Rennert International New York Adult School
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Rennert International New York is the English language school par excellence in the heart of New York City. As the oldest language school in New York and the leader in English as a second language teaching, the classes at Rennert are just the starting point of the learning experience. With the smallest class sizes and the largest selection of English courses of schools in the city, and a wide range of activities led by its teachers, Rennert has much to offer international students in the city that never sleeps. Art, music, shopping, great restaurants, the bright lights of Broadway and much more are just outside the door.
A trip to New York City is the experience of a lifetime. With famous attractions like Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building and Yankee Stadium—to name just a few—NYC packs more to see and do into one compact area than any other place on earth. Each of the City’s five boroughs (Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx) contains its own roster of must-see destinations, great restaurants, cultural hot spots and unforgettable activities.
RENNERT INTERNATIONAL NEW YORK AT A GLANCE
- Year of Foundation: 1973
- City: New York
- School’s position in the city: Center (Midtown Manhattan, East side)
- Minimum age in adult school: 16 during the summer, 17 at all other times
- Number of students in school: average 250, maximum 450
- Main type of public transportation in New York: subways and buses
- Approximate number of nationalities in school each year: 70+
Rennert International New York: 12 East 41st Street New York, NY 10017, United State of America
“New York City was one of my first loves in life, and not long after I came to Italy, it was the first place to which I dreamed of sending my own language students for a vacation study. I had attended Columbia University there and knew the city well. My first venture into organizing language study abroad was in fact Marshall Language Services’ “English in New York” group program in 2001 (see the agency’s history here), and the following year, I began working with the Rennert school to receive my clients on an individual basis. That same year, I got to know César Rennert and his staff, some of whom have come and gone over the years; however, hundreds of students later, it has never been less than a delight to be in contact with any of them for new information about the school or bookings. If I have dedicated an unusual amount of space on this page talking about Mr. Rennert, it is because I think that it is important for prospective clients to be able to see the person behind this school, the real leader in New York language teaching for the past four decades. Every aspect of the Rennert school is carried out under his guidance and expertise. Many of the other language schools (which are part of large, anonymous chains for the most part, and not less expensive) have come on the New York market much more recently than this one, and in the end, they send their teachers to Rennert for their training. I can personally attest to the real substance of this school: I have sent many more clients here than to any other destination in the world, and it has been a joy to hear from them how happy they were during their stay in New York City, also because of the many activities in which their teachers participated with them, and how much English they learned. Many students have appreciated the fact that in this school, they learned to actually speak and to understand the language. They had had years of grammar taught to them in school in their own country, but here they were able to put it to use through the communicative method that Rennert uses (and all the schools I work with use.) To anyone reading this who is seriously considering a fabulous language school in the heart of New York City, THIS is the school to go to! I promise!”
Rennert New York
Why Study at Rennert International?
There are many, many English language schools in New York City, the United States’ top city for English language learning. Rennert International distinguishes itself in the following ways:
- Rennert has been independently owned and operated since its founding in 1973. Mr. César Rennert, the founder, continues to serve actively as President. Mr. Rennert, himself a language teacher, helped pioneer the Communicative Method of language instruction—a method focusing on improving students’ oral communication skills through meaningful dialogue and practice—which the school still uses to this day.
- Rennert is a founding member of IALC, the prestigious International Association of Language Centers established in 1983. Consisting only of small, boutique schools, IALC has been a symbol of educational quality worldwide for decades.
- Rennert’s New York school is located in Midtown Manhattan, just blocks from the historic Grand Central Station, Times Square, Central Park, and the United Nations Building. Its location offers students easy access via subway, bus, and train to everything New York City and the surrounding areas have to offer.
- Rennert offers the smallest classes in New York City—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 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 New York has to offer. Example activities include Broadway shows, Yankees baseball games, Harlem Gospel Choirs, jazz club nights, and more.
- Rennert offers a wide range of add-on programs to help students explore their interest, engage with New York, or develop themselves professionally.
- Rennert New York also offers courses through their TESOL—Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages—Center. The TESOL Center also runs professional development workshops which attract teachers from around the region, including from other language schools in New York City.
- 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.
- Rennert has established relationships with several nearby US colleges and universities, such as Berkeley College and LIM College of Fashion and Business. Through these partnerships, Rennert offers a variety of Gap Year and University Placement programs.
- Rennert New York is an official TOEIC Testing Center and hosts the exam once a month, the last Friday.
The facilities
THE FACILITIES AT A GLANCE
- Central location in Manhattan close to Grand Central Station
- 14 classrooms over two floors
- Classrooms equipped with smart board technology
- Computer Lab for student use
- Free Wi-Fi
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 Miami Beach.
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 New York is conveniently located just a couple blocks from Grand Central Station, close to the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, and 5th Avenue.
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.
New York City Football Club Partnership
Through this new partnership with NYCFC, Rennert International will provide language instruction to NYCFC staff members and special offers on further education at the school. In return, Rennert International receive an in-stadium presence at the iconic Yankee Stadium, the Club’s first home. Both sports and language play important roles in society. Through this partnership, New York City FC and Rennert International will use soccer and language to break down borders, bring people together and strengthen global identities and international reach.
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
Semi-Intensive English Course 16
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
- Number of lessons per week: 16 lessons (13 hours 20 minutes)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 or 14:00 – 17:40 Monday to Friday
Intensive English Course 20, 22, 30
The Intensive English 20, 22, 30 Courses are the most popular options and they will help students improve in all areas of the English Language: grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, pronunciation, reading and writing. Students on the Intensive 22 course may choose 1 additional elective and on the Intensive 30 course they may choose 2 additional electivesfrom 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 levels
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons (16 hours 40 minutes), 22 lessons (18 hours 35 minutes), 30 lessons (25 hours)
- 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
- Course length: 1- 30 weeks
- English levels: All levels
- Number of lessons per week: 22 lessons (18 hours 35 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: 20, 22 lessons (16 hours 40 minutes, 18 hours 35 minutes)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday
ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONALS
- Minimum English levels: all levels
- Lesson length: 60 minutes
- Start dates: Most Mondays
Business English Course 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 an 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 Course 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 programs 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.
Class Schedule
- 9:30am to 12:30
- 1:30pm to 4:30pm
- 9:30am to 4:30pm
Professional Group Classes
- Full-time: 30 hours per week
- Part-time + 3 (3 hour class in Business Writing): 18 hours per week
- Part-time: 15 hours per week
- Class size: Maximum 5
Professional Private Classes with a Personal Instructor
- Full-time: 30 hours per week
- Full-time with NYC excursions: 30 hours per week
- Part-time: 15 hours per week
Professional Combination
- 15 hours group + 15 hours private lessons per week
Professional English for Specific Purposes
- Intensive, 1 week workshops in Sales and Marketing, Law, and Finance
- 15 hours per week
- See dates and fees
- Aviation English is available during any time of year upon request
Add-On Electives
- Advanced Conversation and Writing for Business: 3 hours per week
- International Networking Meetings
- ForeignAccent 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.
Stage Experience (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 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:
- 20Business 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
TEACHERS ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES
TESOL Course for Highly Proficient Speakers of English
This Teachers’ English language programoffers 2 options: Intensive (4 weeks course, 9:30 – 18:30 Monday to Friday) or Weekend Intensive (14 weeks part time, 18:20 – 21:30 Fridays and 9:00 – 18:15 Saturdays). Teachers may also attend specialty courses of Teaching Business English (1 week), Teaching English to Young Learners (2 weeks), and Refresher Course (2 or 4 weeks).
TESOL Course for Speakers of English as a Second Language
Rennert offers 6 (210 hours) or 4 (130 hours) week intensive teacher training courses covering frameworks, modern methodologies, effective teaching practices, and more developed by the expert teacher training staff at Rennert New York TESOL Center. The courses includes workshop sessions, guided lesson planning, 6 hours of practice teaching with real ESL students and guided feedback from trainers.
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 fashion, dance, vocals, music, filmmaking, make-up artistry, acting and cooking at some of New York’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 New York, and meet other international students who share their cultural interests. Students will attend their chosen General English courses in combination with the Plus program. See dates and fees for start dates of each program.
Plus Programs offered:
- Dance (2 weeks minimum, starts any Monday)
- Fashion Intensive (4 weeks, intermediate level of English is required)
- Music private lessons (2 weeks minimum, starts any Monday)
- Digital Photography Beginner (6 weeks or 3 weeks for summer intensive)
- Acting Workshop: Tom Todoroff Studio (4 weeks, first Monday of each month)
- Super-Intensive Film or Digital Filmmaking (4 weeks English, 4 weeks Filmmaking)
HOST FAMILY
One of the best ways to learn more about the lifestyle of New Yorkers is to choose homestay accommodation. Homestays are in fact the accommodation of choice for the majority of students. Homestays are available in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Each host family is carefully selected and vetted, and most have worked with Rennert New York for over 10 years. 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 in Manhattan offer single bedrooms and breakfast only.
- Homestays outside Manhattan offer single or double bedrooms and breakfast only, half board or full board meal plans,
- Homestays run on a Sunday to Saturday schedule, with extra nights available for an additional cost.
- All homestays are located approximately 40 to 55 minutes away from the school by subway.
- 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.
STUDENT RESIDENCES
Rennert New York offers a variety of its own student residences in prime locations, only minutes away from the school by foot or by subway. The residences run on a Sunday to Saturday schedule and it is possible to book extra nights at an additional cost. All residences provide bed linens, however, students must bring their own towels.
Vanderbilt YMCA
Vanderbilt YMCA is located just a few blocks from Rennert New York in Midtown Manhattan, between 2nd and 3rd Avenue. Students staying at the Vanderbilt can choose a single or twin room (if traveling together, or during the summer period).
Vanderbilt YMCA also offers:
- 5-minute walk to Rennert
- Bathroom and shower facilities shared on each floor
- Fully equipped kitchen for communal use
- Huge, state of the art gym and pool facilities available free of charge. They are primarily used by the local New Yorkers througha membership
- Laundry facilities
- Cable TV and AC in every room
- Free WiFi throughout the building
- Free use of safety deposit box at front desk
De Hirsch Student Residence
The De Hirsch residence, located on the Upper East Side, is approximately 20-25 minutes from the school by direct subway line. The residence offers single rooms and shared hallway bathrooms.The minimum age to book the De Hirsch is 18 and the residence requires a minimum 4-week stay.
Each bedroom offers:
- A single bed
- A desk
- A closet with lock
- Supply of bed linen on arrival (students must bring their own towels)
De Hirsch also offers:
- Communal kitchen facilities available, including kosher kitchens
- Access to state-of-the-art gym, pool and fitness equipment normally used by local New Yorkers through a membership
- Free WiFi throughout the residence
- Laundry facilities
- Weekly room cleaning service
- Lounge area with TV
1760 Residence (summer only)
The 1760 student residence is located in the Upper East Side and is approximately 20-25 minutes from the school by direct subway line. It features twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms. The minimum age to book 1760 residence is 18 years old. The minimum stay is 2 weeks.
1760 Residence also offers:
- Communal kitchen facilities
- Access to gym and recreational facilities
- Laundry room available on-site
- Free WiFi for students throughout the residence
- Air conditioning, television, refrigerator, and microwave oven in rooms
- Weekly cleaning service
- Lounge area with TV
APARTMENTS
Rennert offers the Midtown East Executive Apartments, located around the block from the school on 44th Street. The Midtown East Apartments feature single Rooms as part of a shared apartment with a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living space.
Additional General Apartment Information:
- Apartments run on a Sunday to Saturday schedule. Extra nights can be arranged at a residence for an additional cost.
- Apartments can be booked entirely for families or small groups traveling together.
Midtown East Executive Apartments features:
- Fully-furnished bedrooms including a full-sized bed, closet for storage, dress, desk and chair
- Living and dining room with new, modern stylish furniture, flat-screened Smart TV, dining table and chairs.
- Fully-equipped walk-in kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, microwave, coffeemaker, full stove/oven and dishwasher
- High-speed WIFI internet access and free Netflix film service in living room
- Free coffee and tea upon arrival
- Weekly cleaning and linen service
- Secure, 24-hour doorman service
NO ACCOMMODATION
It is possible to book a program at Rennert without taking our accommodations. Rennert can provide some recommendations on hotels and other lodging services, however the student will be responsible for making those arrangements 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
Calculate your own approximate quote
The following tool will help you to get a good idea of the cost of a language course and accommodation, if requested, at this school. It may not include all the courses and accommodation options available or take into account promotional offers or costs associated with student visas, insurance, study materials or exam fees. For these reasons, the availability of any course, accommodation option (especially in the high season) and the final price of a package will always have to be verified with Marshall Language Services prior to enrolment.
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