaching developments. You will practice and improve your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills during your international group classes.

TeachersYou will benefit from top quality profes-sional and interactive tuition through the expertise of NSTS’s highly qualified, friendly and helpful teachers who possess years ofdrive and experience. They will guide you onyour vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation so as to develop your fluency in the language.

Tuition LevelsNSTS tuition levels range from beginners to proficiency and follow the principal six levels A1 to C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) of languages of the Council of Europe and their sub-divisions identify your level.

Teaching PremisesNSTS tuition programmes take place in a typical Maltese town house with surroundingspacious sun terraces. The house consists of

16 classrooms, a self-access centre, internet centre, library, teachers’ room, lounge with food and drink dispensers and an open-air garden for you to unwind and meet friends after lessons.

GENERAL ENGLISHGroup size: 10 learnersLessons per week: 20Minimum entry level: A2 (first Monday of each month A1)

The most popular all year round course that appeals to the younger set of adults, university graduates and job seekers and allowing maximum free time to enjoy the beauty and entertainment of the Maltese islands.

SUMMER LEISURE ENGLISHGroup size: 15 learnersLessons per week: 20Minimum entry level: A1

The right balance between morning lessons, afternoon sea and sun and evening fun includ-ing 6 weekly leisure and cultural activities with your international classmates that starts every Monday between 20 June and 12 September.

INTENSIVE ENGLISHGroup size: 8 learnersLessons per week: 20, 25, 30Minimum entry level: A2

The weekly start of small class sizes and three tier lesson plans provide greater individual benefits to the more mature adult and to all who want included after-class social activities for non-formal English practice.

CLUB 50+Group size: 10 senior learnersLessons per week: 20Minimum entry level: A2

Social friendly lessons on Maltese heritage and domestic flavours delight learners aged over 50 years and complement the weekly modules of specific cultural interest.

SUPPLEMENTARY INDIVIDUAL ENGLISHGroup size: 1 learnerLessons per week: 5, 10Minimum entry level: A1

To reinforce your personal linguistic weaknesses beyond your group lessons.

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BUSINESS ENGLISHGroup size: 6 learnersLessons per week: 20, 30Minimum entry level: B1

The business executive and entrepreneur’s best selection for English for meetings, negotiations, presentations, branding, advertising, social contact, cultural diversity, facts and figures and exchange of international business practices among learners.

INTENSIVE & BUSINESS ENGLISHGroup size: 8 & 6 learnersLessons per week: 30Minimum entry level: A2

The blend of 20 lessons of Intensive English with 10 lessons of Business English improves fluency, introduces business vocabulary and terminology and offers out of class English conversation to career minded employees and business executives.

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NSTS AdultsGroup Tuition - 8 to 48 weeks

NSTS AdultsIndividual Tuition - 1 to 7 weeks

INDIVIDUAL ENGLISH LESSONSGroup size: 1&2 learners (same level, enroll-ing together) Lessons per week: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40Minimum entry level: A1

The lessons target your particular language needs of grammar, vocabulary and syntax from beginners level A1 to proficiency level C2 and are the most effective method for the keen learner to grasp the undivided attention of the teacher.

On your first day your teacher will identify your learning goals to personalise your programme of studies according to your needs.

ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSESGroup size: 1 learnerLessons per week: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40Minimum entry level: A2

The most direct and efficient learning method to excel in English terminology of frequent use and importance to your profession or career in a multitude of fields subsequent to a university qualification, in public life, on international and current affairs etc.

You may bring your own English professional materials and books to practice the language skills that you will eventually use.

UNIVERSITY ACCESS EXAMINATIONS& GENERAL ENGLISH PREPARATIONGroup size: 10 learnersLessons per week: 20, 30Minimum entry level: A2

The course that prepares you for IELTS and Cambridge ESOL examinations recognised for access to many English speaking universities. The examinations are held monthly in Malta at the NSTS Institute, except in the summer months.

Examinations are subject to a minimum of 240 lessons (20 lessons for 12 weeks or 30 lessons for 8 weeks) when starting at level A2.

The General English component prepares the young adult to acquire a sound knowledge of the language for everyday career use and for university academic purposes through long term on-going exposure and systematic progression over the weeks that go well beyond the minimum 8 week examination threshold into the 24 week range.

TEACHING BUSINESS ENGLISH (TBE)Group size: 10 teacher - traineesLessons per week: 30Minimum entry level: B1

This is a learner-centred and practical methodology course in Teaching English for Business. It focuses on useful classroom activities and techniques aimed at developing Business English learners in all areas relevant to their profession including negotiations, meetings,presentations, the language of trends, social contact, facts and figures, cultural diversities etc.

EUROPEAN COMENIUS/GRUNDTVIG 2.2. FUNDING.

Prospective teacher-trainees should apply at their National European Programmes Agency for funding of the 30 lesson per week courses on Language Awareness and Communicative Methodology and Teaching Young Learners.

NSTS Adults Teacher Training

TEACHING YOUNG LEARNERS Group size: 10 teacher - traineesLessons per week: 30Minimum entry level: B1

Eligible for funding from:European Comenius / Grundtvig 2.2

This practical and dynamic international teacher training course specialises on the needs of teachers of English in mainstream primary education to young learners between the ages of 8 and 13 years in countries where English is not a main language but is taught as an additional language.

The course includes useful, varied and interactive classroom activities and games suitable for the very young as well as hands on arts and crafts sessions that make use of dedicated vocabulary and grammatical structures.

Teacher-trainees will present their own teaching games and tools in the ‘International Teaching Kids Market’ and exchange them for the practices of other teachers on the course.

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The NSTS English Language Institute takes a modern approach to preparing future English language teachers.

NSTS focuses on the development of teacher-trainees to enable them to improve their students’ language skills through direct interaction and offers a number of different courses in this regard, including:

CAMBRIDGE ESOL CELTAGroup Size: 6,12 or 18 teacher - traineesLessons per week: 40 Minimum entry level: B2

This is a full-time, intensive course in teaching methodology with observed teaching practice, assignments, self-study and continuous assessment which certifies you in the teaching of English as a foreign language in reputable schools all over the world.

To apply, you must have a high level of competence in English and undertake a telephone or face-to-face interview.

The course is spread over four weeks and demands your full dedication.

Upon successful completion you will be awarded the prestigeous international CELTA.

LANGUAGE AWARENESS AND COMMUNICATIVE METHODOLOGY Group size: 10 teacher - traineesLessons per week: 20, 30Minimum entry level: B1

Eligible for funding from:European Comenius / Grundtvig 2.2

This international teacher training course responds to the needs of teachers of English in mainstream higher education and on life-long learning courses to adults in countries where English is not a main language but is taught as an additional language.

The two major components of the course expose teacher-trainees to the finer nuances of the language and to the communicative methodology of teaching adults, drawing upon a plethora of ideas and practical teaching tools that trainees take back with them to their own classrooms.

In addition teacher-trainees exchange their own teaching ideas and practices in an ‘International Teaching Market’ that forms a highlight in this training course.

NSTS Adults Accommodation

Through its accommodation, residential facilities and homestay register NSTS offers its learners the perfect opportunity to establish friendships within a friendly, intercultural and fun loving environment.

NSTS also provides hotel reservations to the requirements of adult clients.

NSTS HIBERNIA RESIDENCE & HOSTEL

An NSTS run property specifically designed for the younger set of adult language learners, situated in the heart of Sliema, some 15 minutes walking distance from the NSTS - Institute, the Strand Shopping centre and the nightlife area of St. Julians. Single, twin or triple self-catering studios with ensuite facilities, internet point, fully equipped kitchenette for friends and family or shared with other NSTS learners.

Room cleaning and towel change take place twice weekly on stays of up to 7 weeks and weekly otherwise. Linen change is once weekly.

Common facilities include a morning reception, a breakfast room / cafeteria, internet café, sun-terrace, coin - operated laundry, meeting lounge with TV - DVD, mini-market and butcher shop.

HOME STAY/HOST FAMILY

This type of accommodation is very popular because it offers great opportunities for learners to practice their English and share their daily life with that of their host family. NSTS holds a carefully selected list of families that are personally visited and interviewed by professional staff to determine their suitability and preparedness to host foreign guests.

You will reserve a single room or share your room with another language learner and will share bathroom facilities and keep them clean and tidy. You will participate in the daily family life and benefit from Maltese family hospitality and half-board arrangements.

HOTELS

NSTS proposes a range of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels that offer comfort, a pleasant room with private facilities, cleanliness and personal attention. All hotels on offer are within the environs of Sliema and St. Julians, within walking distance or a short bus ride to the NSTS - Institute.

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NSTS AdultsCustomer Relations NSTS invites all learners to join the Welcome Meeting on the first Monday of your stay in Malta. This is followed by an International Student Welcome in the evening, to meet Customer Relations Staff who offer you personal care, attention and services on your accommodation and your leisure time activities.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS & ‘MEET AND GREET SERVICE’

NSTS provides you with free return airport transfers when you book accommodation at the NSTS Hibernia Residence or in Host Families and provide your flight number.

NSTS personally welcomes you on arrival at Malta International Airport and transfers you to your accommodation. Airport transfers to hotels are also available at a charge.

MALTA … A PARADISE FOR LEISURE, CULTURE & SPORTS

The advantages of following an English course with NSTS in Malta are enhanced by the country’s leisurely pace of life and enormously rich heritage. The physical size of the island makes distances short and destinations easy to reach. After lessons, you will team up with other learners for country walks, jeep-safaris and other exciting escapades.You will discover historical artifacts and explore heritage sites which challenge the most ancient monuments in the world or grace the most exquisite medieval and baroque architecture ever witnessed.

Alternatively you may indulge in sports of any kind, relaxation, or simply sunbathe by the sea at the NSTS Beach club.

NSTS BEACH CLUB

The NSTS water sports and beach club is open (weather permitting) from early spring till late autumn for you to swim, windsurf, canoe, snorkel, sail, ride a paddle boat, water-ski and water sledge.

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NSTS JuniorsCamp - Just Teens - Youth Club

NSTS is the island’s academic leader in providing young students with a great language and leisure experience. Its Vacation Courses for juniors and teenagers combine effective communicative teaching with the young spirit of action and fun. These are open to individuals and groups alike.

JUNIOR CAMP FOR AGES 8 – 12 YEARS

This highly specialised programme for children includes 24-hour camp supervision with purposely dedicated leisure activities and an interactive english syllabus of games to play.

JUST TEENS FOR AGES 13 – 15 YEARS

The interactive English lessons are designed to be fun so as to grasp the teen students’ attention and make classes motivational and challenging with outdoor activities held throughout the entire week.

YOUTH CLUB FOR AGES 16 - 17 YEARS

The older teenage group joins the JUST TEENS on their interactive English lessons and participate in a programme of ten afternoon and evening activities, leaving freetime for individual enjoyments.

THE NSTS INTERACTIVE LESSONS

Students are encouraged to speak the language in real contexts so that they gain the much needed confidence in themselves.

One English lesson day per week is devoted to “out-of-class-action” whereby the external site prompts the students into action. During these on-site lessons the teacher and students gather information and practise role play and structure forms of the language through treasure hunts, interviews, quizzes, games, research and other info tasks based on the site.

THE FAMILY CLUBAdult members of the family may accompany their junior students to Malta and exploit the offers of NSTS English courses while enjoying a good relaxing holiday. In general timetable hours overlap and class times nearly coincide.

The rest of the day is free for family arrangements or to participate in the diverse NSTS included or optional activities.

NSTS will provide the most suitable accommodation upon request.

CUSTOMER CARE SUPPORT

The teenage years are among the best for fun, enjoyment, thrills and excitement. NSTS is there to give all this in a responsible manner through its vast experience and facilities as it understands prankish desires but respects parental concerns.

The formidable and friendly NSTS Customer Care Animateurs are trained young adults full of exciting ideas and life to fill your free time with water-sports, country expeditions, games, sport tournaments, discoveries, fun boat rides and cruises.

They will fill your evenings with parties and discos where you dance the evening away, with beach barbeques, night cruises and swims, animation, shows, mimes and bands.

Each activity lasts some 3 to 4 hours and is planned according to the select age bracket of the three programmes.

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The Junior Camp enjoys a full daily programme of morning, afternoon and evening activities and dedicated 24 hour group supervision. The Just Teens receive 21 weekly activities that include the morning English lessons. The Youth Club permits some time for self organised activities and a total of 14 weekly activities that include the 4 mornings of English lessons.

NSTS Juniors School Groups

CLASSICAL ENGLISH Class size: average 15 learnersLessons per week: 12, 16, 20Minimum entry level: A1

The school group focuses on formal English lessons to practice the four language skills and complement their home studies of vocabulary and grammar with conversation opportunities and experiences through the after school hours information and animation activities.

PROJECT THEME ENGLISH Class size: average 15 learnersLessons per week: 16, 20Minimum entry level: A2

The English lessons centre around a theme pre-selected by the accompanying teacher to form a Malta project for presentation by the students to the school back home and involves research, out of class interviews and report writing. These are complemented by after school hours information and animation activities.

Teachers of English in high schools frequently organise a class trip during the scholastic year that is normally subsidised by the local government or by the European Commission’s Comenius project.

NSTS welcomes these class or school groups and offers different educational programmes at highly reduced and competitive charges together with host family or collective accommodation in hostel, residence and resort hotel on half or full board.

The included information and animation activities incorporate a town orientation walk upon arrival and three half days or evenings of games, sports, tournaments, country walks, DVD watching, parties, dancing and presentations.

Airport arrival and departure transfers and arrival meet and greet services are also included.

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ENGLISH AND WORK EXPERIENCE Class size: average 15 learnersLessons per week: 16, 20Minimum entry level: B1

The Classical English programme is supplemented by half day placements in various minor work positions of office or sales assistance for further practice of the language and an introduction to the world of work, complemented by information and animation activities.

CULTURAL IMMERSION INTO ENGLISH Class size: not applicableFull day cultural outings per week: 4Minimum entry level: A2

The richness and diversity of Malta’s historical and cultural heritage provides the best backdrop for the formation of young students, for them to listen to and practice English in a non-formal manner on the group’s full day outings and to learn more about the fore fathers of Europe, not least the knights of Malta.

NSTS AdolescentsHigh School and University Foundation

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL FOR AGES 16 - 18 YEARS

You will study 2 subjects from one of three options:[i] English or a European language or [ii] Accounting, economics, computing or pure mathematics or [iii] Pure mathematics, physics, computing, chemistry or biology, and 4 subjects chosen from each of the humanities, commerce and sciences.

You will work diligently on your assignments on your own or in a team, integrate with other students and participate in extra-curricular and sports activities.

The dates for the 3 semester course are September / June and for the 2 semester courses are September / March or December / June.

Each semester programme starts off with an included 3 week intensive course of English.

Malta’s centuries long education, including its University (founded by the Knights Hospitalliers in 1592) assumed a strong English influence as a result of the recent 200 year British presence.

Malta follows the British education system with 5 years of primary, 5 years of high school and 2 years of senior high school.

NSTS programmes are tutored at some of Malta’s leading high schools and provide for 1, 2 or 3 semesters preceded by Intensive English training to attain profiency at IELTS band 5.0.

HIGH SCHOOL FOR AGES 11 - 16 YEARS

You will join the class best suited for your age and level of schooling depending on your current school certificates. You will study English language and literature, mathematics, environmental studies, physical education and optional subjects from modern European languages, the humanities, sciences and commerce, sports and will attend school daily, participate in extra-curricular activities, make new friends and speak English.

UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION BUSINESS STUDIES AND INTENSIVE ENGLISH

The University Foundation or pre-bachelor course is modelled upon a curriculum in economics, management, marketing and accountancy of a British International examination body and an English syllabus that prepares you for IELTS or Cambridge ESOL examinations.

Upon successful completion you qualify for direct entry into the first year of the undergraduate business management degree course at a number of English speaking universities world-wide.

ACCOMMODATIONSee page 6 for accommodation options.

CUSTOMER CARE SUPPORTA dedicated NSTS Counsellor meets withstudents on a weekly basis and offers welfare support and assistance including a 24/7 emergency contact number and liaison with school authorities, host family or residence accommodation.

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NSTS Juniors Accommodation

HOST FAMILY ACCOMMODATION

Host families for younger students are carefully interviewed and selected by NSTS personnel for their reliability, security and values.

Families are contracted to host only NSTS students. They love to extend their hospitality to teenage students and often keep in touch with them after their departure. NSTS selects families living in the Sliema / San Gwann / Msida / Gzira area so as to be close to the school. Accommodation for young students is in twin or triple bedded rooms with shared bathrooms on full board basis, which is half board and a packed lunch. Students must respect the family in all that they do.

BELLA VISTA RESORT

Special arrangements are made for a comfortable 4 star hotel to serve as the resort accommodation under the constant supervision of NSTS personnel in the popular seaside resort of Qawra. Accommodation is provided in fully air conditioned triple and quadruple rooms, with private en-suite bathrooms, direct dial telephone systems, satellite TV, radio, hairdryer and safe.

Students will stay on half or full board accommodation. Each student must pay a deposit of €50 against damages and persitant lack of appropriate behaviour. NSTS Staff reside at the hotel and offer 24 hour supervision which is synonymous with the NSTS ‘Customer in Focus’ approach.

CUSTOMER CARE SUPPORT

NSTS Customer Care is made up of friendly dedicated animateurs who offer assistance and guidance to International students and organise their leisure, cultural, sports and entertainment activities. NSTS Customer Care support continues throughout the stay with weekly activities and a 24/7 emergency help-line.

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NSTS English Language Institute220 St. Paul Street, Valletta VLT 1217 MaltaTel: (+356) 2558 8000 Fax: (+356) 2558 8200email: [email protected]