Summer Language Program
Since 2017, CINF has organized English language courses in Stepanakert, Artsakh. The program is typically run in the summer months, from June to August, and was designed specifically to help the Artsakhtsi develop the communication skills they need to connect with the wider world. In 2019, CINF added Italian to its course offerings, in preparation for courses taught by Italain master-craftsmen as part of CINF’s Vocational Program.
Unique to CINF is our teaching method. Our teachers are specially trained to identify both the needs of a class as a whole as well as the individual needs of each student. Students are not simply given the answers, but given the tools to understand and come to the answers themselves. Courses are interactive and relaxed. Students are encouraged to be themselves and learn from each other by working together. Our teachers are ready to work with students in every capacity to see them succeed, both in and outside the classroom. Courses are not simply to teach a certain subject, but to challenge students to grow all around. It is also our aim that students develop virtuously, ready to lead their communities with responsibility, confidence, and tenacity.
Avery Kaczka
“The connections that are provided through CINF’s teaching initiative are invaluable to the Artsakhtsi, as foreign teachers provide the Artsakhtsi with a view of what the world outside Artsakh is really like.”
Pavel Terteryan
“I learned how to communicate with teens, kids, and adults; I understood what they needed and what’s interesting to them, and I tried to give them the material they really wanted.”
Arshaluys Vanyan
“When I am working with the kids, it’s not just to teach them English, but to not to be afraid, to be willing to learn.”
In 2018, CINF worked with 180 students. In 2019, CINF taught 320.
In total, 471 Artsakhtsi registered to take CINF’s 2019 summer courses.
At the beginning of the 2019 summer, we were prepared to open 18 courses for children, high school students, university students, and adults. Courses began on June 3rd. By the end of June, student demand forced us to open 12 additional sections in the following months of July and August.
CINF teachers worked tirelessly with students, in and outside of the classroom. In addition to courses, our teachers organized 9 Field Days, 3 Movie Nights, and a 4th of July Party. Events served to bring Artsakhtsi students together, let them practice their English language skills, and build new friendships.
In 2018, CINF graduated 41 students from its summer program. In 2019, we graduated 207. Compared to 2018, graduates have increased by more than 400%.