The Language Center at the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional (UPN) was born as an extension project that responds to the need to provide the community with the opportunity to train in a foreign language, such as English, French, Italian, and German. Its primary objective is to contribute to the increase in language proficiency in the country by providing education to children, youth, and adults of all ages.
“We are aware of the importance of a second language in this globalized world we live in. Many of our students are with us because they are pursuing an undergraduate degree and see in English a greater possibility in their future professional lives. Similarly, the Language Center attracts individuals who have been employed for some time and understand that knowing another language allows them to advance in their professional careers,” explains David Andres Figueroa, a teacher in the academic coordination team.
For the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, it is important that the instructors at the Language Center are licensed educators who are familiar with teaching methodologies and strategies relevant to their students, understanding that each one is different and starting from academic freedom that allows for a personal experience with the language during the learning process.
Juan Camilo Munevar Montañez is an eleven-year-old boy who came to study English at the Language Center approximately four years ago with the intention of becoming bilingual. “What impressed me the most and seemed good about the education at the Language Center was that we did tasks in the English laboratories, which were technological work centers; also, the assignments they gave us, mainly on the digital platform available to all students,” he said about his student experience.
After completing his process, Juan Camilo tells us that he traveled to Canada six months ago, and the classes he took at the Language Center helped him speak fluently with the people living in that country. He also confirmed that knowing a second language can provide more opportunities in the future.
The Language Center offers comprehensive training that requires students to dedicate 80 hours to each of the eight levels, totaling 640 hours for those who complete the entire program. It also requires the support of their close circle to acquire speaking, listening, and writing skills that enable them to communicate in various contexts.
Santiago Munevar, Juan Camilo’s father, shared that it was an enriching experience that included pedagogy and the natural approach that the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional has with children through experiences. “I saw a highly didactic process and continuous support from the teachers over these years,” he stated.
On the other hand, Tania Andrea Montañez Rodríguez, his mother, mentioned that the learning process was enhanced by the camaraderie of his peers, as her son found a welcoming environment where he was embraced, making him look forward to his classes. In fact, the experience was so pleasant that they have recommended to some close friends to enroll their children in language studies.
It’s important to highlight that the courses at the Language Center are available to the public, UPN members, and public or private entities interested in the education it offers.