Student Observations

The hallmark Rassias Program is the ten-day immersion; to meet workplace requirements, we also offer two five-day immersions, short refresher courses and occasional three-day immersions. Although classes are intensive, they are also playful, theatrical, and stimulating.

A typical daily schedule is:

"The Rassias Experience"

Participants recognize a pattern each year, a phenomenon that might be called the "Rassias Experience." Below are comments that have been recorded from participants during each day of the program. Although each participant's experience varies, the typical cycle looks something like this:

Day One:
Euphoria mixed with mild confusion about the schedule, living accommodations, the Rassias Method, etc. A slight concern over whether the program was the right choice.

"This is going to be fabulous!"
"I can't believe that I actually understand my Master Teacher when she speaks to me in Greek."
"My Assistant Teacher has so much energy!"
"I hope I am really good enough to make it through this program."
"Am I the only one who has no idea what is going on?"

Day Two:
Genuine excitement, some fear about keeping up, slight annoyance about the "no native language" rule.

"Wow, we are really blasting through material!"
"I don't' know when my brain cells have gotten such a work out."
"Does the rest of my group think I'm stupid?"
"It's unbelievable that I can actually say a few words on the second day."
"What should I say at dinner other than, 'This is a fork?"

Day Three:
Sense of accomplishment coupled with a growing concern of just how intense the program really is.

"I have never really understood the past tense before but it just keeps popping into my head. I think I've got it now!"
"I'm really getting the drill routine even though half of the time if feels like I am saying words without really understanding them."
"I wish I had more time to review what we did today and prepare for tomorrow."

Day Four and Five:
Rising sense of panic that the pace is not going to let up and finding classmates to help you get through the intense situation.

"Am I the only one who is feeling totally overwhelmed here?"
"Maybe I should just throw in the towel and speak in my native language. Who will know?"
"Let's go to tutoring together tonight and hope that we understand the subjunctive after tutoring."

Day Six and Seven:
The two toughest days of the program; no weekend break, sense of being overwhelmed because the schedule doesn't relax intense desire to speak in your native language.

"There must be some other way to learn a language."
"If I could just have a few days off to digest what we have covered, I would be fine."
"These instructors have to be crazy to expect enthusiasm at this point."

Day Eight:
"Over the hump" sense of bonding with your instructor and your group. A realization that the hard work is paying off.

"I don't think I have ever worked this hard or laughed this much."
"I wish we were all going to Italy for a week after this to speak more Italian!"
"I can actually have a dinner conversation and understand what the Assistant
Teachers are saying to each other."

Day Nine and Ten:
Return to euphoria; the thrill of speaking the language, the excitement of having completed the course, and a huge sense of accomplishment.

"I love the beautiful people who have gotten me through this program!"
"I can't believe I have actually done this…my wife will be so impressed!"
"It is unbelievably exciting to be speaking this language after waiting for so long."
"I could never have made this much progress if I allowed myself to speak English."

Contact us today about learning French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Japanese, Italian, Arabic or other language with Rassias Language Immersion.