The American Language Center

                         

What are we?

The American Language Center is a public diplomacy program of the American Embassy specialized in English language teaching.  We conduct English classes for adults and secondary students.  We have seven (7) classrooms on site plus a bookstore and language lab. The Center serves approximately 400 paying students per quarter.

Where are we?

We are located at 62, Avenue Mogho Naba Wobgo (Ex-Avenue Bassawarga) in Ouagadougou, facing the "Chateau d'eau" of Kamsonghin.

What services do we offer?

We have a regular program of evening English classes as well as specially designed courses for private and/or corporate clients. We also provide translation services and testing of English proficiency. Books and cassettes for learning English are on sale in our bookstore "Bountiful Books". We are also experienced in the domain of English teacher training and conduct training workshops and seminars throughout Burkina Faso.

Regular Course Program

Each of the levels listed below consists of a 42-hour course during a 10-week session, except for levels 100 and 101, which are taught for 52 hours each. These courses are offered quarterly following a fixed schedule throughout the year.

Cycle 1; Beginners

• 100 English for total beginners
• 101 Beginner level 1
• 102 Beginner level 2
• 103 Beginner level 3

Cycle 2; Intermediate I

• 201 Intermediate I level 1
• 202 Intermediate I level 2
• 203 Intermediate I level 3

Cycle 3; Intermediate II

• 301 Intermediate II level 1
• 302 Intermediate II level 2
• 303 Intermediate II level 3

Cycle 4; Advanced

• 401 Advanced level 1
• 402 Advanced level 2
• 403 Advanced level 3

TOEFL Preparation

Three sessions of TOEFL preparation are scheduled throughout the academic year according to the dates fixed for the TOEFL exam in Burkina Faso.  Each student enrolled in TOEFL Preparation receives TOEFL preparation materials and four, 3-hour review sessions with a qualified teacher. English language skill areas and test format are reviewed.

Contract Class Program

Private courses can be programmed at any time at the Center or at the client’s place of work or home. These courses are specially designed to meet the needs of the individual clients or groups involved.  They are scheduled in 40-hour modules for individuals and 50-hour modules for groups. 

A partial list of special courses available:

• Medical English
• Business/Commercial English
• Agriculture/Development/ Environment English
• Technical Vocabulary
• Public Speaking
• Interview/Resumé Preparation
• Telephone English
• Banking English
• English for the Travel Industry
• Hotel/Restaurant English
• English for the Internet Age

Plus many more training packages are available and/or can be designed.
 
Vacation English Classes

Each July and August the Center offers 80-hour, intensive summer vacation classes for secondary school students.  In each intensive session, students receive 40 hours of classroom teaching including all English language skill areas, plus 40 hours of video, songs, games, and cultural activities.

Translations

The Center has an experienced and highly qualified staff available for translation (English – French; French – English) at competitive rates.  Documents accepted for translation by the Center are usually limited to those required for enrollment in American universities, i.e., grade reports, transcripts, diplomas, birth certificates, marriage licenses, bank statements and other financial documents, and certain legal documents.

Testing

The Center offers two possibilities for English proficiency testing:

• TELP (Test of English Language Proficiency)
• Michigan Test of English Proficiency.

When are we open?

Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 3:30 PM-6:30 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM-11:00 AM

How can you reach us?

American Language Center
American Embassy
Department of State
2440 Ouagadougou Place
Washington, D. C. 20521-2440

OR

American Language Center
01 B. P. 539 Ouagadougou 01
Burkina Faso
Telephone: (226) 50. 30. 63. 60
FAX: (226) 50. 31. 52. 73
E-mail: alcouaga@fasonet.bf