I don't want this turning into a rag-fest, so I'll try to keep things concise…read more
Note: Ss=students
Cons:
Slow internet service and an older version of Windows no longer supported by Microsoft. Apropos internet: two separate connections, one for the Ss (WiFi) and one for the computer lab would be best.
Ss' initial assessment with respect to gauging class level is faulty thus leading to, for ex., a C1er being placed in a B1.2 class and B1.1er being placed in a A1 class--the whole thing smacked of filling class rosters first, then sorting out which Ss needed to be moved to other classes second. In some cases this meant Ss losing 2 or 3 days of instruction due to incorrect initial placement.
The library staff was friendly and helpful, but of different minds when approaching Ss' behavior which caused continual, confusing situations. Depending upon who was manning the help desk, one could expect to be told varying things regarding use of the copy machine. Among them were: one is allowed to make five copies only; one is allowed to make copies, but 'not fifty pages' worth'. This meant that some Ss copied massive amounts of text book data and some Ss were rather limited in their copying adventures, much to their chagrin. Maybe simply posting a note at the copy machine regarding appropriate usage would make things a bit clearer?
The first day of instruction saw the woman who runs concessions, sans 'inside voice', railing against whomever may have taken her second dish trolley. Nothing says, 'Welcome!' like a foul-tempered employee. Pro-tip: just because we're language learners does not mean that we can't understand what you're going on about. BTW: she was a sour-puss the entire month I attended. The market directly next door, Alnatura, offers healthy fare served with a non-crap attitude, so I took to going there for lunch.
Some folk whom I spoke with were displeased with their instruction. Specifically, their instructor seemed to focus an inordinate amount of time on Iran as subject matter. Nothing against Iran, they'd said, but they'd come to Germany, and, specifically, the Goethe Institut to learn about Germany and refine their language skills.
Pros:
An array of excursions offered around town and beyond.
School centrally located.
Knowledgeable teaching staff.
Text books used are contemporary and engaging.
Some folk whom I spoke with were very pleased with their instruction.
My personal opinion re: classroom experience would be gladly shared through a PM, so shoot me a mail, if you're inclined on hearing it.