Students and Teachers of the Institute of Foreign Language of PetrSU Received Certificates of Spanish University
The Institute of Foreign Languages held a ceremony of awarding certificates of proficiency in the Spanish language of the Technical University of Cartagena.
A year ago, PetrSU signed an agreement with the Spanish Language and Cultural Foundation of Cartagena (FUNCARELE) with a goal to establish official relations, as well as to initiate joint educational events within courses at PetrSU and Spanish language courses offered by FUNCARELE.
Throughout the previous academic year, the IFL continued the international educational project of cooperation in studying the Spanish language. Students and teachers took elective online classes. This program was designed for students and teachers of the Institute of Foreign Languages. The course is taught by Spanish teachers.
The head of the project on the Russian side, the Deputy Director of the IFL, senior teacher Olga Veselovskaya claims that for the students this course was an excellent example of new, unfamiliar organization of work with a foreign language, as they gained experience both as students and future teachers. Of course, at first it was challenging to experience the 100% immersion in the Spanish language environment, still this intense practice of all types of speech activities, especially listening, was fruitful: the IFL students start to communicate in the Spanish language with international PetrSU students from the Latin America.
Zlata Kistochkina, the 3rd year student:
“The teacher was always in a good mood and regularly prepared engaging material. Thanks to this, we have learned plenty new and useful information and broadened our horizons. My favorite part was the speaking practice since discussing different topics in a foreign language is exciting.”
Taisiya Khobotova, the 3rd year student:
“I really enjoyed the classes in which we asked each other questions among all group members. I think that this type of activity motivates us the best as it compels us to engage in discussion. And we do not just answer the questions but learn how to ask them as well. We learn something new about our peers, as well as teachers and it is exciting too.”
Over 8 months of Skype classes, the participants have reached the A1 level. Spanish partners note that the IFL groups have successfully completed the course and showed motivation and interest. PetrSU groups were called unique and determined and by the results of the final test, two groups showed the best results in the A1 level of proficiency in the Spanish language. The participants of the project confidently discuss general topics, pay attention to vocabulary and grammar, engage in discussions with teachers, and show interest in Spanish culture.
