Rustam Minnikhanov opens English First school in Kazan

Every manager in republic must know the language of international communication, RT President Rustam Minnikhanov said at a solemn opening ceremony of the educational center EF English First in Kazan.

Director of the Department of external relations under the RT President - Aide to RT President Iskander Muflikhanov, Minister of education and science Albert Gilmutdinov, Director general of EF – “Language solutions of Russia and CIS” Eduard Baldakov attended the ceremony.

The world’s largest private educational organization has 400 schools in 56 countries. 35 schools are functioning in Russia, the Kazan school has become another one.

The so-called smart school for teaching English to adults has opened in the Tatarstan capital. EF English First comprises lecture and seminar halls, rooms for semi-individual lessons, rooms for holding interactive subject lessons Life Club, and iLab zone for independent work in on-line school.

According to the school manager, at first three professional teachers will be working in Kazan, two of them are native speakers of English. For one year innovative methods of teaching should increase the level of language proficiency from the Beginner to Upper Intermediate. Students will have unlimited access to on-line resources and educational materials of the school curriculum and will be able to attend seminars and lessons.

Rustam Minnikhanov noted that many events which require new knowledge and skills take place in republic.

“When Kazan made a bid for hosting Universiade, we saw that we do not meet global requirements for knowledge of the international language. Since then we have passed a certain way and realized the importance of this problem. Different solutions were offered, including attraction of volunteers from abroad. Finally, we found the company Education First which suggested the training program for our English teachers,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

The Tatarstan leader reminded that republican officials also study English by EF school program.

RT President informed that EF company is going to develop a program for studying the Tatar language taking into account on-line study practice.

Director general of EF – “Language solutions of Russia and CIS” Eduard Baldakov said that when launching a program “English for the Republic of Tatarstan” a year ago the company promised to open a school in Kazan. He noted that it is a unique program in Russia. More than 3 thousand English teachers will improve their qualification. According to Eduard Baldakov, the company participates in personnel training for Universiade -2013 and intends to take part in staff training of the hospitality industry.