Phone 206.325.4109 info@sealang.org
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FAQ |
How large are SLA's Foreign Language Program classes? The minimum is 5 students; the maximum is 15 students. On average, there are 7-9 students per class. back to top What type of students study at SLA in the Foreign Language Program? SLA's students are adult language learners motivated by a variety of learning objectives. The majority work full-time and attend classes for personal enrichment, picking up where they left off in high school or college; preparing for a trip abroad; or exploring family history and heritage. Others choose to pursue language study for professional reasons or simply as a hobby. While some high school students are taking advantage of SLA's programs (the age minimum is 16), SLA's students tend to be between the ages of 30 and 60. back to top 
Who are SLA's instructors?SLA's instructors are professional teachers with extensive classroom experience and both linguistic and cultural expertise. Currently, 95% are native speakers and all hold graduate degrees in the languages they teach or have completed post-graduate coursework relevant to the teaching of foreign languages. back to top Can I achieve fluency in a class at SLA? How long will it take? It is more realistic for students to aim at proficiency rather than fluency. Fluency comes only with extended exposure to a language, in an environment of immersion. Classes at SLA are designed to bring students to a level of intermediate proficiency in the course of a year, and to prepare them for an immersion experience, should that be their goal. back to top How much should I expect to study outside of class? A good rule of thumb is to expect to spend 1-2 hours outside of class for every hour spent in class. For a standard class, meeting three hours per week, most students will have to spend three to six hours per week studying-completing homework assignments, learning grammar, useful expressions and vocabulary, and listening to tapes or CDs. back to top 
How is class time spent at SLA?SLA's teachers understand that their job consists in modeling the language and creating opportunities for students to use it during class. As far as possible, students are asked to learn vocabulary and rules of grammar at home; class time is given over to review, application and practice, or to activities which you cannot do – or cannot do as successfully – on your own. Whenever necessary, instructors explain difficult aspects of the language, answer questions, and clear up confusion. But analysis and explanation occupy a small part of each lesson, most of which students spend on listening and speaking activities, group work, and games and role-playing. back to top What happens if I miss a class? If you have to miss class you can refer to the syllabus and required text to see what you missed and what you will need to study for the next class. It is not uncommon for students to miss one or two lessons in the course of a ten-week quarter. If you need to miss two classes in a row or foresee missing three or more classes during the quarter, it is highly advisable to arrange private lessons for classes missed to ensure you keep abreast of the material. You can arrange private lessons through the SLA office, 206-325-4109. back to top If I miss class, how can I get the homework assignment? Students can get homework assignments by contacting the SLA office by phone or email, or by emailing their instructor directly. Homework assignments can be emailed to students directly or left at the reception desk for pick up. back to top What if Seattle experiences severe weather? Classes may be cancelled should weather conditions make travel to and from SLA difficult, unsafe or impossible. A maximum of two make-ups will be scheduled for foreign language classes cancelled due to severe weather. Classes starting at 9:45am, 11:30am, and 4:15pm will be made up on either the fifth or ninth Friday of the quarter at their regular meeting times; for 6:00pm and 7:40pm classes, make-ups will be scheduled on either the fifth or ninth Saturday of the quarter at 9:45am and 11:30am, respectively. To find out about possible cancellations due to severe weather, call the SLA main number (206-325-4109) after 7:30 am on the day of your class for a voice-mail announcement. back to top I have experience with the language I want to study; how do I find out what level is right for me? The first step is to review the course descriptions on SLA's website, where you can read about each level. If you are still unsure of your level, you will need to complete a placement exam. back to top How do I find out who is teaching my class? Teacher assignments are available one to two weeks before the registration deadline, but may change up to the day classes start. Students should be aware, therefore, that instructor assignments are not guaranteed until the first day of class. Students can learn about individual instructors from the instructor profiles on SLA's website. back to top What does the 'b' in ITL 101b mean? The numbers denote the level and the letters denote the section (time and day the class is offered). In other words, ITL 101b and ITL 101c are the same class (ITL101) but offered at different times. The letters (a, b, c, etc) have nothing to do with the level of the class. back to top When will the next quarter's class schedule be available? The next quarter's class schedule is posted on SLA's website two to three weeks after the start of each quarter. back to top As a currently enrolled student, am I eligible for a discount on my next class? Currently enrolled students can take part in pre-registration which is normally in the 7th or 8th week of the quarter. Those who pre-register during this period are eligible for a standard tuition discount. Coupons are distributed in class and are available in the SLA office. back to top 
Is SLA Accredited?SLA is accredited by NAAS-Northwest Association of Accredited Schools. SLA is not a degree granting educational institution. back to top Does SLA offer classes for credit? Yes, SLA offers classes for credit and provides official transcripts, but since SLA is not a degree-granting institution its credits are not recognized by most colleges and universities. Students interested in taking SLA classes for college credit must petition the registrar of their institution in advance to see if credits earned from SLA can be recognized. Washington state high schools accredited by NAAS should recognize and accept SLA's credit. For more information on credits and credit fees, please contact the SLA office. back to top Does SLA accept financial aid, Americorps grants, or GI Bill benefits? No, SLA cannot accept these as it is not a degree-granting institution. back to top Will I get the 8863 “Educational Credits” form for my taxes? No, because SLA is not a degree-granting institution. back to top My employer will reimburse me for continuing education costs. Can SLA provide the necessary documentation? Upon request, SLA can provide you with a completion letter or other documentation that demonstrates you successfully completed a course of study at SLA. Please contact the SLA office for more details. back to top |