Elpida Language Academy: frequently asked questions
Practical information
What is the Language Academy?
A comprehensive system of language education at the Elpida Centre, which includes motivational lectures and individual support in selecting appropriate learning methods. The Language Academy credits the 15 years of experience we have at Elpida in teaching older adults and seniors.
What is the content of the Language Academy?
- Regular year-round language courses for all levels from beginner to advanced.
- Languages taught: English, German, Spanish, Italian, French.
- English and German conversation.
- Language corner for all students across languages - it is a lectureIt takes place regularly once a month.
- One-to-one language counselling with professional mentor Lucie Gramelová, who deals withwith clients to tailor individual study plans and learning methods to suit them.
- The student receives a certificate of graduation from the language academy.
When can I start?
We divide the school year into winter and summer semesters:
- The summer semester starts in February and runs until the end of June.
- The winter semester starts in September and runs until the end of January.
However, you can start studying languages with us at almost any time - just get in touch and we'll work out a suitable way for you to join a group.
How often do the courses take place?
Courses are year-round, divided into two semesters. They take place once a week and last 90 minutes.
How much do the courses cost?
Classes are paid for as a package of 5 or 10 lessons, or at a discounted price for the September-January and February-June semesters. The price for the whole semester is £1,999.
We offer two types of course fees:
1. Non-transferable lessons - must be taken on the dates for which the lessons are purchased, are cheaper and are only purchased on consecutive dates.
2. Transferable lessons - you can take them at any time, they are not forfeited if you are absent, they are more expensive and suitable when you cannot attend regularly.
Where do the courses take place?
Courses can be attended in our two branches in Pankrác (Na Strži 40, Prague 4) and in Holešovice (Přístav 7, Jankovcova 8b, Prague 7).
How can I apply?
You can register for a course by phone at 272 701 335 (courses in Na Strži) and 222 264 846 (courses in Přístav 7) or in person at the reception of both branches or on the website. If you have not attended a language course before, you are entitled to a free sample lesson. With our specialist at the reception, you can choose the appropriate level, find out the dates and other necessary information.
How do I know my level?
We talk to each candidate and make an approximate estimate of your level based on the conversation. However, the exact placement will only take place after you have completed a sample lesson during an individual interview with the tutor. The tutor will then approve or adjust the chosen level. We make sure that the groups are balanced - for example, we do not mix real beginners with so-called false beginners.
Why learn languages with Elpida?
Why Elpida Centre?
We have a wealth of experience and tradition since 2003. All year round, 600 senior students study languages with us every year. We have professional teachers who understand seniors and whom we further train in their field.
What does language teaching at the Elpida Centre look like?
Our methods are senior-friendly. The lecturer speaks slowly, clearly and loudly. We teach in groups of up to 10 students. The pace of the lessons is always adapted to the possibilities of the group. We won't bore you with endless and boring grammar exercises. We devote the greater part of each lesson to conversation. We do not take notes or tests. We do a lot of repetition.
What will I get out of my visit to the Elpida Centre?
As well as knowledge and quality time, you get to be in the company of your peers. Our students form friendships with each other and the language groups usually continue in later years, creating a good group of classmates.
What will I gain from the language course?
In our courses you will actually learn to use the language in everyday situations. For advanced learners we offer conversation classes. With a foreign language, you can get to know foreign countries better or read foreign internet. In a global world, basic English is almost a must. Learning a language is also the best memory training and prevention against dementia.
Senior-friendly teaching
What is senior-friendly teaching?
The teaching spaces at Elpida are well designed acoustically and, for example, the blackboard is close so that students can see it clearly. The lecturer speaks slowly, clearly and loudly. The font is large, easy to read and contrasts well with the background. We explain the material cognitively: not only because seniors are used to older teaching methods, but also because they work and think more cognitively and analytically than children. Grammar must therefore be spent schematically and systematically, explaining its rules and regularities. Individual experience and learning habits should always be taken into account. Internal differentiation of the group is very important. In the acquisition of pronunciation, the fact that children learn intuitively, by mere imitation, plays an undoubted role, whereas inadults, it is usually not possible without correcting and often explicitly explaining how to articulate.
What do seniors actually face and why is there a need for a specific approach to seniors that ordinary language schools do not offer?
Hearing impairment is a big problem. But it's important to know that it mainly concerns high pitched tones. The ability to understand is also rapidly reduced when there are distracting background noises or when speech overlaps, as well as in acoustically poorly designed rooms with a lot of echo. Among the sensory changes, it is worth noting the visual impairment, which, although it can largely be addressed by optics, is not the case in the absence of light, where visibility deteriorates rapidly. Another problem is the slowing down of reaction processes, which slow down especially in more complex tasks or when people are under pressure. Typing is also slower. Age also has a significant impact on memory, with the most significant deterioration in immediate and short-term memory, while long-term memory is often unaffected. Another factor is certain learning habits, if someone has been used to learning for the whole life by the grammar-translation method, we cannot expect them to immediately and enthusiastically adopt modern methods, which are quite different.
Elpida means hope in Greek. But it is also the name of an organization that helps seniors become a confident and respected part of society. In the spirit of the Old's Cool motto, Elpida is changing the way people look at old age - it runs the Elpida Educational and Cultural Centre for seniors fromPrague and the Senior Crisis Line, founded the brand Socks from Grandma, publishes the magazine VITAL, and organises the intergenerational Old's Cool festival. In short, she is trying to make Czech seniors lead a full & happy life.