Comments from TREFF PUNKT students about their German course experience

Tom from Scotland attended a group and 1-to-1 training at Language School TREFFPUNKT for two weeks in Autumn 2005.

Here is his comment...

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-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: xxxx
Gesendet: Freitag, 4. November 2005 21:27
An: info@learn-german.com
Betreff: Course feedback

Alexandra

I thought I'd send you my thoughts in more detail than is possible your evaluation form.

First - for me personally - I feel I made significant progress in all the areas I wanted: improving my understanding of what I hear; learning the basics of speaking German; and learning the beginnings of business German. As an unexpected bonus I did also some some study with Carola of the texts of some Schubert Lieder, which as you know is a real passion of mine (this was very enjoyable). Carola did a super job in the afternoons in balancing these things (a great choice of teacher for me - thank you!).

My only small criticism - and it's a very minor one when compared to all the good things - is that the Themen 1 book used in class is a perhaps a little limited in setting out formally the grammar, while copied sheets from teachers don't have the permanence I would like. I'd prefer to be using a grammar book, with tables to learn and worked examples, like the one I used to have at school for Latin. If you can suggest one, that would be much appreciated.

Second - my overall impressions of the school: I came expecting to attend a class, but instead I found I had joined a community. This is remarkable because of the amount of work that must be required in sustaining a real sense of community with an ever-changing group of people. It is, I think, a personal achievement of yours and one of the special qualities of the school. Beyond this, Bamberg is the perfect place to engage the students in German culture, putting the language in context, and you make great use of the location. The school is well organised, and the teachers I worked with make a real effort to meet everyone's needs regardless of students' level or background. I've been very impressed overall and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the school to anyone.

Finally, a few words of thanks: in addition to the language learning, it's no exaggeration to say my two weeks in Bamberg have been a memorable life experience, altogether exceeding my expectations. Thank you for creating and sustaining an environment where this is possible. I've met some great people (not all connected with the school: among other things, I think I found from the University - or should that be the Blues Bar? - a collaborator for my next book) and had some fun too. Because of work commitments including 3-5 hours every day doing calls and emails, I perhaps didn't get the chance to be as focused on learning as I would have liked - I didn't plan for 2-3 hours homework in addition to the classes - but next time, I hope in February, I'll know what to expect and will make plans accordingly.

In the meantime, once again my thanks for everything. See you again in the New Year.

Best regards,

Tom