{"id":24,"date":"2016-04-28T12:23:06","date_gmt":"2016-04-28T12:23:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/marshallservices.it\/?page_id=24"},"modified":"2019-10-26T07:29:56","modified_gmt":"2019-10-26T06:29:56","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-24\" data-postid=\"24\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-24 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_gh5k337 tb_first tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full  tb_pcof590 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_hsmq799   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Please check here and in <a href=\"http:\/\/marshallservices.it\/practicalinformation\/\">Practical Information<\/a> for answers to the most pressing questions we have received over the years. If you don&#8217;t see your issue, please do not hesistate to <a href=\"http:\/\/marshallservices.it\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact us<\/a>.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_p6jz390 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full  tb_d9ft933 first\">\n                    <!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_i0uu713 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <h3 class=\"module-title\">LANGUAGE LEARNING IN GENERAL<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion separate  transparent\">\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-i0uu713-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-i0uu713-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    How are language levels established?                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-i0uu713-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-i0uu713-0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                                    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n                        <p>The schools we work with generally make reference to the language levels defined by the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) developed by the Council of Europe, which provides a fairly specific explanation of what students can accomplish linguistically at a particular level in any language. In general, these schools provide language courses to students from the A1 (Elementary) to the C1 (Advanced) Level. Most schools do not provide general language courses at the C2 level as at this level a speaker would be considered almost mother tongue, and will instead propose courses of English for Special Purposes, such as Business English or English for Exams. Most schools provide courses for complete beginners of a language, below the A1 level, but these are often only on specific start dates or can take the form of only one-to-one (private lessons.) Our agency will inform you of this.<\/p>\n<div id=\"tablepress-12-scroll-buttons-wrapper\" class=\"tablepress-scroll-buttons-wrapper\">\n<button class=\"tablepress-scroll-button tablepress-scroll-button-left\" title=\"Scroll table left\">\u276e<\/button>\n<div id=\"tablepress-12-scroll-wrapper\" class=\"tablepress-scroll-wrapper\">\n<table id=\"tablepress-12\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-12 tablepress-responsive\">\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><\/td><td class=\"column-7\"><\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong>Starter<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>A1<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><strong>A2<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><strong>B1<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><strong>B2<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-7\"><strong>C1<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><strong>C2<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Basic User<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Basic User<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Basic User<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Independent User<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">Independent User<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">Proficient User<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">Proficient User<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Listening<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">I can use and understand rehearsed situation specific phrases and a few basic words on very familiar topics.<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">I can understand familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly.<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">I can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g.very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">I can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand the main point of many radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is<br \/>\nrelatively slow and clear.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">I can understand extended speech and<br \/>\nlectures and follow even complex lines of<br \/>\nargument provided the topic is reasonably<br \/>\nfamiliar. I can understand most TV news<br \/>\nand current affairs programmes. I can<br \/>\nunderstand the majority of films in<br \/>\nstandard dialect.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">I can understand extended speech even<br \/>\nwhen it is not clearly structured and when<br \/>\nrelationships are only implied and not<br \/>\nsignalled explicitly. I can understand<br \/>\ntelevision programmes and films without<br \/>\ntoo much effort.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">I have no difficulty in understanding any<br \/>\nkind of spoken language, whether live or<br \/>\nbroadcast, even when delivered at fast<br \/>\nnative speed, provided. I have some time<br \/>\nto get familiar with the accent.<br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Reading<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\">I can understand familiar names, words<br \/>\nand very simple sentences, for example<br \/>\non notices and posters or in catalogues.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">I can read very short, simple texts. I can<br \/>\nfind specific, predictable information in<br \/>\nsimple everyday material such as<br \/>\nadvertisements, prospectuses, menus<br \/>\nand timetables and I can understand short<br \/>\nsimple personal letters.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">I can understand texts that consist mainly<br \/>\nof high frequency everyday or job-related<br \/>\nlanguage. I can understand the<br \/>\ndescription of events, feelings and wishes<br \/>\nin personal letters.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">I can read articles and reports concerned<br \/>\nwith contemporary problems in which the<br \/>\nwriters adopt particular attitudes or<br \/>\nviewpoints. I can understand<br \/>\ncontemporary literary prose.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">I can understand long and complex<br \/>\nfactual and literary texts, appreciating<br \/>\ndistinctions of style. I can understand<br \/>\nspecialised articles and longer technical<br \/>\ninstructions, even when they do not relate<br \/>\nto my field.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">I can read with ease virtually all forms of<br \/>\nthe written language, including abstract,<br \/>\nstructurally or linguistically complex texts<br \/>\nsuch as manuals, specialised articles and<br \/>\nliterary works.<br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Spoken Interaction<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\">I can interact in a simple way provided the<br \/>\nother person is prepared to repeat or<br \/>\nrephrase things at a slower rate of speech<br \/>\nand help me formulate what I'm trying to<br \/>\nsay. I can ask and answer simple<br \/>\nquestions in areas of immediate need or<br \/>\non very familiar topics.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">I can communicate in simple and routine<br \/>\ntasks requiring a simple and direct<br \/>\nexchange of information on familiar topics<br \/>\nand activities. I can handle very short<br \/>\nsocial exchanges, even though I can't<br \/>\nusually understand enough to keep the<br \/>\nconversation going myself.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">I can deal with most situations likely to<br \/>\narise whilst travelling in an area where the<br \/>\nlanguage is spoken. I can enter<br \/>\nunprepared into conversation on topics<br \/>\nthat are familiar, of personal interest or<br \/>\npertinent to everyday life (e.g. family,<br \/>\nhobbies, work, travel and current events).<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">I can interact with a degree of fluency and<br \/>\nspontaneity that makes regular interaction<br \/>\nwith native speakers quite possible. I can<br \/>\ntake an active part in discussion in familiar<br \/>\ncontexts, accounting for and sustaining<br \/>\nmy views.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">I can express myself fluently and<br \/>\nspontaneously without much obvious<br \/>\nsearching for expressions. I can use<br \/>\nlanguage flexibly and effectively for social<br \/>\nand professional purposes. I can<br \/>\nformulate ideas and opinions with<br \/>\nprecision and relate my contribution<br \/>\nskilfully to those of other speakers.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">I can take part effortlessly in any<br \/>\nconversation or discussion and have agood familiarity with idiomatic expressions<br \/>\nand colloquialisms. I can express myself<br \/>\nfluently and convey finer shades of<br \/>\nmeaning precisely. If I do have a problem<br \/>\nI can backtrack and restructure around<br \/>\nthe difficulty so smoothly that other people<br \/>\nare hardly aware of it.<br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Spoken Production<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\">I can use simple phrases and sentences<br \/>\nto describe where I live and people I<br \/>\nknow.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">I can use a series of phrases and<br \/>\nsentences to describe in simple terms my<br \/>\nfamily and other people, living conditions,<br \/>\nmy educational background and my<br \/>\npresent or most recent job.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">I can connect phrases in a simple way in<br \/>\norder to describe experiences and events,<br \/>\nmy dreams, hopes and ambitions. I can<br \/>\nbriefly give reasons and explanations for<br \/>\nopinions and plans. I can narrate a story<br \/>\nor relate the plot of a book or film and<br \/>\ndescribe my reactions.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">I can present clear, detailed descriptions<br \/>\non a wide range of subjects related to my<br \/>\nfield of interest. I can explain a viewpoint<br \/>\non a topical issue giving the advantages<br \/>\nand disadvantages of various options.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">I can present clear, detailed descriptions<br \/>\nof complex subjects integrating subthemes,<br \/>\ndeveloping particular points and<br \/>\nrounding off with an appropriate<br \/>\nconclusion.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">I can present a clear, smoothly-flowing<br \/>\ndescription or argument in a style<br \/>\nappropriate to the context and with an<br \/>\neffective logical structure which helps the<br \/>\nrecipient to notice and remember<br \/>\nsignificant points.<br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Writing<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\">I can write a short, simple postcard, for<br \/>\nexample sending holiday greetings. I can<br \/>\nfill in forms with personal details, for<br \/>\nexample entering my name, nationality<br \/>\nand address on a hotel registration form.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">I can write short, simple notes and<br \/>\nmessages. I can write a very simple<br \/>\npersonal letter, for example thanking<br \/>\nsomeone for something.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">I can write simple connected text on<br \/>\ntopics which are familiar or of personal<br \/>\ninterest. I can write personal letters<br \/>\ndescribing experiences and impressions.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">I can write clear, detailed text on a wide<br \/>\nrange of subjects related to my interests. I<br \/>\ncan write an essay or report, passing on<br \/>\ninformation or giving reasons in support of<br \/>\nor against a particular point of view. I can<br \/>\nwrite letters highlighting the personal<br \/>\nsignificance of events and experiences.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">I can express myself in clear, well-structured<br \/>\ntext, expressing points of view<br \/>\nat some length. I can write about complex<br \/>\nsubjects in a letter, an essay or a report,<br \/>\nunderlining what I consider to be the<br \/>\nsalient issues. I can select a style<br \/>\nappropriate to the reader in mind.<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">I can write clear, smoothly-flowing text in<br \/>\nan appropriate style. I can write complex<br \/>\nletters, reports or articles which present a<br \/>\ncase with an effective logical structure<br \/>\nwhich helps the recipient to notice and<br \/>\nremember significant points. I can write<br \/>\nsummaries and reviews of professional or<br \/>\nliterary works.<br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Adults<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Beginner<\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Intermediate<\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><\/td><td class=\"column-7\">Advanced<\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Children\/Teenagers<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Beginner<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Intermediate<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Advanced<\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><\/td><td class=\"column-7\"><\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<button class=\"tablepress-scroll-button tablepress-scroll-button-right\" title=\"Scroll table right\">\u276f<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<p>The following table illustrates the equivalences between the CEFR and other language level assessments, including for the most requested exams in various languages:<\/p>\n<div id=\"tablepress-10-scroll-buttons-wrapper\" class=\"tablepress-scroll-buttons-wrapper\">\n<button class=\"tablepress-scroll-button tablepress-scroll-button-left\" title=\"Scroll table left\">\u276e<\/button>\n<div id=\"tablepress-10-scroll-wrapper\" class=\"tablepress-scroll-wrapper\">\n<table id=\"tablepress-10\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-10 tablepress-responsive\">\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Language<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong>Certificate<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>A1<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><strong>A2<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><strong>B1<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><strong>B2<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-7\"><strong>C1<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><strong>C2<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">ALTE level<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Breakthrough level<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Level 1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Level 2<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">Level 3<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">Level 4<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">Level 5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Multiple<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">European Consortium for the Certificate of Attainment in Modern Languages.  ECL exams can be taken in English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Rumanian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Slovak, Russian, Spanish, Croatian, Czech and Hebrew.<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\">A2<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">B1<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">B2<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">C1<\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>English<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">IELTS<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">3<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">3.5-5.5 (3.5 is the margin)<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">5.5-7 (5.5 is the margin)<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">7-8 (7 is the margin)<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">8.0-9.0 (8.0 is the margin)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>English<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Cambridge exams<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">KET (45 to 69)<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">PET (45 to 69)\/ KET Pass, Pass with Merit<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">FCE (140 to 159)\/ PET Pass, Pass with Merit \/ KET Pass with Distinction<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">CAE (160 to 179) \/ FCE grade B or C\/ PET Pass with Distinction<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">CPE (180 to 199)\/ CAE grade B or C\/ FCE grade A (180 to 190)<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">CPE grade A, B or C (200 to 230)\/ CAE grade A (200 to 210)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>English<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">TOEFL (IBT)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10-15 (speaking)<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">42-71 (total)<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">72-94 (total)<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">95-120 (total)<\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\">7-12 (writing)<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">4-17 (reading)<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">18-23 (reading)<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">24-30 (reading)<\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\">9-16 (listening)<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">17-21 (listening)<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">22-30 (listening)<\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\">16-19 (speaking)<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">20-24 (speaking)<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">25-30 (speaking)<\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\">13-16 (writing)<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">17-23 (writing)<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">24-30 (writing)<\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>English<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">TOEFL ITP<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\">337<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">460<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">543<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">627<\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>English<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">TOEFL Junior Standard<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\">225-245 (listening), 210-245 (language form), 210-240 (reading)<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">250-285 (listening), 250-275 (language form), 245-275 (reading)<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">290-300 (listening), 280-300 (language form), 280-300 (reading)<\/td><td class=\"column-7\"><\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>English<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE) \/ Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) \/ Spoken English for Work (SEW)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">GESE 2<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">ISE 0<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">ISE I<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">ISE II<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">ISE III<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">ISE IV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-14\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\">GESE 3, 4<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">GESE 5, 6<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">GESE 7, 8, 9<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">GESE 10, 11<\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-15\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\">SEW 1<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">SEW 2, 3<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">SEW 4<\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-16\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>English<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">TOEIC<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">60 - 105 (listening) 60 - 110 (reading)<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">110 - 270 (listening) 115 - 270 (reading)<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">275 - 395 (listening) 275 - 380 (reading)<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">400 - 485 (listening) 385 - 450 (reading)<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">490 - 495 (listening) 455 - 495 (reading)<\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-17\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>English<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">iTEP<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">42737<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">2.5-3<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">3.5<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">4-4.5<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">5-5.5<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-18\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>English<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">British General Qualifications<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Foundation Tier GCSE<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Higher Tier GCSE<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">GCE AS level \/ lower grade A-level<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">GCE A-Level (known as A2)<\/td><td class=\"column-7\"><\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-19\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>French<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">CIEP \/  Alliance fran\u00e7aise  diplomas<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">TCF A1 \/ DELF A1<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">TCF A2 \/ DELF A2 \/ CEFP 1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">TCF B1 \/ DELF B1 \/ CEFP 2<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">TCF B2 \/ DELF B2 \/ Dipl\u00f4me de Langue<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">TCF C1 \/ DALF C1 \/ DSLCF<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">TCF C2 \/ DALF C2 \/ DHEF<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-20\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Spanish<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">DELE<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">A1<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">A2<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">B1 (formerly \"Inicial\")<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">B2 (formerly \"Intermedio\")<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">C1<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">C2 (formerly \"Superior\")<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-21\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>German<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">TestDaF<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><\/td><td class=\"column-6\">TDN 3\u2014TDN 4<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">TDN 4\u2014TDN 5<\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-22\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>German<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Goethe-Institut<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Goethe-Zertifikat A1<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Goethe-Zertifikat A2<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Goethe-Zertifikat B1<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">Goethe-Zertifikat B2<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">Goethe-Zertifikat C1<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">Goethe-Zertifikat C2 - Gro\u00dfes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-23\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Start Deutsch 1<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Start Deutsch 2<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD)<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">Zertifikat Deutsch f\u00fcr den Beruf (ZDfB)<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">Zentrale Mittelstufenpr\u00fcfung<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">Zentrale Oberstufenpr\u00fcfung<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-24\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><\/td><td class=\"column-7\"><\/td><td class=\"column-8\">Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-25\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>German<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">TestDaF<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><\/td><td class=\"column-6\">TDN 3\u2014TDN 4<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">TDN 4\u2014TDN 5<\/td><td class=\"column-8\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-26\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Italian<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">CELI<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Impatto<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">2<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">3<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">4<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-27\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Italian<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">CILS<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">A1<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">A2<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Uno<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">Due<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">Tre<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">Quattro \/ DIT C2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-28\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Italian<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">PLIDA ( Dante Alighieri Society  diplomas)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">PLIDA A1<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">PLIDA A2<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">PLIDA B1<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">PLIDA B2<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">PLIDA C1<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">PLIDA C2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-29\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Mandarin Chinese<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Chinese Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">HSK Level 3<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">HSK Level 4<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">HSK Level 5<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">HSK Level 6<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">\u2014<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-30\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Japanese<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">N5<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">N4<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">N3<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">N2<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">N1<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">-<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-31\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Portuguese<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">CAPLE<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">QECR<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">CIPLE<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">DEPLE<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">DIPLE<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">DAPLE<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">DUPLE<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-32\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Portuguese<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">CELPE-Bras<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Intermediate<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Intermediate<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Superior Intermediate<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">Superior Intermediate<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">Advanced<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">Superior Advanced<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-33\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Russian<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u0422\u0420\u041a\u0418\u00a0\u2013 \u0422\u0435\u0441\u0442 \u043f\u043e \u0440\u0443\u0441\u0441\u043a\u043e\u043c\u0443 \u044f\u0437\u044b\u043a\u0443 \u043a\u0430\u043a \u0438\u043d\u043e\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430\u043d\u043d\u043e\u043c\u0443 (TORFL\u00a0\u2013 Test of Russian as a Foreign Language)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u0422\u042d\u0423 \u042d\u043b\u0435\u043c\u0435\u043d\u0442\u0430\u0440\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0443\u0440\u043e\u0432\u0435\u043d\u044c<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">\u0422\u0411\u0423 \u0411\u0430\u0437\u043e\u0432\u044b\u0439 \u0443\u0440\u043e\u0432\u0435\u043d\u044c<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">\u0422\u0420\u041a\u0418-1 (I C\u0435\u0440\u0442\u0438\u0444\u0438\u043a\u0430\u0446\u0438\u043e\u043d\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0443\u0440\u043e\u0432\u0435\u043d\u044c) (1st Certificate level)<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">\u0422\u0420\u041a\u0418-2<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">\u0422\u0420\u041a\u0418-3<\/td><td class=\"column-8\">\u0422\u0420\u041a<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<button class=\"tablepress-scroll-button tablepress-scroll-button-right\" title=\"Scroll table right\">\u276f<\/button>\n<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-i0uu713-1\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-i0uu713-1-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    How long will it take me to move up a language level?                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-i0uu713-1-content\" data-id=\"acc-i0uu713-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                                    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n                        <p>The short answer to this question is that it takes approximately <strong>200 guided learning hours<\/strong> for a language learner to progress from one level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) to the next.<\/p><p>For example, a candidate who has passed <em>Cambridge English: First (FCE)<\/em>, aligned to\u00a0level B2 on the CEFR, might need approximately 200 hours of lessons and supervised study to prepare for the <em>Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)<\/em>, which is aligned to\u00a0level C1.<\/p><p>However, there are a number of factors that can affect how long it might take you to achieve your desired level of the language that you are studying, including:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Your language learning background.<\/strong> This can include the number of years you studied the language at home or abroad, privately or in school, previous to the course you now intend to take. It can also mean how \u201cexposed\u201d you were to the language in the past, whether it was spoken at home or by persons who surrounded you closely.<\/li><li><strong>The intensity of your study.<\/strong> Simply put, the more hours you spend in class, on activities organized by the school, and with your host family or other local native speakers, the more you will learn. For this reason, we always recommend booking the most intensive course that your budget will permit. There is no need to fear that these hours spent in class will become tiresome. All of the schools we work with have able and experienced teachers who will make the language learning interesting, fun, and dynamic, and the schools offer a variety of electives on the general language courses so that you can choose a topic that interests you. You will learn not only the language, but the content of the topic itself. Your ability to make progress will also mean going to class and doing all of your homework every day. You should also take advantage of the school\u2019s self study facilities, which are full of level appropriate books for extra reading, computer programs, films and games for more learning. Many are also staffed with a teacher who can answer questions. Outside of the lessons, all of the schools we work with also offer a rich schedule of extracurricular activities which will allow you to continue learning the language outside the classroom. Also, if you book accommodation with a host family (which we always recommend), all of our schools will place students with people who are genuinely interested in speaking with you and helping you learn. You will be exposed to the language you are studying from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to sleep. You might also start to dream in that language!<\/li><li><strong>Your age. <\/strong>While it is true that young children can absorb multiple foreign languages quickly, the notion, \u201cI\u2019m too old to learn another language\u201d is a myth. We have seen many older adults start from zero, and with time and dedication given to studying the language (the time and dedication are the difficult parts for adults, not their ages) they have made excellent progress in learning.<\/li><li><strong>The amount of study\/exposure outside of lesson times.<\/strong> This does not only mean participating in the social activities organized by the school, but also making a concentrated effort to stay away from your fellow countrymen during your trip and making local friends who speak the language. If your schedule is flexible during the year, this can mean taking your trip outside the months that they typically go or going to places or schools where there are high percentages of them. A good school can tell you beforehand how many of your fellow countrymen are expected in the school in any given period, and they will also limit bookings of that nationality so that they do not dominate the classes.\u00a0 If you are a university-aged student, Marshall Language Services recommends booking schools in university cities which abound in students of the local country. In doing so, you will have many opportunities to meet them, make friends and practice the language. They may also be interested in exchanging their own language for yours.<\/li><li><strong>Your language group. <\/strong>To a degree, the language(s) you already speak can affect the progress of the language you are studying. Speakers of Romance languages like Italian and Spanish tend to learn languages in that group fairly quickly.<\/li><\/ul>                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-i0uu713-2\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-i0uu713-2-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    Am I too old for a language course abroad?                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-i0uu713-2-content\" data-id=\"acc-i0uu713-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                                    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n                        <p>Absolutely not, if you can get there! Some very large schools have a good assortment of ages of students, and while students in an older age bracket may not comprise the majority of the students, there will still be enough of them to form a group. Some of the schools we work with are specialized in courses for older students (and we note this in the description of the school), in which case they may in fact comprise the majority of students, while others have special one or two week programs throughout the year that are aimed at older students. In these cases, they will have special activities, if not also classes, organized with the interests in mind of more mature students. The schools also know that older students tend to work and have less time for a language course, so there are intensive courses for as brief a period as one week (and in a few cases, one long weekend!) Mature students will also be placed in host families, if they choose that accommodation option, who are more suited to hosting older students (see that question in the accommodation section.)<\/p>                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-i0uu713-3\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-i0uu713-3-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    Are there differences between British and American English? Is it better to study one or the other?                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-i0uu713-3-content\" data-id=\"acc-i0uu713-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                                    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n                        <p>For the most part, it will make no difference at all if you study British English in the UK or in Ireland (it\u2019s also the English taught in Malta), if you study American English in the United States or Canada, or if you study it in any other country where English is the native language. There are some differences between British and American English, mostly in vocabulary, a few in pronunciation but mostly in the different accents, and a very few in grammar, but most Americans and Britons understand each other perfectly. If you learn a term or expression that is used more in America and you speak to a person from the UK, they will just recognize that that\u2019s where you studied the language, and vice versa. If you return to work outside of a native English-speaking country, you may hear a bit more British English spoken amongst non-native English speakers, but probably because the UK is closer and it may have been easier for those Europeans to study it there. At the same time, many films and television programs shown worldwide, as well as a vast amount of information on the internet, originates from America, which very easily spreads the English spoken there around the world. If you return to work in Italy, you will most likely hear a blend of these types of English from various colleagues and clients. The only exception to this answer is if you want to prepare for the IELTS or TOEFL exams. The IELTS exam originated in England, and is most requested by British universities as proof of English speaking ability. It is concentrated on British English, so if you have a choice, it might be a better idea to study for this test in the UK or Ireland. On the other hand, for the TOEFL exam, it originated by the American Educational Testing Service (ETS) as proof of English ability for American universities, and is therefore concentrated on American English, so if you can, it might be better to study it in the United States. In any case, there are schools on both sides of the Atlantic who offer both IELTS and TOEFL test preparation classes, so in the end, the differences are not that great. If you are very prepared for the IELTS exam (or also the Cambridge First Certificate in English, Advanced Exam, or Proficiency in English exam, which are also British exams with British English in them) you will also do well on the TOEFL.<\/p>                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_e35q724 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full  tb_55ds570 first\">\n                    <!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_22dd703 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <h3 class=\"module-title\">ACCOMMODATIONS<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion default  transparent\">\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-22dd703-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-22dd703-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    Do I have to book accommodation, or can I just book a course?                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-22dd703-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-22dd703-0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                                    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n                        <p>You are never obligated to book accommodation on adult courses. The schools make their accommodation options available as a service for international students, but if you already have a place to stay in the destination, you can always just book the course. If for some reason it is no longer possible to stay in that accommodation, you can always ask the school\u2019s accommodation officer for options that are available. Also, if you are in an accommodation booked by the school and prefer to find a place on your own, you may do so if you give the accommodation proper notice of the cancellation. The policy of each school (and sometimes each accommodation option) is different for this, and you will be advised of that policy when you initially book it.<\/p><p>However, there are a few considerations if you want to book your accommodation. If you are being hosted by relatives or friends from your own country abroad, you will probably end up speaking only that language in the home, so it will be very important to participate in the social activities of the school (as well as book a more intensive language class). If you can book a different accommodation, a homestay is usually the least expensive option, and you will have the opportunity to converse with native speakers.<\/p>                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-22dd703-1\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-22dd703-1-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    Can I book just the course and look for my own accommodation as soon as I get there?                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-22dd703-1-content\" data-id=\"acc-22dd703-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                                    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n                        <p>Yes, but be careful. It is ALWAYS better to look for an accommodation once you have arrived at the destination vs. before you leave, if you don\u2019t book one that is offered by the school or by Marshall Language Services. If you do otherwise, you truly have no way of knowing what you are getting, particularly if it\u2019s something that an individual is offering on the internet. Once you are there, you will be able to see the accommodation, the neighborhood (and experience its proximity to the school) meet the owner and any other persons potentially sharing it. Before you agree to go there, make sure that you have a complete list of the costs involved in renting. Accommodation options booked by the school almost always have all costs included, except for a security deposit, but if you rent an accommodation on the open market, you may also have to pay for utilities and other fees. If your goal is to save money with respect to the cost of an accommodation offered by a school, make sure that in the end, it really is cheaper. Also take into consideration the travel costs\u2014will you be able to walk or cycle there, or will you need to pay for public transport, which in a city like London, for example, can be expensive. Lastly, if you do want to look for your own accommodation, don\u2019t count on being able to find something quickly. In some markets, it can actually take weeks or months. Our recommendation is to book a host family with the school for two weeks at the very least, so that you have time to get to know the destination a bit and look around at some properties. Your school and the host family can also advise you as to the characteristics of the areas of the cities and local renting practices. Very often in language schools, there are notice boards for students who are looking to share a place, or who will be giving up a room or accommodation very soon.<\/p>                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-22dd703-2\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-22dd703-2-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    Why do host families host take in students? Is it because they need money?                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-22dd703-2-content\" data-id=\"acc-22dd703-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                                    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n                        <p>NO! While the families do receive a reimbursement from the school for food and utilities, most families will tell you that hosting students is not actually profitable. Many do it because they are genuinely interested in the company of persons from other cultures in their homes. They may be persons or couples whose adult children have left the home and for that reason have extra time and space to host them, particularly if they are retired, or they may wish to expose their own children and family members to the foreign cultures of the persons staying with them. In the same way that students attending schools find it interesting to meet and interact with people from other countries, so do the hosts. They may also have other reasons. One very genteel lady with a beautiful home in Dublin told the director Rachel (Rachel always prefers to stay with host families when visiting schools, to learn about the place and culture from its residents) that one reason she liked hosting students was that \u201cI am forced to eat better. If I\u2019m by myself I might just have some crackers and cheese for dinner, but when I\u2019m hosting a student, I like to cook a proper meal.\u201d And the meals in that particular home were delicious! The reasons for hosting can also be a bit more interesting\u2014the owner of a school in China once said that with the country\u2019s new economy, hosting a foreign student has become a status symbol. A family in China who is financially better off with respect to the past, can now brag to friends about the \u201cnew house, the new car, and the foreign host student!\u201d<\/p>                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-22dd703-3\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-22dd703-3-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    Am I too old to stay in a host family?                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-22dd703-3-content\" data-id=\"acc-22dd703-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                                    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n                        <p>You are never too old to stay in a host family. A good school will have many profiles of families available, and when a student applies for a course at the school with host family accommodation, the accommodation officer will take the student\u2019s profile (age, country of origin, profession, hobbies and any special requests) into careful consideration when choosing a family. Older students are placed with hosts of similar ages, and students on professional courses can sometimes be placed with hosts who are or were involved in that same profession. As a result, it\u2019s not only a way to practice the language, but also to learn some terminology useful to one\u2019s profession or hobbies and even to learn something new about them.<\/p>                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-22dd703-4\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-22dd703-4-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    If I book accommodation in a host family, will I have a curfew, or will I be free to come and go as I please?                 <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-22dd703-4-content\" data-id=\"acc-22dd703-4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                                    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n                        <p>Adults aged 18 and over will never have a curfew in a host family. They will be given a key to the house and may come and go as they please, but are of course expected to observe common rules of courtesy if returning late at night. If they do not want to come back for dinner, they will be expected to notify the host family of this fact. Students aged 16 or 17 who are participating in adult programs in a school may have a curfew that will be established by the school and\/or the student\u2019s parents. When a school places a student with a host family who is a minor, they will usually select a family who has experienced hosting students that age and who have more time to look after that student.<\/p>                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-22dd703-5\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-22dd703-5-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    What if I don\u2019t like the host family?                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-22dd703-5-content\" data-id=\"acc-22dd703-5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                                    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n                        <p>Students are always invited to address any concerns about the family directly to the school\u2019s accommodation officer and to our agency if any problems are not resolved, and the school will discuss these concerns with the family. If a student is still not satisfied, or in the rare cases in which a family may be unsuitable for hosting a student, a good school will move the student immediately to another family. When a school evaluates a host family for suitability in hosting its students, a staff member will personally inspect the home and interview the family. It can sometimes happen, although fortunately not often, that what a family promises a school and what it actually offers a student is different, and in that case the school will move the student and stop using that family. However, for all of the schools we work with, many of their host families\u2019 work exclusively with that school and have been hosting their students for years, so the school knows them well.<\/p>                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-22dd703-6\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-22dd703-6-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    If I book just a room or a breakfast-only meal plan with a host family, may I use the family\u2019s kitchen to prepare my own meals?                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-22dd703-6-content\" data-id=\"acc-22dd703-6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                                    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n                        <p>Where schools offer only host families with a room and half board, or if you only book bed and breakfast where this option is available, it is rarely possible to use the family\u2019s kitchen to prepare dinner. At the most, you may be allowed to prepare something that does not require cooking, or to heat up an already prepared meal. If the school offers a host family option that specifies a room with no meals or a self-catering option, then you can usually use the kitchen in the home, but keep in mind that you will probably not have much contact with the host for conversation. If you want to cook your own dinner vs. eating the dinner prepared by the host family only in order to save money, you probably won\u2019t save much in the end. By the time you have done your shopping, purchased all of the extra condiments and ingredients you need in addition to the main ingredient, you will probably have spent the same or more as for a dinner prepared by the host family. You will also need to take into consideration the time and hassle of grocery shopping, cooking and cleanup. If your time abroad is relatively short and the experience is also supposed to be a vacation for you, do you really want to bother with that every day?<\/p><p>For students who would like the opportunity to eat out twice a week or more often without losing money on meals that they paid for, many schools offer a 4-5 dinner plan, meaning that you can book a room with breakfast every day and dinner with the family only 4 or 5 times a week.<\/p><p>If your desire to cook your own meals comes as a result of horror stories you have heard about meals abroad, you won\u2019t have much to worry about. The quality of a host family, and therefore the quality of the meals it serves, is also monitored by the schools who offer it to its students. Low quality schools do not pay their host families much, and particularly in cities that are full of language schools who vie for the services of good host families, you cannot expect a good family if you don\u2019t choose a good school. We are very aware of this fact, and it is also for this reason that we choose only the very best schools for our clients.<\/p><p>However, if your desire to cook your own meals stems from any food allergies, intolerance or personal preferences like vegetarianism, you can let the accommodation officer know this when you book your home stay. Our application form will ask you for this information anyway. When you have expressed your preferences, the school can find a host family for you who can accommodate them.<\/p>                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-22dd703-7\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-22dd703-7-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    I\/my friend stayed with a host family in the past who was inattentive and\/or the house was dirty and\/or the house was crowded and\/or the meals were poor and\/or we slept in the living room and\/or and I had to be back at the house at a certain time. How can I be sure that these things won\u2019t happen again if I book accommodation in a host family?                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-22dd703-7-content\" data-id=\"acc-22dd703-7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                                    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n                        <p>Marshall Language Services has been hearing this type of complaint since the very first days of setting up shop. The reason for all these unpleasantries is simple, frankly\u2014low quality schools use low quality host families. There are some destinations that are absolutely full of language schools, and especially in these markets, in which the schools are all vying for the services of the best host families, the host families can afford to be choosy. When a school doesn\u2019t pay a family as much as the better schools do, they don\u2019t offer high standards of service.<\/p><p>Unfortunately, for some clients, the one and only experience of staying with a host family has been during a trip taken with a school group. In this case, it is not surprising that the quality of the host family was low. Marshall Language Services regularly receives requests for bids on school groups. During the bidding process, it often becomes apparent that the group leader is looking for the absolute cheapest solution of school and accommodation, the lowest possible price per student. Group leaders usually do that so that they may have the group pay for their own expenses, some of which are legitimate, like the their travel expenses, and others which not, like including their own children on the trip, at the cost of the other participants. As a result, the price that each student pays in the end is not close to the real cost of the school package and it is not low, and a good chunk of what they\u2019ve spent has not gone to pay for the school and accommodation. As an agency, we never use schools for our clients that offer this low level of service. For group leaders who are requesting less than a certain standard of quality because they are not being willing to pay for it, Marshall Language Services would rather pass on the booking.\u00a0 Besides the fact that we believe that traveling on an individual basis for language learning is much more effective didactically, another benefit to doing so is that more of the cost of the trip goes toward the higher quality school and accommodation.<\/p><p>As for the question of having to be back at a certain time, students who are less than 18 years old often do have curfews while staying with host families, which for minors is acceptable. When students have stayed with host families while on school trips, they were in fact usually younger than 18.<\/p>                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_73vi233 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full  tb_53qt491 first\">\n                    <!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_mjzq940 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <h3 class=\"module-title\">WORKING WHILE ABROAD<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion separate   transparent\">\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-mjzq940-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-mjzq940-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-chevron-circle-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                     Will I be able to find a job while I\u2019m doing my course abroad?                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-mjzq940-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-mjzq940-0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                                    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n                        <p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>This very much depends on the length of time that you will be abroad. If you will be staying in your destination for less than one month, it\u2019s simply not realistic, nor is it very probable for a stay of less than two months. When you first arrive, you will need to become settled in the school, the accommodation and the destination, which by itself (and assuming you aren\u2019t jet lagged) can by itself take one to two weeks. You will also need time to look around for a job, and when you find one, if you can\u2019t offer a time commitment of at least two months, that employer will most likely not find it worth his or her time to hire you and train you. He or she will also need to arrange for your working papers if he or she is going to hire you legally, which for citizens of the European Union, is possible. The same would also be true for a job for which you apply in Italy\u2014an employer does not want to waste time with someone who will not stay on the job. You will also need to make sure that your language level is sufficient for you to sustain an interview. If it isn\u2019t, you will need to spend more time in the school, on a course as intensive as possible, to get it up to speed. If your aim in looking for a job is to help pay for your course and lodging for just a few weeks, there are ways to lower the cost of the package in the first place. Please see our special section about that.<\/p><p>If instead you are planning to stay abroad for at least two months and your language level is fairly good when it\u2019s time to look for a job, it some places it may not be too difficult. Very often, language schools have notice boards that contain job openings, or students who are leaving certain positions will publish them on the notice board or make them known by word-of-mouth. All of the schools we work with have staff who are dedicated to the welfare of students, or sometimes just very helpful teachers who can help you put together your Curriculum Vitae in the local language and point you to job sources they may know about. Some schools also offer job clubs and workshops that help you do the same, or help you to prepare for a job interview in the local language. Once you find a job, it may be possible to shift your lesson schedule to another part of the day in order to accommodate your work hours. If you suspect that this may be the case before you leave, it is always better to book the less expensive scheduling option (usually the afternoon) and then upgrade to a more expensive option if necessary, when you know your schedule. You can always pay more for an expensive course but you will never be refunded the difference for a less expensive option. Some schools also offer part-time evening courses, but it may not be possible to stay in an accommodation booked by the school if you take only these courses.<\/p>                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Please check here and in Practical Information for answers to the most pressing questions we have received over the years. If you don&#8217;t see your issue, please do not hesistate to contact us. LANGUAGE LEARNING IN GENERAL How are language levels established? The schools we work with generally make reference to the language levels defined [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-24","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>FAQ &#8226; Marshall Language Services<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"FAQ &#8226; Marshall Language Services\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Please check here and in Practical Information for answers to the most pressing questions we have received over the years. If you don&#8217;t see your issue, please do not hesistate to contact us. LANGUAGE LEARNING IN GENERAL How are language levels established? The schools we work with generally make reference to the language levels defined [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Marshall Language Services\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/marshall.language.services\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2019-10-26T06:29:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"22 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/\",\"name\":\"FAQ &#8226; Marshall Language Services\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2016-04-28T12:23:06+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2019-10-26T06:29:56+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"FAQ\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Marshall Language Services\",\"description\":\"An International Language Agency based in Rome, Italy\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Marshall Language Services\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/cropped-logo-2-e1525688080668.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/cropped-logo-2-e1525688080668.png\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"Marshall Language Services\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/marshall.language.services\/\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/marshall_language_services\/\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"FAQ &#8226; Marshall Language Services","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"FAQ &#8226; Marshall Language Services","og_description":"Please check here and in Practical Information for answers to the most pressing questions we have received over the years. If you don&#8217;t see your issue, please do not hesistate to contact us. LANGUAGE LEARNING IN GENERAL How are language levels established? The schools we work with generally make reference to the language levels defined [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/","og_site_name":"Marshall Language Services","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/marshall.language.services\/","article_modified_time":"2019-10-26T06:29:56+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"22 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/","url":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/","name":"FAQ &#8226; Marshall Language Services","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/#website"},"datePublished":"2016-04-28T12:23:06+00:00","dateModified":"2019-10-26T06:29:56+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/faq\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"FAQ"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/","name":"Marshall Language Services","description":"An International Language Agency based in Rome, Italy","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/#organization","name":"Marshall Language Services","url":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/cropped-logo-2-e1525688080668.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/cropped-logo-2-e1525688080668.png","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"Marshall Language Services"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/marshall.language.services\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/marshall_language_services\/"]}]}},"builder_content":"<p>Please check here and in <a href=\"http:\/\/marshallservices.it\/practicalinformation\/\">Practical Information<\/a> for answers to the most pressing questions we have received over the years. If you don't see your issue, please do not hesistate to <a href=\"http:\/\/marshallservices.it\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>LANGUAGE LEARNING IN GENERAL<\/h3><ul><li><h4>How are language levels established?<\/h4><p>The schools we work with generally make reference to the language levels defined by the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) developed by the Council of Europe, which provides a fairly specific explanation of what students can accomplish linguistically at a particular level in any language. In general, these schools provide language courses to students from the A1 (Elementary) to the C1 (Advanced) Level. Most schools do not provide general language courses at the C2 level as at this level a speaker would be considered almost mother tongue, and will instead propose courses of English for Special Purposes, such as Business English or English for Exams. Most schools provide courses for complete beginners of a language, below the A1 level, but these are often only on specific start dates or can take the form of only one-to-one (private lessons.) Our agency will inform you of this.<\/p><p>[table id=12 \/]<\/p><p>The following table illustrates the equivalences between the CEFR and other language level assessments, including for the most requested exams in various languages:<\/p><p>[table id=10 \/]<\/p><\/li><li><h4>How long will it take me to move up a language level?<\/h4><p>The short answer to this question is that it takes approximately <strong>200 guided learning hours<\/strong> for a language learner to progress from one level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) to the next.<\/p><p>For example, a candidate who has passed <em>Cambridge English: First (FCE)<\/em>, aligned to\u00a0level B2 on the CEFR, might need approximately 200 hours of lessons and supervised study to prepare for the <em>Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)<\/em>, which is aligned to\u00a0level C1.<\/p><p>However, there are a number of factors that can affect how long it might take you to achieve your desired level of the language that you are studying, including:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Your language learning background.<\/strong> This can include the number of years you studied the language at home or abroad, privately or in school, previous to the course you now intend to take. It can also mean how \u201cexposed\u201d you were to the language in the past, whether it was spoken at home or by persons who surrounded you closely.<\/li><li><strong>The intensity of your study.<\/strong> Simply put, the more hours you spend in class, on activities organized by the school, and with your host family or other local native speakers, the more you will learn. For this reason, we always recommend booking the most intensive course that your budget will permit. There is no need to fear that these hours spent in class will become tiresome. All of the schools we work with have able and experienced teachers who will make the language learning interesting, fun, and dynamic, and the schools offer a variety of electives on the general language courses so that you can choose a topic that interests you. You will learn not only the language, but the content of the topic itself. Your ability to make progress will also mean going to class and doing all of your homework every day. You should also take advantage of the school\u2019s self study facilities, which are full of level appropriate books for extra reading, computer programs, films and games for more learning. Many are also staffed with a teacher who can answer questions. Outside of the lessons, all of the schools we work with also offer a rich schedule of extracurricular activities which will allow you to continue learning the language outside the classroom. Also, if you book accommodation with a host family (which we always recommend), all of our schools will place students with people who are genuinely interested in speaking with you and helping you learn. You will be exposed to the language you are studying from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to sleep. You might also start to dream in that language!<\/li><li><strong>Your age. <\/strong>While it is true that young children can absorb multiple foreign languages quickly, the notion, \u201cI\u2019m too old to learn another language\u201d is a myth. We have seen many older adults start from zero, and with time and dedication given to studying the language (the time and dedication are the difficult parts for adults, not their ages) they have made excellent progress in learning.<\/li><li><strong>The amount of study\/exposure outside of lesson times.<\/strong> This does not only mean participating in the social activities organized by the school, but also making a concentrated effort to stay away from your fellow countrymen during your trip and making local friends who speak the language. If your schedule is flexible during the year, this can mean taking your trip outside the months that they typically go or going to places or schools where there are high percentages of them. A good school can tell you beforehand how many of your fellow countrymen are expected in the school in any given period, and they will also limit bookings of that nationality so that they do not dominate the classes.\u00a0 If you are a university-aged student, Marshall Language Services recommends booking schools in university cities which abound in students of the local country. In doing so, you will have many opportunities to meet them, make friends and practice the language. They may also be interested in exchanging their own language for yours.<\/li><li><strong>Your language group. <\/strong>To a degree, the language(s) you already speak can affect the progress of the language you are studying. Speakers of Romance languages like Italian and Spanish tend to learn languages in that group fairly quickly.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><h4>Am I too old for a language course abroad?<\/h4><p>Absolutely not, if you can get there! Some very large schools have a good assortment of ages of students, and while students in an older age bracket may not comprise the majority of the students, there will still be enough of them to form a group. Some of the schools we work with are specialized in courses for older students (and we note this in the description of the school), in which case they may in fact comprise the majority of students, while others have special one or two week programs throughout the year that are aimed at older students. In these cases, they will have special activities, if not also classes, organized with the interests in mind of more mature students. The schools also know that older students tend to work and have less time for a language course, so there are intensive courses for as brief a period as one week (and in a few cases, one long weekend!) Mature students will also be placed in host families, if they choose that accommodation option, who are more suited to hosting older students (see that question in the accommodation section.)<\/p><\/li><li><h4>Are there differences between British and American English? Is it better to study one or the other?<\/h4><p>For the most part, it will make no difference at all if you study British English in the UK or in Ireland (it\u2019s also the English taught in Malta), if you study American English in the United States or Canada, or if you study it in any other country where English is the native language. There are some differences between British and American English, mostly in vocabulary, a few in pronunciation but mostly in the different accents, and a very few in grammar, but most Americans and Britons understand each other perfectly. If you learn a term or expression that is used more in America and you speak to a person from the UK, they will just recognize that that\u2019s where you studied the language, and vice versa. If you return to work outside of a native English-speaking country, you may hear a bit more British English spoken amongst non-native English speakers, but probably because the UK is closer and it may have been easier for those Europeans to study it there. At the same time, many films and television programs shown worldwide, as well as a vast amount of information on the internet, originates from America, which very easily spreads the English spoken there around the world. If you return to work in Italy, you will most likely hear a blend of these types of English from various colleagues and clients. The only exception to this answer is if you want to prepare for the IELTS or TOEFL exams. The IELTS exam originated in England, and is most requested by British universities as proof of English speaking ability. It is concentrated on British English, so if you have a choice, it might be a better idea to study for this test in the UK or Ireland. On the other hand, for the TOEFL exam, it originated by the American Educational Testing Service (ETS) as proof of English ability for American universities, and is therefore concentrated on American English, so if you can, it might be better to study it in the United States. In any case, there are schools on both sides of the Atlantic who offer both IELTS and TOEFL test preparation classes, so in the end, the differences are not that great. If you are very prepared for the IELTS exam (or also the Cambridge First Certificate in English, Advanced Exam, or Proficiency in English exam, which are also British exams with British English in them) you will also do well on the TOEFL.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<h3>ACCOMMODATIONS<\/h3><ul><li><h4>Do I have to book accommodation, or can I just book a course?<\/h4><p>You are never obligated to book accommodation on adult courses. The schools make their accommodation options available as a service for international students, but if you already have a place to stay in the destination, you can always just book the course. If for some reason it is no longer possible to stay in that accommodation, you can always ask the school\u2019s accommodation officer for options that are available. Also, if you are in an accommodation booked by the school and prefer to find a place on your own, you may do so if you give the accommodation proper notice of the cancellation. The policy of each school (and sometimes each accommodation option) is different for this, and you will be advised of that policy when you initially book it.<\/p><p>However, there are a few considerations if you want to book your accommodation. If you are being hosted by relatives or friends from your own country abroad, you will probably end up speaking only that language in the home, so it will be very important to participate in the social activities of the school (as well as book a more intensive language class). If you can book a different accommodation, a homestay is usually the least expensive option, and you will have the opportunity to converse with native speakers.<\/p><\/li><li><h4>Can I book just the course and look for my own accommodation as soon as I get there?<\/h4><p>Yes, but be careful. It is ALWAYS better to look for an accommodation once you have arrived at the destination vs. before you leave, if you don\u2019t book one that is offered by the school or by Marshall Language Services. If you do otherwise, you truly have no way of knowing what you are getting, particularly if it\u2019s something that an individual is offering on the internet. Once you are there, you will be able to see the accommodation, the neighborhood (and experience its proximity to the school) meet the owner and any other persons potentially sharing it. Before you agree to go there, make sure that you have a complete list of the costs involved in renting. Accommodation options booked by the school almost always have all costs included, except for a security deposit, but if you rent an accommodation on the open market, you may also have to pay for utilities and other fees. If your goal is to save money with respect to the cost of an accommodation offered by a school, make sure that in the end, it really is cheaper. Also take into consideration the travel costs\u2014will you be able to walk or cycle there, or will you need to pay for public transport, which in a city like London, for example, can be expensive. Lastly, if you do want to look for your own accommodation, don\u2019t count on being able to find something quickly. In some markets, it can actually take weeks or months. Our recommendation is to book a host family with the school for two weeks at the very least, so that you have time to get to know the destination a bit and look around at some properties. Your school and the host family can also advise you as to the characteristics of the areas of the cities and local renting practices. Very often in language schools, there are notice boards for students who are looking to share a place, or who will be giving up a room or accommodation very soon.<\/p><\/li><li><h4>Why do host families host take in students? Is it because they need money?<\/h4><p>NO! While the families do receive a reimbursement from the school for food and utilities, most families will tell you that hosting students is not actually profitable. Many do it because they are genuinely interested in the company of persons from other cultures in their homes. They may be persons or couples whose adult children have left the home and for that reason have extra time and space to host them, particularly if they are retired, or they may wish to expose their own children and family members to the foreign cultures of the persons staying with them. In the same way that students attending schools find it interesting to meet and interact with people from other countries, so do the hosts. They may also have other reasons. One very genteel lady with a beautiful home in Dublin told the director Rachel (Rachel always prefers to stay with host families when visiting schools, to learn about the place and culture from its residents) that one reason she liked hosting students was that \u201cI am forced to eat better. If I\u2019m by myself I might just have some crackers and cheese for dinner, but when I\u2019m hosting a student, I like to cook a proper meal.\u201d And the meals in that particular home were delicious! The reasons for hosting can also be a bit more interesting\u2014the owner of a school in China once said that with the country\u2019s new economy, hosting a foreign student has become a status symbol. A family in China who is financially better off with respect to the past, can now brag to friends about the \u201cnew house, the new car, and the foreign host student!\u201d<\/p><\/li><li><h4>Am I too old to stay in a host family?<\/h4><p>You are never too old to stay in a host family. A good school will have many profiles of families available, and when a student applies for a course at the school with host family accommodation, the accommodation officer will take the student\u2019s profile (age, country of origin, profession, hobbies and any special requests) into careful consideration when choosing a family. Older students are placed with hosts of similar ages, and students on professional courses can sometimes be placed with hosts who are or were involved in that same profession. As a result, it\u2019s not only a way to practice the language, but also to learn some terminology useful to one\u2019s profession or hobbies and even to learn something new about them.<\/p><\/li><li><h4>If I book accommodation in a host family, will I have a curfew, or will I be free to come and go as I please? <\/h4><p>Adults aged 18 and over will never have a curfew in a host family. They will be given a key to the house and may come and go as they please, but are of course expected to observe common rules of courtesy if returning late at night. If they do not want to come back for dinner, they will be expected to notify the host family of this fact. Students aged 16 or 17 who are participating in adult programs in a school may have a curfew that will be established by the school and\/or the student\u2019s parents. When a school places a student with a host family who is a minor, they will usually select a family who has experienced hosting students that age and who have more time to look after that student.<\/p><\/li><li><h4>What if I don\u2019t like the host family?<\/h4><p>Students are always invited to address any concerns about the family directly to the school\u2019s accommodation officer and to our agency if any problems are not resolved, and the school will discuss these concerns with the family. If a student is still not satisfied, or in the rare cases in which a family may be unsuitable for hosting a student, a good school will move the student immediately to another family. When a school evaluates a host family for suitability in hosting its students, a staff member will personally inspect the home and interview the family. It can sometimes happen, although fortunately not often, that what a family promises a school and what it actually offers a student is different, and in that case the school will move the student and stop using that family. However, for all of the schools we work with, many of their host families\u2019 work exclusively with that school and have been hosting their students for years, so the school knows them well.<\/p><\/li><li><h4>If I book just a room or a breakfast-only meal plan with a host family, may I use the family\u2019s kitchen to prepare my own meals?<\/h4><p>Where schools offer only host families with a room and half board, or if you only book bed and breakfast where this option is available, it is rarely possible to use the family\u2019s kitchen to prepare dinner. At the most, you may be allowed to prepare something that does not require cooking, or to heat up an already prepared meal. If the school offers a host family option that specifies a room with no meals or a self-catering option, then you can usually use the kitchen in the home, but keep in mind that you will probably not have much contact with the host for conversation. If you want to cook your own dinner vs. eating the dinner prepared by the host family only in order to save money, you probably won\u2019t save much in the end. By the time you have done your shopping, purchased all of the extra condiments and ingredients you need in addition to the main ingredient, you will probably have spent the same or more as for a dinner prepared by the host family. You will also need to take into consideration the time and hassle of grocery shopping, cooking and cleanup. If your time abroad is relatively short and the experience is also supposed to be a vacation for you, do you really want to bother with that every day?<\/p><p>For students who would like the opportunity to eat out twice a week or more often without losing money on meals that they paid for, many schools offer a 4-5 dinner plan, meaning that you can book a room with breakfast every day and dinner with the family only 4 or 5 times a week.<\/p><p>If your desire to cook your own meals comes as a result of horror stories you have heard about meals abroad, you won\u2019t have much to worry about. The quality of a host family, and therefore the quality of the meals it serves, is also monitored by the schools who offer it to its students. Low quality schools do not pay their host families much, and particularly in cities that are full of language schools who vie for the services of good host families, you cannot expect a good family if you don\u2019t choose a good school. We are very aware of this fact, and it is also for this reason that we choose only the very best schools for our clients.<\/p><p>However, if your desire to cook your own meals stems from any food allergies, intolerance or personal preferences like vegetarianism, you can let the accommodation officer know this when you book your home stay. Our application form will ask you for this information anyway. When you have expressed your preferences, the school can find a host family for you who can accommodate them.<\/p><\/li><li><h4>I\/my friend stayed with a host family in the past who was inattentive and\/or the house was dirty and\/or the house was crowded and\/or the meals were poor and\/or we slept in the living room and\/or and I had to be back at the house at a certain time. How can I be sure that these things won\u2019t happen again if I book accommodation in a host family?<\/h4><p>Marshall Language Services has been hearing this type of complaint since the very first days of setting up shop. The reason for all these unpleasantries is simple, frankly\u2014low quality schools use low quality host families. There are some destinations that are absolutely full of language schools, and especially in these markets, in which the schools are all vying for the services of the best host families, the host families can afford to be choosy. When a school doesn\u2019t pay a family as much as the better schools do, they don\u2019t offer high standards of service.<\/p><p>Unfortunately, for some clients, the one and only experience of staying with a host family has been during a trip taken with a school group. In this case, it is not surprising that the quality of the host family was low. Marshall Language Services regularly receives requests for bids on school groups. During the bidding process, it often becomes apparent that the group leader is looking for the absolute cheapest solution of school and accommodation, the lowest possible price per student. Group leaders usually do that so that they may have the group pay for their own expenses, some of which are legitimate, like the their travel expenses, and others which not, like including their own children on the trip, at the cost of the other participants. As a result, the price that each student pays in the end is not close to the real cost of the school package and it is not low, and a good chunk of what they\u2019ve spent has not gone to pay for the school and accommodation. As an agency, we never use schools for our clients that offer this low level of service. For group leaders who are requesting less than a certain standard of quality because they are not being willing to pay for it, Marshall Language Services would rather pass on the booking.\u00a0 Besides the fact that we believe that traveling on an individual basis for language learning is much more effective didactically, another benefit to doing so is that more of the cost of the trip goes toward the higher quality school and accommodation.<\/p><p>As for the question of having to be back at a certain time, students who are less than 18 years old often do have curfews while staying with host families, which for minors is acceptable. When students have stayed with host families while on school trips, they were in fact usually younger than 18.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<h3>WORKING WHILE ABROAD<\/h3><ul><li><h4> Will I be able to find a job while I\u2019m doing my course abroad?<\/h4><p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>This very much depends on the length of time that you will be abroad. If you will be staying in your destination for less than one month, it\u2019s simply not realistic, nor is it very probable for a stay of less than two months. When you first arrive, you will need to become settled in the school, the accommodation and the destination, which by itself (and assuming you aren\u2019t jet lagged) can by itself take one to two weeks. You will also need time to look around for a job, and when you find one, if you can\u2019t offer a time commitment of at least two months, that employer will most likely not find it worth his or her time to hire you and train you. He or she will also need to arrange for your working papers if he or she is going to hire you legally, which for citizens of the European Union, is possible. The same would also be true for a job for which you apply in Italy\u2014an employer does not want to waste time with someone who will not stay on the job. You will also need to make sure that your language level is sufficient for you to sustain an interview. If it isn\u2019t, you will need to spend more time in the school, on a course as intensive as possible, to get it up to speed. If your aim in looking for a job is to help pay for your course and lodging for just a few weeks, there are ways to lower the cost of the package in the first place. Please see our special section about that.<\/p><p>If instead you are planning to stay abroad for at least two months and your language level is fairly good when it\u2019s time to look for a job, it some places it may not be too difficult. Very often, language schools have notice boards that contain job openings, or students who are leaving certain positions will publish them on the notice board or make them known by word-of-mouth. All of the schools we work with have staff who are dedicated to the welfare of students, or sometimes just very helpful teachers who can help you put together your Curriculum Vitae in the local language and point you to job sources they may know about. Some schools also offer job clubs and workshops that help you do the same, or help you to prepare for a job interview in the local language. Once you find a job, it may be possible to shift your lesson schedule to another part of the day in order to accommodate your work hours. If you suspect that this may be the case before you leave, it is always better to book the less expensive scheduling option (usually the afternoon) and then upgrade to a more expensive option if necessary, when you know your schedule. You can always pay more for an expensive course but you will never be refunded the difference for a less expensive option. Some schools also offer part-time evening courses, but it may not be possible to stay in an accommodation booked by the school if you take only these courses.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7027,"href":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24\/revisions\/7027"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/marshallservices.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}