I have taken some courses, so I can read. But I don't feel confident when I have to speak. Why?

Communicating is not the same as speaking fluently and understanding well.
In regular communicative courses, inefficient usage of the target language often goes unnoticed as students have to cope with: a) study of grammar and b) misleading simulated conversations in which all kinds of communicative tricks are usually encouraged: signs, incomplete statements, bad pronunciation, errors, etc. The goal seems to be to achieve communication, regardless of the means employed.
For some time, these students may get the feeling that they are on the right  track because they can communicate. Sooner or later, however, they realize that the communicative schemes which are championed in these courses won't lead them to a superior level of language proficiency, no matter how hard they try.
Fluent speech and good comprehension are the result of consistent application of specific techniques, other than those used in traditional communicative courses.
 

Why is it so difficult for me to understand when native speakers talk?

Students who get used to speaking too slowly develop the habit of articulating one word at a time, clearly detaching each sound from the next. However, when native speakers talk, sounds become blurred. When this happens, even easy words are sometimes difficult to understand for students who have developed slow communication habits .
Through innovative techniques (Dynamic Phonetics, Sharp ‘n Smart, Automatizaton) exclusive to ATPAL, participants learn to speak the way native speakers do. Their level of comprehension also improves rapidly.
 

What is the difference between ATPAL and traditional 'communicative' methods?

Through ATPAL techniques, fluent speech and superior comprehension are the true measure of success.
In 'communicative' courses, students are usually encouraged to communicate in any way they can (quality is not an important issue in these courses). With ATPAL, the level of performance is enhanced right away; participants improve immediately the quality of their aural/oral capacity (listening and speaking).
 

Do you give any guarantees?

We can guarantee immediate improvement of the capacity for listening and speaking fluently. 
Results, however, largely depend on the students' commitment and on the quality of their work.

How long will it take for me to improve my level?

25 hours.
After 25 hours only, participants gain a lot of confidence, experience substantial improvement and devise their own learning strategies. For consistent results, however, we recommend taking a minimum of one Phase (300 hours = 3 levels). For details of course contents, please click here for Grammatical contents.

Will I improve my grammar and learn vocabulary?

Yes!
30% of the class time is devoted to grammar & vocabulary, reading and writing.

Who are the teachers?

All our teachers are qualified and experienced in ATPAL techniques.
They teach their mother tongue.

How many people are there in the classes?

12 participants maximum.

Do you offer insurance plans?

Yes.
From CAN$ 2.50 per day our students can take an insurance policy which covers emergency medical, hospital, transport and other expenses.

Do you issue Certificates?

Yes.
A Certificate is issued at the end of a successfully completed course (minimum 100 hours).

Can you help me if I wish to apply for a Visa?

Yes.
We provide a Letter of Acceptance for Visa purposes. The Letters of Acceptance delivered by ATPAL are accepted by Canadian Federal Immigration Authorities worldwide.