Language Acquisition

Training and Coaching

We offer skills-based training and follow-up support to both language learners and language coaches in a fresh, personal and flexible way.

About

Who We Are

We are a group of knowledgeable language acquisition trainers and coaches. We have many years of cross-cultural experience in a variety of environments and situations, and we are committed to helping cross-cultural workers be effective wherever they live and whatever they do.

What We Do

For language learners, our training gives you the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to learn a language effectively. After the course, we support your learning through one-on-one coaching.

For language coaches, our courses are skills-focused, address coaches’ specific needs, and are accessible when needed.

Why We Exist

Language learners, whether in a language school or learning on their own, struggle to learn effectively without language acquisition skills and a coach to help them apply those skills. Acquire’s courses fill this need: language acquisition training that is skills based and provides follow-up coaching.

Language coaches also benefit from our courses and mentoring which help them develop their skills more efficiently.

 

Founders

Andrea Warren

Co-Founder, Course Developer and Facilitator,
Coach Trainer and Mentor, Course Administrator

I came to Acquire with a background in TESOL and having studied nine different languages in a variety of contexts including living abroad, in formal language school, with a tutor, and independently. I have lived in many places including the Czech Republic, Russia, East Asia, and the US. Over the past six years I’ve worked as a language coach with learners across the globe and over the past few years have developed and taught language acquisition courses. My love of language, culture, and teaching drive my desire to help language learners and language coaches around the world.

Carol Lewis

Co-Founder, Course Developer and Facilitator,
Coach Trainer and Mentor

Over the course of 20 years I served in three long-term overseas assignments (Uganda, Ukraine, Russia) and worked in each place using local languages. I learned those languages in a variety of contexts: from frigid Siberia to the African bush and used a variety of learning methods. For the last 15 years, I’ve been based in the US and worked as a language acquisition trainer and coach with a variety of agencies. I know the joys and understand the challenges of learning a language in an overseas context, and I want learners to succeed at it. I’ve been known to do just about anything to help learners learn!

Learners

To learn a language in a cross-cultural context you’ll need unique skills and a learner’s mindset to be effective at it. One of the best ways to prepare for the task is to take a second language acquisition course. Even learners who attend language schools will find that training will make a big difference in both their ability to learn effectively during their formal classes as well as teach them how to continue learning after their program is over.

Skills for Effective Language Learning (SELL)

(Language acquisition course for new learners)

You will gain the knowledge, strategies, skills and mindset for carrying out language learning in a cross-cultural context. SELL uses a blended learning approach which incorporates self-directed learning activities and live Zoom calls. Lessons are personalized to fit your learning style and unique learning context. You’ll also be assigned a language coach for during and after the course.

Two Options:

  • Half-Course – Lessons 1-5 – For workers expecting to serve 2 years or less

  • Full-Course – Lessons 1-10 – For workers expecting to serve 2 years or more

  • Cost: $1,100 (Full), $750 (Half)

(This course may also be taken as a one-on-one tutorial for an additional fee. Contact Acquire for more information.)

2024 DATES:

Feb 2 – April 13

June 7 – Aug 16

Oct 4 – Dec 13

Individualized Language Coaching

(For language learners of all skill levels)

Coaching sessions are designed around a learner’s needs. You’ll be matched with a coach who has the expertise you need. Sessions are scheduled according to the learner’s availability. Resources are included as needed.

  • Cost: $60/session

  • Learners may purchase a group of sessions for a reduced cost

    • 5 lessons for $275

    • 10 lessons for $500

Contact Acquire for more information and to schedule sessions.

DATES:
Upon Request

Coaches

Whether you are a new coach or an experienced one, Acquire’s Language Coach Training (LCT) will provide you with the knowledge, skills and resources to help today’s learners in both formal and informal situations be more effective at language and culture learning. We encourage new coaches to begin their training with the basic course, “Essentials”, then test and further develop their knowledge and skills through continuing education and mentoring.

Essentials of Language Coaching Course

(For Beginning Coaches)

This is a 10-lesson course. Each lesson is focused around a single, critical skill that every coach should know. Lessons are practical, hands-on and include work to be completed independently as well as live Zoom sessions. Each coach is also assigned a mentor. Resources are included. (No prerequisite.)

  • Length: 10 weeks, 1 lesson per week

  • Cost: $800

  • 2024 Dates: Mar 15 – May 24  &  Sept 6 – Nov 15

(This course may also be taken as a one-on-one tutorial for an additional fee. Contact Acquire for more information.)

Additional Coach Training Options

(For Experienced Coaches)

One-on-One Mentoring

  • Length: 6 sessions, 1 every 2 weeks

  • Cost: $400

Skills for Effective Language Learning – for coaches

  • Length: 6 weeks, 1 lesson per week

  • Cost: $400

Pre-Field Language Assessment Training

  • Length: 4 weeks

  • Cost: $225

Mini Courses

  • Length: 2 lessons, 1 lesson per week

  • Cost: $200

Testimonies

“One of my biggest takeaways from the SELL Course is I can do this! I can have fun while I’m doing it. I can celebrate my victories and learn from my mistakes. I have received an arsenal of resources which I can use to aid in getting and learning a new language.”

Lauren, Learner of Russian

“In the SELL course, I saw where I was ineffectively working and needed to change my strategies. I saw where I’d made bad habits, such as faking it when I didn’t understand and letting other people drive the conversation to topics I don’t have vocabulary for. The SELL Course gave me new tools to overcome all of these things!”

Callie, Learner of German

“Although I have lots of language learning experience, and even some training as a language coach, this was the first time I’ve been able to carry out many of these activities for language learning. It’s been really exciting to be in the role of learner and to be able to apply the techniques right away. I know I can whole-heartedly recommend them to other learners.”

Melissa, Learner of Bernese

“I thought I don’t really need an acquisition course, but the SELL facilitators have much wisdom and knowledge about language learning! I learned that it takes a very different approach than anything I’ve ever learned. They give you a fabulous package of resources to use for learning.”

Daniel, Learner of Turkish

“I really enjoyed all 10 lessons and found them all to be extremely helpful. Carol and Andrea shared so many stories with our group. The more stories you have about people successfully using strategies or even unsuccessfully using strategies, the better! – they draw you in. I enjoyed all the videos and supplementary resources. I tried to read and watch everything that was posted.”

Randy, Learner of German

“Andrea, Carol and other presenters and facilitators are very knowledgeable and experienced. And because they too have lived and learned language in the same context I have, they really understand what a learner needs to know. They really understood my situation. I could trust that their advice would help me overcome the challenges I was facing.”

Susan, Learner of Turkish

“With the SELL Course, I’ve learned that I need to be the driver of my language learning instead of just a consumer of whatever has been determined to be a good course.”

Sarah, Learner of Romanian

Connect

Contact

[email protected]
Contact us to see how we can best serve you and your agency.