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.

The CINF Method

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.

2019 Teachers

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.”

2019 Success

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%.

Endorsements
“The skillset [CINF] gave us is precious. If our motherland had had many teachers like [CINF’s] we wouldn’t have worries anymore. The students will love their chosen professions and will come to classes with pleasure.”
Elina
CINF Student - 2019
“I had never read a book in English before and it was helpful and challenging for us at the same time. […] The classes were very productive because we were not just reading the books but discussing together each chapter. […] The discussion was very interesting and deep, not similar to the ones we had at our university during the class. I liked this approach to learning and studying a foreign language.”
Diana
CINF Student - 2019
“All of [these courses] were a great opportunity to improve our spoken English. […] [These courses] changed a lot in me, I have started to look at things differently, and if many people imagine that a wonderful summer is at the seaside or in parties, this time, for me, was wonderful and incomparable with the past summers.”
Anahit
CINF Student - 2019
“It is beyond doubt that the activity that CINF caries out in Artsakh brings only positive results to the life and development of Artsakh people. Taking in to consideration the enthusiasm of the teaching staff, their skillfulness, interactive methods of teaching used and the readiness of the audience to cooperate and learn allows us to state that these Courses will definitely contribute to the development and personal growth of the youth and the adults of Artsakh which in turn will allow the Artsakhtsi people to build a brighter and more prosperous future for their country.”
Mesrob Mashtots University