Sprachschulen in den USA :: Interview mit Linda Walsh
Linda Walsh ist Schulleiterin der Sprachschule in Boston, USA. Im Interview erzählt sie von ihren Aufgaben und natürlich erfahren Sie auch wieso gerade Boston eine tolle Alternative zu New York oder Los Angeles ist.
?What is your position at the school, and could you give some facts about your professional background?
I am the Embassy Manager for New England. We have two great Embassy schools—one in downtown Boston and one on the campus of Merrimack College in North Andover. At both schools we have a fantastic staff, and amazing students. I have an undergraduate and graduate degree in education. I have worked in education being a teacher and an administrator in various settings including Mainz, Germany, South Korea, Hawaii, Kansas and Massachusetts. I must say that I think that Mainz is a very special city. I was fortunate to have had the experience to learn and explore many parts Germany for the four years that I was living there.
?Can you name some facts and highlights of the school?
Embassy CES Boston is located in the heart of downtown Boston, steps away from the Park Street T stop. Every classroom is equipped with interactive white board technology. The students find that they learn English more effectively because of the interactive white boards. Everyone gives us such positive feedback on the interactive white boards! I’m very pleased about that. The school has a media center with 30 computers for student use, and wireless internet throughout the building.
?What are the MUST see sights in Boston?
There are so many must see sights in Boston this is difficult to answer. A few that I love are: Fenway Park (the home of the Red Sox), the Freedom Trail, the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Fine Arts, Quincy Market, the Museum of Science and the Boston Harbor Islands. We’re fortunate in Boston to be able to enjoy the beach and the mountains. There are also great universities to visit such as Harvard and MIT. Boston is noted for lots of festivals and free concerts. Students can have a lot of fun in Boston without spending a lot.
?What are your personal recommendations about special places in the city?
I enjoy spending time in the Boston Public Gardens in the summer months—it’s so beautiful with all the flowers, and the Swan Boats are a landmark. I also enjoy eating in the North End and other local neighbourhoods in Boston. The Boston Symphony Orchestra is one of the best symphonies in the world. I also love the historic theatre district, and thoroughly enjoy experiencing a great show in any of the beautiful theaters. There are so many fantastic things to do in the city! Boston is a great place for history, culture, sports and also a great place for shopping.
?Why might Boston be especially attractive to European students?
Boston might be especially attractive to European students because the city is so charming and so easy to explore. Boston is known as America’s Walking City. It’s so easy to walk from the Faneuil Hall to Beacon Hill to Back Bay and to the waterfront. Boston is rich in culture and history. Boston is also a city that makes you feel academic. There are so many universities, colleges, bookstores and coffee shops. Also, European students appreciate the delicious food that Boston has to offer!
?Who studies at your school? Any typical students?
The typical student varies. We have a nice mix of professionals and university graduates from all over the world all year round. We also have an additional program for younger students in the summer.
?What like the students most about the school/atmosphere ?
The students love the technology and the location. They feel very comfortable because of the family atmosphere of the school, and our friendly staff. We also have interesting and fun activities for the students to join such as parties, boat trips, excursions to different cities, concerts, sporting events and shopping – plus much more!
