Rennert International Miami
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Rennert International Miami is the English language school par excellence located in South Beach, Miami, a city full of contemporary art, Art Deco glamour and an exciting nightlife. With the smallest class sizes and the largest selection of English courses of schools in the city, Rennert has much to offer international students in one of America’s most vibrant cities.
Located at the mouth of the Miami River on the lower east coast of Florida, Miami is bordered on the east by Biscayne Bay, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean. Further east, the islands of Key Biscayne and Miami Beach shelter the bay from the Atlantic Ocean, thus providing Miami with a naturally protected harbor. Once pine and palmetto flatlands, the Miami area boasts sandy beaches in its coastal areas and gives way to sparsely wooded outlying areas. Miami’s year-round semi-tropical climate is free of extremes in temperature, with a long, warm summer and abundant rainfall followed by a mild, dry winter.
RENNERT MIAMI AT A GLANCE
- Year of Foundation: 1973
- City: Miami
- School’s position in the city: South Beach
- Minimum age in adult school: 16
- Number of students in school: average 150, maximum 300
- Main type of public transportation in Miami: buses
- Approximate number of nationalities in school each year: 40+
Rennert International Miami: 560 Lincoln Road, 4th Floor, Miami Beach, FLorida 33139, United States of America
“I have worked very closely with Rennert New York since the beginning of my career, and was therefore delighted to hear that they had opened a school in Miami Beach, an area which had very few good English language schools. I sent some highly satisfied clients there for a few years, including my own friends, and was finally able to visit the city. Students could not ask for a better location in Miami—South Beach is where all the action is (the famous hotels, nightlife, shopping, the beautiful white sand beach itself) and I discovered while I was there that the locations in Miami in which some other schools are found, like downtown and other neighborhoods, are not easily accessible to that area, even by public transport. Rennert Miami is in Lincoln Road, a pedestrian open-air shopping center in the heart of South Beach. It is full of restaurants, cafes, stores of every kind, and several of Miami’s famous Art Deco buildings. The school itself is of the same Rennert quality as the New York school—please read here what I said about that one, and has a good selection of host families and nearby apartments. For students wanting a high quality English language course in a fun, sunny and warm destination in America (it was almost 30 degrees one day that I was there in December!) this is the place to go.”
Rennert International Miami
Why study English at this school?
Rennert International distinguishes itself from the other language schools in Miami in the following ways:
- Rennert International has been independently owned and operated since its founding in 1973 in New York City. Mr. César Rennert, the founder, continues to serve actively as President. As a language teacher, he helped pioneer the Communicative Method of language instruction, which focuses on improving students’ oral communication skills through meaningful dialogue and practice, and this method is still in use by the Rennert schools today.
- Rennert is a founding member of IALC, the prestigious International Association of Language Centers established in 1983. Consisting only of independent language schools, IALC has been a symbol of educational quality worldwide for decades.
- Rennert’s Miami school is located in South Beach, one of the United States most vibrant destinations with tropical blue waters, white sandy beaches and towering palm trees. Combined with fabulous restaurants and nightlife, the Art Deco District and designer shops, South Beach Miami is on everyone’s list of “must see” cities.
- Rennert offers the smallest classes in Miami Beach—a maximum of 12 students in the General English courses, and 5 in the Professional courses. Furthermore, students meet with their instructor every other week for a personalized one-on-one progress report. Together, this ensures that all students have a personalized education experience.
- Rennert teachers are all native speakers and, in addition to their teaching certifications, are all required to attend at least 6 professional development workshops yearly. Most teachers attend 8 or more. This requirement ensures that its teachers are always up to date on the latest methods and approaches, and that they, too are constantly improving and growing.
- Rennert International has been shortlisted for the ST Magazine’s Best Language School in North America Star Award for the last 5 years.
- Rennert’s monthly Activities Calendar is custom made and features a range of events and excursions to help students engage with everything Miami has to offer. Example activities include Everglades tours, trips to Key West, Orlando trips, beach yoga, and more.
- Rennert offers a wide range of add-on programs to help students explore their interest, engage with Miami, or develop themselves professionally.
- Rennert’s Professional English Program (PEP) for executive students features a case-study approach taught by individuals with extensive experience in fields like marketing, finance, law, and aviation. PEP students have access to the private Professional Lounge featuring complimentary coffee, tea, magazines, computers, and private WI-FI. Rennert also offers weekly events for the PEP students, including a New Student Luncheon on Mondays and a Networking Wine and Cheese Mixer on Thursdays.
The facilities
THE FACILITIES AT A GLANCE
- Private and secure boutique building
- 17 classrooms over two floors
- Terrace for student events
- Large student lounge with newspapers and professional magazines supplied daily or weekly
- Snack, drink, and vending machines
- Computer and Media Lab
- 14 computers for student use
- Free Wifi
MORE ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Rennert’s History
Rennert International was founded in 1973 by César Rennert, a former faculty member at New York University. Mr. Rennert’s mission was to create a high quality language school that offered small classes with a focus on conversational teaching methods. “We wanted an alternative from the way languages were taught at the university level,” he says. “We were forced to teach lots of grammar there, there was very little conversation in class, and the large number of students in classes made learning a language difficult.” Almost four decades later, Rennert International encompasses English and foreign language instruction, a translation and interpretation services division, a Teen English program and an English as a Second Language teacher training program, which is affiliated with the World Learning SIT TESOL Certificate. The foreign language school offers private courses in all modern languages and group classes in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese. The company’s English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are considered among the best and most innovative programs in the United States. Rennert International also has a school in New York City.
César Rennert, the school founder
César Rennert has had a lifelong interest in languages and international communication. Prior to founding Rennert, he was a member of the Spanish faculty at various institutions, including New York University, John Jay College of the City University of New York, Baruch College and Yeshiva University. He was the Assistant Editor of Simon & Schuster’s International Dictionary and was an Advisory Board Member of New York University’s Certificate Program in Translation. Additionally, Mr. Rennert is one of the seven founders of the very prestigious International Association of Language Centres (IALC) and currently the President of NYESA (New York English Schools Association), the Association of all certified English schools in New York State.
Location
Rennert Miami is located in an Art Deco boutique office building in the heart of South Beach on Lincoln Road. Two blocks away, Washington Avenue offers easy access to public transportation and a short two block stroll to the beach. Ocean Drive, shopping, nightclubs and fashionable restaurants are close to Rennert Miami.
Teacher support
Rennert provides excellent, university-trained teachers who have taught for the school for many years and genuinely care about students’ progress.
Personalized study plans
Once students are started in their courses, their teachers will guide students during class and in weekly meetings, where they will provide Progress Reports and a directed plan for achievement. They will make sure that every minute of a student’s time advances his or her personal or academic goals. Progress is graded against the CEFR levels and students will have the opportunity to increase a level every four weeks.
Workshops
Rennert offers a variety of free English workshops focusing on improving English skills outside the classroom.
The courses
GENERAL ENGLISH AND EXAMINATION COURSES
- Minimum age – 16 years
- Course duration: 1 – 48+ weeks
- Length of each lesson: 50 minutes
- Start dates: Most Mondays (General English), fixed dates (Cambridge Examination Courses)
- Number of students in class: average 10, maximum 12
- Average age of students on General English Courses: 22
Vacation ‘N Learn
This course is ideal for students who want to improve their English skills while sightseeing in exciting New York City. Students may add on a volunteer internship experience after their program for 4 to 8 weeks to practice the English skills they’ve learned. This course was designed for students who do not wish to request a visa for study in the United States.
- English levels: All
- Course length: 1 to 11 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 16 lessons (13 hours 20 minutes) + 4 optional lessons (3 hours)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 or 14:00 – 17:40 Monday to Friday
Rapid Progress 20, 25, 30
The Rapid Progress 20, 25, 30 courses are the most popular options and will help students improve in all areas of the English Language: grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, pronunciation, reading and writing. Students on the Rapid Progress 25 course may choose 1 additional elective and on the Rapid Progress 30 course they may choose 2 additional electives from a variety of options such as conversation, pronunciation, writing and TOEFL preparation. Students may attend Rapid Progress courses for as long-term courses.
- English levels: All
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons (16 hours 40 minutes, Rapid 20), 25 lessons (20 hours 50 minutes, Rapid 25), 30 lessons (25 hours, Rapid 30)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 or 14:00 – 17:40 Monday to Friday, + 14:00 – 16:05 for afternoon electives Monday to Thursday
English for Academic Purposes
- Course length: 1 – 30 weeks
- English levels: All
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons (16 hours 40 minutes)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday
TOEFL Success Course
Rennert’s TOEFL Success course is ideal for students who are upper intermediate or advanced and serious about entering an American or Canadian university. This intensive course exposes students to Academic Level English and prepares them with skills and strategies necessary for success on the test.
- Course length: 4 – 12 weeks
- Minimum English levels: upper intermediate
- Number of lessons per week: 20lessons (16 hours 40 minutes)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday
Cambridge First and First Intensive Exam Preparation courses
This course is intended for candidates who are preparing for the Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) or Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) exams.
- Minimum English levels: High intermediate (FCE), Low advanced (CAE)
- Course length: 12 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 30 lessons (25 hours)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday, 14:00 – 16:05 Monday to Thursday
- Start Dates: see dates and fees
ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONALS
- Minimum English levels: all levels
- Lesson length: 60 minutes
- Start dates: Most Mondays
Business English for Future Professionals
Rennert’s Business English class has weekly modules that focus on and introduce the language associated with topics such as leadership, marketing, foreign investment, money and finance, new markets, and team building, to name a few. This course can be taken as a stand-alone course or in conjunction with Business English in Action Internship experience. It is intended for university students, recent graduates or persons who are early in their careers.
- Course length: 1 to 19 weeks
- Lesson length: 50 minutes
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons (16 hours 40 minutes)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday
- Start dates: Most Mondays
English for Executives and Professionals
This course is intended for busy, experienced professionals who have limited time to improve their English and whose needs and interests are as varied as their backgrounds. One of the Rennert advantages is that students can combine classes to create their own program to maximize progress and satisfy specific needs. They can choose a group or private class and combine it with a week-long, intensive course in Sales and Marketing, Finance or Law. Students may also choose to follow the Advanced Conversation or Writing for Business electives. The course runs from 1 to 6+ weeks.
Professional Group Classes
- Full-time: 30 hours per week
- Part-time: 15 hours per week
- Part-time Intermediate: 15 hours per week
- Class size: Maximum 5
Professional Private Classes with a Personal Instructor
- Full-time: 30 hours per week
- Full-time with excursions: 30 hours per week
- Part-time: 15 hours per week
Professional Combination
- 15 hours group + 15 hours private lessons per week
Add-On Electives
- Advanced Conversation and Writing for Business: 3 hours per week
- E-mail and telephone follow-up courses in the student’s home country
- International Networking Meetings
- Foreign Accent Reduction
LANGUAGE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Students can the most of their experience in the United States with a once-in-a-lifetime internship program that will boost their chances of a successful career. Rennert offers two language internship options to add to a Business English, Rapid Progress 20 or 25 or Vacation ‘N Learn course. As interns, students will be able to practice all they have learned in class in a real-life business environment in New York City. A variety of fields are available, some of which include Marketing, Public Relations, Architecture, Fashion, Hospitality, Information Technology, and Arts. During both programs, Rennert’s internship team will have weekly check-ins with the student, and after successful completion, the student will receive a letter of recommendation from their company or organization that will be a valuable asset for their future.
Vacation and Volunteer (no student visa required)
In this program, students will attend English classes for four weeks and participate in two workshops to prepare an American-style résumé, and practice for an interview with a sponsor company. Once accepted, students will work full-time or part-time for the next 4-8 weeks and practice their English communication skills alongside local professionals.
Program Characteristics:
- 16 Vacation ‘N Learn lesson per week (weeks 1 – 4)
- 2 Workshops in résumé building and interview techniques (weeks 1-4)
- 20 – 40 Hours of Volunteer experience (weeks 5-8+)
- Duration: 8 – 12 weeks including English
- Prerequisite: Upper Intermediate level of English established via Skype interview
Business English in Action (requires F-1 student visa)
For the first two weeks, students will attend English classes and participate in two workshops to prepare an American-style resume, and practice for an interview with a sponsor company. Once accepted, students will work part-time for the next 4-14 weeks and practice their English communication skills alongside local professionals.
Program Characteristics:
- 20 Business English lessons per week (weeks 1-16) or Rapid Progress 20/25 lessons per week (from weeks 1-16)
- 2 Workshops in résumé building and interview techniques (weeks 1-2)
- 20 Hours of Volunteer experience (weeks 3-16)
- Duration:6 – 16 weeks including English
- Prerequisite: Upper Intermediate level of English established via Skype interview
SPECIAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES
Arts Plus English Program
Rennert International’s Arts plus English program gives students an opportunity to enhance their English studies with part-time courses in ballet, salsa, yoga, kickboxing, and watersports at some of Miami’s most respected cultural and artistic organizations. The plus English programs enable students to explore their creative aspirations, learn from some of the best teachers in Miami, and meet other international students who share their cultural interests. Students will attend their chosen General English courses in combination with the Plus program. All programs start any Monday.
Plus Programs offered:
- Ballet at the Miami City Ballet School (2 weeks minimum)
- Salsa (1 week minimum)
- Yoga (2 weeks minimum)
- Kickboxing or Boot Camp/crosstraining (2 weeks minimum)
- Paddleboarding (2 weeks)
- Intro to Surfing – long board (2 weeks)
- Scuba Diving Adventure Certification Course (3 days plus on-line course)
HOST FAMILY
One of the best ways to learn more about the lifestyle and people of Miami is to choose homestay accommodation. Homestays are in fact the accommodation of choice for the majority of students. Each host family is carefully selected and vetted, and most are located in South Beach. The school and Marshall Language Services recommend this form of accommodation the most for language learning. Family life is informal and the people are welcoming, friendly and talkative, so students will have plenty of opportunities to practice their English with native speakers. By booking homestay accommodation, students will also not have to worry about shopping for food and preparing meals every day. Mealtimes are often the occasions in which families converse most with the students.
Additional homestay provisions and information:
- Homestays include daily breakfast. Dinners are available for an additional cost.
- Homestays run on a Sunday to Saturday schedule, with extra nights available for an additional cost.
- All homestays are located approximately 30 – 50 minutes away from the school by buses.
- Private bathrooms in homestays cannot be guaranteed.
- Kitchen use can be allowed if discussed prior to arrival.
- Homestays can be arranged to meet needs related to diet, allergies, etc.
- Wi-Fi is included
- Swimming pools are available in some homestays
APARTMENTS
Apartments offer a higher degree of comfort and freedom for those students interested. Rennert Miami offers two different apartment locations: the West Ave Apartments and the Sapphire South Beach Apart-Hotels.
West Avenue Apartments
For independent students, economically priced and well-located apartments are available within walking distance from the school, the beach, and everything that the heart of Miami Beach has to offer.
West Avenue Apartments also offers:
- Fully-furnished 2 bedroom apartment (1 single and 1 double room) with 2 bathrooms
- Laundry Room
- Wifi and TV in living room and bedrooms
- Fully equipped kitchen
- 10-minute walk to school
- 12-minute walk to the beach
- Weekly cleaning included
Sapphire South Beach Apart-Hotel
These luxurious accommodations are ideal for mature or professional students who wish to live independently in a home-away-from-home. Just blocks from the beach and a short walk to school, the Apart-hotels are also close to the Miami Beach Convention Center and The Miami Beach Golf Course. Fully-furnished executive studios, plus single and double rooms are available.
Sapphire South Beach Apart-Hotel also offers:
- 10 minutes walking distance to school
- Single and double rooms in fully furnished apartments
- Ensuite bathrooms
- Fully-equipped kitchens
- Free Wi-Fi in apartments and outdoor courtyard
- Flat-screen TVs
- Air Conditioning
- On-site laundry facilities
- Weekly cleaning included
HOSTELS
Rennert Miami works with popular hostels in Miami to offer students accessible, affordable housing options. Hostel rooms are available at the 1930s Art Deco Freehand Miami (formerly the Indian Creek Hotel, but the name had to stay on the building for preservation purposes) and the HI Miami Hostel. Hostel rooms are shared, with 4 person suites available at the Freehand and 8 person suites at the HI Miami.
Freehand Miami Information:
- 4-person suites with ensuite bathroom
- Communal kitchen space, pool, and lounging area
- In-house restaurant and popular local bar, The Broken Shaker
- Wi-fi in rooms and common spaces
- Includes continental breakfast
- 5-minute walk from the beach
- 15 minutes by bus to school
Hi Miami Information:
- 8-person suites
- Ensuite bathrooms
- Laundry room
- Communal kitchen, restaurant and bar on premises
- Wi-Fi in rooms and common areas
- 5-minute walk to school
- 2-minute walk to the beach, supermarkets, restaurants and shopping
NO ACCOMMODATION
It is possible to book only a course at Rennert. Rennert can provide some recommendations on hotels and other lodging services, but the student will be responsible for making the bookings on their own.
Insurance
Insurance covering medical and travel assistance, personal liability and trip cancellation is not included in the price of the program. Marshall Language Services has a policy available through Guard.Me that covers these elements, as well as an additional policy through CareMed that covers cancellation under a wider range of circumstances, including the need to repeat school exams. A summary of these policies may be downloaded below.
Dates and Fees
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