Geos Auckland Language Centre

The Auckland Language Centre, established in 1984, is one of the longest established private English Language Training Establishments in New Zealand. It is NZ Government accredited (NZQA) to teach English to overseas students. It is also a University of Cambridge Registered Teacher Training Centre. The courses, teachers, facilities and resources are re-accredited annually by Cambridge and by NZQA to ensure an on-going high standard of quality and excellence. In addition, ALC is one of the founding members of the Federation of Independent English Language Schools of New Zealand (FIELSNZ), an organisation dedicated to offering quality education and maintaining ethical standards of practice in the industry. Finally, ALC is a signatory to the Ministry of Education Code of Practice. All this ensures that the students receive a high standard of teaching, service and support while they are in New Zealand. The college is located in the centre of Auckland City, next to a park and a church. It is close to inner-city conveniences such as banks, shops, post office, bus stations, restaurants and cafes, while at the same time, located away from busy traffic noise.

Auckland is regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world. Your on-the-water experience in the City of Sails could be as thrilling as a race on board a grand prix racing yacht, or as laid-back as a ferry cruise to one of the dozen idyllic islands. Built on an isthmus of 48 volcanoes, Auckland\'s fertile valleys and islands are home to award-winning wineries. Family attractions abound and the city has plenty of adrenaline for adventure lovers. Indulge in Auckland\'s shopping, nightlife and unrivalled cuisine. Discover why Auckland is one of the best places in the world to live - and visit.

Teaching Methodology at ALC is skills-based. This means that we teach the 4 macro-skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Each macro skill can be divided into sub-skills; for example, Speaking is divided into pronunciation, rhythm and stress, conversation techniques, situational and functional language, etc. Grammar, structure and vocabulary development are taught across all the skills. The teaching approach at ALC is communicative. This means that during the lessons, students are constantly involved in actively using English to communicate with their classmates and teachers in meaningful situations. Focus is on practical usage. Students are given a textbook to work from and the teacher supplies additional material from other books, newspapers, magazines, radio and TV broadcasts, songs, etc.

Auckland Language Centre organises and inspects all our homestay families. In addition to that there are many backpackers and hostels throughout New Zealand. In Auckland city there is a wide range of choice, price and quality. The Youth Hostel Association of New Zealand has two facilities in the city, and there is a variety of other hostels and backpackers which offer budget accommodation for travellers. Students can choose and individual, shared room or dormitory. Bathroom and kitchen facilities are communal. Prices range from NZ$90 to NZ$220 per week, depending on the location and quality.

When class is finished, there is plenty of time for fun. Auckland Language Centre organises a program of sports, excursions, sightseeing and activities for its students. There is something different each weekend. All activities are organised and coordinated by our Activities Coordinator; an afternoon at the rugby, a sail on the harbour, horseback riding in the rainforest, a weekend trip up north to the Bay of Islands, or a skiing trip down south to Mt Ruapehu, one of NZ many volcanoes, there is always something exciting to do at a very reasonable price. (ALC gets good discounts and group rates.