One-to-One
. . . just you
from £850/per person/week off-peak including own ensuite room
One-to-one lessons for the single learner or solo traveller. Also known as a “crash course” this is the most intensive course you could do as it's just you and your teacher, so no falling back on fellow students. Tailored to your needs, the aim is to iron out your weaknesses and to give you the confidence to use English as your second language. Embarking on a language course that immerses you in the culture and daily life of a country where the target language is spoken can be a transformative experience. Living in the country not only enhances your linguistic skills but also deepens your understanding of the local customs, traditions, and social dynamics.
Two-to-One
. . . you & a friend
Only at Beachside in St Ives!
£1,200/week off-peak sharing the room and its ensuite bathroom
or £850/per person/week with each individual having own ensuite room
With two dedicated learners, we create a mini immersive and individualised language course. Personalised attention from your teacher, coupled with interactive conversations and practical activities, creates a most effective environment to accelerate language learning. Each learner benefits from pair work, practising speaking as they engage in friendly debates whilst honing their listening abilities as they tune into each other's arguments. Together, we explore rich vocabulary through storytelling exercises within a dynamic environment where both can flourish and master the intricacies of the language in next to no time.
Micro Group
. . . up to 6 friends
from £850/pp/week off-peak
includes ensuite rooms
only at Beachside in St Ives !
With a very small group of dedicated learners, we create a vibrant interactive classroom environment. With fewer participants, each student has more chances to express themselves, receive immediate feedback, and build their confidence in using the language. This intimate environment fosters meaningful interactions, allowing learners to practice conversational skills in a supportive atmosphere. Furthermore, teachers can tailor their lessons to suit the specific needs and interests of a smaller group, ensuring that all voices are heard. This dynamic not only enhances language acquisition but also encourages camaraderie among learners, resulting in a memorable language learning and holiday experience at the same time! Important note: Must be booked as a group by you!!
Learning by doing
. . . get arty
Learning by doing is an engaging approach, especially when it comes to incorporating arts and crafts into a language course. By exploring fun activities like creating collages or crafting handmade cards, students can immerse themselves in the language while expressing their creativity. Each task serves as a platform for vocabulary expansion, as learners describe their artistic choices and techniques in a foreign language.
For instance, making a scrapbook can encourage discussions about personal experiences and favourite memories, allowing learners to practice storytelling in a relaxed setting. These hands-on activities not only enhance language skills but also foster a sense of community among participants, as they share ideas and support one another in their creative endeavours. Ultimately, the combination of learning and crafting makes for an enjoyable and effective educational experience.
TESTIMONIALS
Don't just take my word for it, see what past clients had to say:
Language COURSES
"I am back in the office and already miss the magical St. Ives and Norfolk beaches, but not the seagulls!!! Lovely experience! Having fun while studying and seeing fantastic places! The course was adapted to my needs. Martina was friendly and patient and helped me with my English, and with the organising my trip, incl. finding accommodation."
Filippo Z., Cremona, Italy, first client in 2013
"Dear Martina, thanks a lot for my wonderful holidays which have become so much more than WALK & TALK! I really enjoyed my time with shells and gentle sea breezes, all the cheerful, splendid moments and - last but not least - our English lessons. You have been a brilliant teacher every day! Best wishes for you and a big hug from me."
G., Berlin, Speechwriter for the German President
"I spent 3 weeks learning English with Martina in St. Ives - a great place, great surf, and a fantastic teacher who really makes you feel at home! It's so beautiful there and Martina takes you to all the best places and you meet loads of nice people too. Loved it and shall never forget it!"
Ruta D., Cologne
"Martina, with her relaxed style in a comfortable 'teaching-from-home environment', put my son Nik in the best possible position to learn the English language. And, it has to be said, this was no easy feat: an individual course of three hours per day for a 12-year-old boy!!! By being available and flexible [working around Nik's surf lessons], Martina organised Nik's lessons optimally. Nik and I felt very much at home and the learning outcome was excellent; now that the new school year has started I can see and appreciate the difference the course has made."
Fiorella and Nik, Rome
"Dear Martina, thank you very much for having us at your home - we had such a nice time. See you soon!
Kathrin & Philippe and the children
"Hi, you beautiful butterfly, thank you so much for the great lessons, beautiful trips, taking me to the Minnack Theatre and the wonderful performance there, I shall never forget this. xxx"
Claudia, Munich, 2017
Language SERVICES
“Martina was an invaluable help in the editing of my text for the book 'Gyre'. Supportive and easy to work with.”
Gyre: The Plastic Ocean
An environmental campaign by artists and scientists on plastic gyres filling the world's oceans. Published by Booth-Clibborn Editions (Hardback, 2014)
Andy Hughes, Photographer and Waste Campaigner
"Martina has edited work for me on a number of occasions and soon I hope to work with her on developing some promotional copy that will be used for translation. She is professional, delivers on time and is fun and intelligent to work with."
Dominica Williamson, Indep. Geo Mapping Consultant
“I opened my JAN JANSEN designer shoe shop in August 2003, already half-way through the summer season in St. Ives. Martina kindly took the initiative and organised the press launch. She managed to tell my rather unconventional ‘business start-up’ story in such a captivating way, that it appeared in seven papers locally. We even got a full page feature in the Woman supplement of the Western Morning News and I was interviewed by two local radio stations. We have now entrusted Miss Heintke with the writing of our website content.”
Annie Jackson, Formerly Jan Jansen, Fish Street, St. Ives
“After 12 years in business of making handcrafted mirrors, I realised I had t let my outlets have some background info on the craftsperson to satisfy customers’ curiosity. But I just couldn’t find enough to say about myself or even the making process. I think it took Martina Heintke about an hour to come up with an angle. A couple of days later I had a full two-page story that is a joy to read and greatly enhances customer satisfaction at the point of sale. Marks 10 out of 10!”
Emma Edelston, Maker
“In 2004 the Leach Pottery Restauration Project was set up in order to safeguard the Leach Pottery as a site of historical importance. The project greatly benefited from the publicity generated by Martina Heintke’s press releases, which accompanied the Leach Appeal Fundraising Exhibition held by St Ives Ceramics. It kick-started the whole public awareness campaign and was a great success.”
Lady Carol Holland, formerly Chairman Leach Pottery Restoration Project