Welcome to the blog of our English Course in Maredsous.
Sunday: day 1
Sunday it's the first day of our English Course in Maredsous. We're looking forward to meeting all of our students and to spending an excellent week together! Believe us, it’ll be an incredible adventure. With one clear rule: we talk English always and everywhere!
Are you ready for the start of your week with Ruysschaert? You'll find all the practical information about the English Course via the personal link you've received by email. Just to make sure:
- We expect pupils to arrive between 10h15 and 11h30. On arrival you'll receive the first practical information. Then you can take your luggage to your room and make yourself at home. If you still have time, feel free to get to know the other participants.
- At noon the director warmly welcomes everybody, parents and pupils, to the opening session, explains the arrangements and calls out the pupils’ names so that they can join their class.
- Then comes the official start of the course.
- We start with the midday meal followed by the tests and the first lesson.
See you soon!
PS: Are you curious to see how it all plans out on our language course? We post photos and videos on our Facebook & Instagrampage and our blog every day so that we can keep you up-to-date with our activities. We’ll post the first pictures from tomorrow! Follow us @ruysschaertlanguageacademy!
Monday: day 2
Our students -and their parents of course-, because most don't know how to drive yet- arrived yesterday. The sun was out and the promise of a nice day put everyone in a good mood. They brought their luggage, their tennis rackets, dictionaries and received a warm welcome and a complimentary tote bag in return. After a speech in which the guidelines for this week were explained, the students were raring to go to class to get started. After a nice, nourishing lunch of course. We need a healthy mind in a healthy body! They took a tour of the institute, had their first lessons and in the evening many had signed up to watch the European Championship finals.
- Curious about today's programme? Download here “The Daily Ruysschaert”
- And take a quick look at yesterday's photos
Tuesday: day 3
Yesterday we had our first full day of lessons! Some students found new untapped strength, some students started coming out of their shell and some showed the teachers that they had been secretly harbouring unexpected potential. Some last minute changes to the groups were made in order to be able to fully exploit these in their most ideal environments. After a hard day's work, it was time to relax and play our Amazing Word Games. In a true clash of the titans style of competition these competitors gave it their all and were rewarded with fun and intellectual stimulation. What more can one ask for?
- Curious about today's programme? Download here “The Daily Ruysschaert”
- And take a quick look at yesterday's photos
Wednesday: day 4
What great fun! The volleyball competitions were in full swing, and so were the arms of the ping pong players. The many raised arms in class reflected the enthusiasm of the students as they tried to grasp the essence of the lesson material. The Cambridge module entered its second day with the listening part, including tips, tricks and of course an actual Cambridge test to accurately assess their current abilities. In the evening we had the Greatest Artist Game and believe it or not, an actual Lady Liberty walked into my office, fully dressed and with her accoutrements, as if she had just stepped down from her platform in the US!
- Curious about today's programme? Download here “The Daily Ruysschaert”
- And take a quick look at yesterday's photos
Thursday: day 5
Today was group picture day! The students only needed a minimal amount of prompting to display their biggest Colgate smile -or a house brand one-, both are equally fine. The formal picture was quickly over with but when it was time to show their funniest moves, they couldn't decide whether to go with creative gestures or contortionist-like body positions. In the afternoon more lessons of grammar followed, with a particular focus on modal verbs, until they were finally free to entertain themselves during our free activity night. We had of course organised several competitions of which they could partake, but most simply wanted to chill on their espadrilles (what a peculiar fashion item that is). Tomorrow is another day!
- Curious about today's programme? Download here “The Daily Ruysschaert”
- And take a quick look at yesterday's photos
Friday: day 6
Unfortunately, there were some students who struggled with the demands of our wonderful course, but after a stern yet motivational conversation all noses were yet again pointed in the same direction. That direction led us straight to the talent show. And what a show it was. Under the guidance of two excellent presenters, the students found themselves dazzled by the glitter and the glamour, entranced by enticing piano play, feeling fascinated by football tricks and a fantastic flutist and absolutely gobsmacked by great guitarists. Our final day is at hand and then I think many a tear will be shed :)
- Curious about today's programme? Download here “The Daily Ruysschaert”
- And take a quick look at yesterday's photos
Today it is already the last day of our last English course this season. The language adventure has flown by so fast! We have laughed, played and learnt a lot. And all in a foreign language. We will gladly share all those beautiful moments in this way with our closing video.
Our sincere thanks to everyone for this fabulous week at Ruysschaert. You were fabulous!
See you this autumn?
