My experience in FLS

English Language School

Photos: FLS, Yoselyn Molina

I found the program through an ad on Facebook.

I was very interested in the fact that, in order to carry out the exchange, I did not need to know the language, since the idea was to go and learn it on a day-to-day basis. As I was saying in a previous post, it was the first time I left my country alone and, although it was a great challenge in my life, I must say that I have learned a lot.

Why California? FLS has a presence in other US states. The recommendation I received was FLS - Citrus Collage for having a greater variety of activities.

THE ARRIVAL

The first day at FLS is always entertaining.

After the test you take to find out what grade you belong to (FLS has 18 levels of English), the program includes a citywide walk for new students. Thus, we became familiar with our new home from day one.

The first thing I ate in the United States was an IN-N-OUT BURGER burger, courtesy of FLS.

Then we walked through a mall where we had the opportunity to buy things that we had not taken into account to take the trip.

Back in the institute we received our schedules and the test results to know at what level we would begin. In my case, it was level 9 plus two electives, according to my intensive program.

ABOUT THE ELECTIVES

We had the option of choosing writing, grammar, listening, TOEFL preparation, speaking or American culture. There were more subjects that we could access depending on the module that we were defeating.

My recommendation for those people who opt for long programs (6 months or a year) is to take it slow. Start with basic English courses and an elective one to continue with intensive English then, otherwise, one spends almost all the day in the institute and that can get to be very tiring.

For the elective ones, I recommend that they choose the ones that are dictated by different teachers, that way they will be able to know them and their different ways of teaching.

ACTIVITIES

The most entertaining part.

FLS plans the activities monthly. Many of them require an additional payment but there are options that have no cost.

My recommendation is that you investigate previously, according to the place you chose, if there are places where tickets are paid, transportation, etc. For example, Universal Studios attracted my attention, so with a friend we decided to buy the annual pass. The benefit was that we could enter more than once. Other of the most visited parks, and that have annual passes, are Disney and Six Flags.

Another recommendation is that you do not miss the free activities. Although, most of them are in the institute, they become very fun. Pizza night, Ice cream night, Movie night, Candy Buffet among others, help to socialize and practice the language.

GRADUATION

To close the module, an event is organized in which the proper delivery of certificates is made.

My recommendation is that you go without having eaten much, since the institute really knows how to celebrate its graduates. In my first graduation, the tables were full of pizzas, sodas, cookies and snacks.

This is a very special day, because what for some is the conclusion of one more module, for many others it may be the last day in the institute.

OTHER FLS PROGRAMS

During my stay, I learned, thanks to my roommates, more programs that can be applied in the United States. For example, most of them also participated in the "Discovery California" program, which lasts two weeks. In addition to learning English, they perform daily activities for two weeks, something that I found very entertaining.

Some other programs that may interest you, and to which you can apply directly from their official website, are:

- English Language Program

- Family program

- Discover California

- Explore California Junior

- Surf Camp in California

- Computer Camp

- Modeling Camp

- Discover New York

- Discover Boston

- Basketball Camp

- Photographic camp

- Visit to the Universities

- TOEFL or SAT, Preparation camp

- Boston Getaway

- Escape to Los Angeles

- Tour over 50 years

If you have in mind to take a trip, I recommend one of these programs because, in addition to knowing the destination country, you learn your language in a very fun way!