Reunion informativa

Welcome and Introduction

Meeting Overview

• The meeting is introduced as an informative session for the "Sin Límites" program, emphasizing the importance of participation and engagement.

• The session will be divided into two phases: an informational phase followed by a Q&A segment to clarify any doubts regarding the scholarship process.

• Attendees are asked to confirm their commitment to this structure by responding with "Me comprometo," ensuring respect for the agenda.

About Gold Master Educación Multidisciplinaria SRL

Organization Background

• Gold Master is a Bolivian educational company with a presence in both Bolivia and the United States, dedicated to providing scholarships through various partnerships.

• The organization has received recognition for its quality education initiatives, including support from local governments and universities.

Program Structure and Benefits

Scholarship Details

• The program offers 100% virtual classes via Zoom, access to a digital library with over 956 resources, and physical books for students.

• Students will participate in practical sessions called "toil time," which are designed to enhance real-life application of learned skills.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be at least 15 years old; there is no upper age limit. Scholarships are available nationally across all departments in Bolivia.

• A total of 300 scholarships are available for Bolivians residing in Bolivia or abroad, plus an additional 30 scholarships for foreigners living in Bolivia.

Parental Involvement

Importance of Family Engagement

• It is crucial that applicants aged 15–18 involve their parents or guardians in the process to ensure they understand the program's requirements and commitments.

Commitment Expectations

Student Responsibilities

• High levels of commitment are expected from participants; attendance with cameras on during classes is mandatory along with active participation.

• Evaluations will occur throughout the course, requiring students to demonstrate responsibility and punctuality.

Learning Approach

Educational Philosophy

• The program emphasizes practical learning through group tasks, portfolio creation, and regular assignments aimed at language proficiency development.

Social Impact Activities

Community Engagement

• Students must complete three social impact activities per month as part of their scholarship obligations; these can be done locally or virtually without travel requirements.

Language Learning Goals

Program Objectives

• The program aims not only to teach languages but also prepares students for cultural exchange opportunities abroad after completion.

Language Options Available

Course Offerings

• Four languages are offered: English, French, Portuguese, and German. Each student may apply for one language only due to rigorous standards set by the program.

Curriculum Structure

Course Content

The English curriculum includes five progressive levels focusing on American English using Pearson's materials. Each level comprises ten units covering essential communication skills.

Overview of Language Learning Content

Key Learning Areas

• The course will cover various topics including possessive pronouns, contractions, indicative present tense, phonetics, adjectives, comparatives, demonstrative pronouns, accentuation, and more.

• A sample of the text development and audio materials will be provided to illustrate the learning process.

Introduction by Instructors

Instructor Introductions

• Rodrigo introduces himself and Isabel Daniel as instructors. They confirm audio clarity with participants.

Opportunities in German Language

• Rodrigo highlights numerous opportunities available for German language learners through cultural exchange programs and volunteer initiatives.

Course Structure and Units

Course Details

• The German program consists of 12 units across 144 pages. Initial concerns about understanding texts in different languages are addressed.

Use of Technology

• Participants are encouraged to use Google Translator for real-time translation to aid comprehension during lessons.

Importance of Live Communication

Value of Personal Interaction

• While technology aids communication, the unique experience of conversing without internet access is emphasized as invaluable for language learning.

Program Offerings

Available Language Programs

• Four language programs are offered: English, French, Portuguese, and German.

Key Terms for Applicants

• Two critical terms for applicants to understand are "level" and "format/mode."

English Program Levels

Level Progression Explained

• The English program features five progressive levels: beginner, basic, intermediate (low/high), and advanced (B2 level).

Course Modalities

Regular vs Intensive Formats

• Students can choose between regular (3 hours/week leading to a level completion in 6 months per level over 30 months total from zero knowledge to B2 level).

• In intensive mode (6 hours/week), each level is completed in 3 months resulting in a total duration of 15 months from zero knowledge to B2.

Assessment Options for Prior Knowledge

Placement Exam Information

• Students with prior knowledge can take a placement exam at the end of the meeting to validate their current proficiency level.

Clarification on Course Structure

Progressive Nature of Courses

• All courses must be taken sequentially; skipping levels is not permitted.

Weekly Class Hours Impact on Duration

Time Commitment Effects

Students dedicating 3 hours weekly complete beginner-level classes in six months; those committing six hours finish it in three months.

Free Placement Exam Details

Cost-Free Assessment

• The placement exam has no cost; it simply assesses students' current levels without pass/fail implications.

Library Resources Overview

Accessing Digital Textbooks

• Students will have access to digital textbooks organized by levels along with evaluations and audio resources for practice.

Reading Materials & Exercises

Structured Reading Sections

• The library includes sections focused on reading comprehension tailored for children as well as vocabulary building exercises.

Additional Learning Platforms

Free Resource Offers

• Participants may receive free access to various educational platforms via email throughout the week.

Specialized Preparation Modules

Certification Preparation Materials

• Specific modules prepare students for TFL certification upon completing their English program.

National Geographic Learning Platform

Enhanced Learning Tools

• Access to National Geographic's Reading Explorer Foundation platform included within scholarships enhances reading comprehension skills through interactive content.

Portuguese Language Program Details

Curriculum Overview

• Similar structure applies; students will receive preparatory modules for CELPEBAS certification after completing their Portuguese studies.

French Language Program Insights

Certification Preparation

• After finishing French courses, students will also receive preparation materials aimed at international certification exams like DELF/DALF or similar qualifications.

Student Testimonials

Positive Experiences Shared

• Various testimonials highlight positive experiences regarding teaching quality and personal growth through participation in Goldmaster’s programs.

Overview of the Work and Travel Program

Program Details

• The Work and Travel program allows participants to work in various sectors such as hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, amusement parks, and resorts for 4 to 5 months during the U.S. winter season (November to March), earning between $11 to $25 per hour.

Visa Requirements

• Participants receive a J1 visa for work; eligibility is limited to Gold Master students who have completed their program or are currently enrolled with a B2 level proficiency in English.

Financial Coverage

• The program covers all expenses related to travel, including selection process fees, passport costs, visa applications, and flight tickets.

Clarification on Academic Offerings

Degree Programs

• The only recognized degree in Bolivia is Linguistics; however, this program does not offer it. Instead, it focuses on language programs aimed at obtaining international certifications.

Language Certifications Offered

• At the end of the language program, participants will receive preparatory modules for international certifications: Dep International Certification and TOEFL for English; DELF for French; CELPEBRAS for Portuguese; and GOET for German.

Understanding Tuition Fees

Fee Structure Comparison

• Regular students pay monthly fees based on their course duration—660 bolivianos per month for intensive courses (3 months), totaling 1980 bolivianos versus 330 bolivianos monthly over 6 months in regular courses.

Scholarship Benefits

• Students awarded scholarships do not pay tuition or additional course fees but must cover access fees to platforms and materials amounting to approximately 444 bolivianos per level.

Payment Obligations Under Scholarship

Unique Payment Requirement

• Scholarship recipients only need to make a one-time payment of 444 bolivianos per level instead of monthly payments or additional course fees.

Material Access Explanation

• Each level requires payment due to changes in textbooks and platform access periods. Materials are sent physically within Bolivia or digitally if abroad.

Process of Maintaining Scholarships

Conditions for Continuation

• To maintain scholarship status across levels, students must achieve a minimum score of 75 points and attend at least 80% of classes while fulfilling social impact activities.

Course Duration Options

Course Modalities Explained

• Courses are offered in two modalities: regular (6 months duration covering all content comprehensively), and intensive (3 months). Both require a single payment per level rather than ongoing monthly charges.

Post-Acceptance Payment Procedures

Timing of Payments

• Payments are made after acceptance into the program following the selection process.

Certification Details

Institutional Certification Coverage

• Institutional certification upon completion is included under the scholarship benefits along with preparatory modules for international exams which incur separate costs borne by participants themselves.

Application Process Overview

Steps to Apply

• Attend an informational meeting.

• Fill out an application form available post-meeting.

• Ensure correct contact details are provided as they will be used for interview scheduling.

Interview Scheduling Insights

• Interviews commence from September 13th until September 28th with potential extensions based on demand.

• Early submission increases chances of securing preferred interview slots.

Common Application Mistakes

• Incomplete names or incorrect phone numbers often lead to rejections during application processing.

Interview Preparation Tips

• Confirm attendance promptly when notified about interview schedules; failure leads to reassignment of slots.

Parental Involvement Guidelines

• For applicants under age eighteen, parental presence during interviews is mandatory either virtually or physically.

Interview Process and Information Disclosure

Evaluation Criteria

• The system evaluates candidates differently based on their circumstances, such as studying while working or having financial support from parents. Transparency in providing information is crucial.

Importance of Transparency

• Candidates should be honest about their aspirations, as any discrepancies may lead to requests for additional documentation during the interview.

Interview Structure

• If candidates effectively present themselves in the initial two minutes, subsequent questions will focus on confirming scholarship conditions and understanding of requirements.

System Decision-Making

• The final decision regarding acceptance is made by the system based on scores rather than the interviewer’s personal judgment.

Post-Interview Procedures

Notification Process

• After interviews, only the interviewer can inform candidates about their acceptance status and provide necessary registration details.

Authorized Communication

• Candidates will receive contact numbers for authorized personnel; only designated individuals will communicate important information like banking details.

Registration Requirements

Formalizing Enrollment

• Candidates have 48 hours to complete their registration after receiving acceptance notifications. Payment methods vary depending on location (e.g., cash payments in La Paz).

Payment Methods

• Various payment options are available including bank transfers, Tigo Money for those in provinces, and PayPal or Western Union for international students.

Documentation Submission

Required Documents

• Regardless of payment method, filling out the registration form is mandatory. This includes submitting photocopies of identification and proof of payment.

Communication Channels

WhatsApp Group Creation

• A WhatsApp group will be created post-registration to alleviate anxiety among candidates regarding their enrollment status and updates on class preparations.

Class Schedule and Conditions

Class Start Date

• Classes are scheduled to begin on October 12th. Continuation into subsequent levels requires maintaining a minimum score of 75 points and an 80% attendance rate.

Additional Benefits

Incentives for Early Registrants

• The first 30 registered students can participate in a free basic office skills program lasting three months; early registrants also receive educational materials at no cost.

Closing Remarks

Final Instructions

• Participants are encouraged to write down their names while further instructions are provided through group communication channels regarding exams and other details.

Q&A Session

Addressing Concerns

• A dedicated time was allocated for participants to ask questions about the process, ensuring clarity before proceeding with applications or interviews.

Application Form Details

Accessing Forms

• The application form has been shared via WhatsApp; participants were urged to react promptly to facilitate processing.

Current Class Updates

Ongoing Classes

• Live updates were provided showing that several groups had already commenced classes, reassuring prospective students about program legitimacy.

Clarification on Fees

Fee Structure Explained

• Each level incurs a fee of 44 bolivianos; this covers material costs over six months for regular courses or three months for intensive formats.

Language Proficiency Requirements

Exam Necessity Clarified

• Students without prior knowledge do not need to take an exam but must fill out an application form if they wish to enroll.

Interview Format

Virtual Interviews Only

• All interviews are conducted online via Zoom; physical presence is not required unless accepted into specific programs later.

Certification Information

Levels Offered

• Courses aim towards achieving up to B2 certification; higher levels require separate fees outside standard programming.

Maintaining Scholarship Eligibility

Academic Standards Set

• To retain scholarships, students must achieve at least 75 points across all courses regardless of funding status.

Encouragement Towards Participation

Opportunities Beyond Scholarships

• Students were reminded that numerous opportunities exist beyond this program; persistence is key even if they do not qualify this time.