Testimony of Elias F-D., 2nd year student in the Dual Diploma Academica

Elias

Elias started the Dual Diploma Academica program in 8th grade as an individual student. In this article, he shares his experience regarding classes, the pedagogy and the relationship with the teachers.

Here is his testimony.

« What motivated me to enroll in this program was primarily the value it brings to my profile. As we were told, the level of English is very good and you come out bilingual. This program also teaches us autonomy, which is very important nowadays, especially in these times. This is a big positive point. Then, of course, graduating from high school with a double degree like this helps a lot with university applications.

Last year, I took the Global Studies elective, which has a lot of interconnected subjects. This year, I am in English III so I have a good level of English. I am also taking the College Prep elective, which is really essential if you want to study in the United States.

Regarding the content of the courses, I think some of you are wondering if it will be too complicated to follow in English and if the workload will not be too intense. The answer to both questions is no.

I wouldn’t say that the English work is easy, but it is very detailed. In addition, the teachers are always there to answer you and schedule appointments with you. As for the hours of work, the average is 5 hours per week. I spend a lot more time there because I really go deeper and there is a lot of additional material available on the Colegia platform.

I am also part of the Newspaper Club, which is a bit of what French students remember about American series! Our newspaper will soon be online. It is very interesting, you can go and see it!  

Then I get to the teacher-student relationship, which is excellent, even more than excellent. From my own experience, when I send a message to my teacher, I usually get a response within 10 minutes, the same goes for emails. And if you want to make an appointment by Skype, the teachers try to find a time slot at soon as possible, which sometimes doesn’t suit them, but it’s important for them to be there for us.

My last point is about the teaching style. You have to realize that it is not at all the same as in France. In France you have lessons, then tests and then you move on. In the United States, you have lessons and really constructive exchanges with the teachers. Then when you have a test, if you get a grade below 70%, generally the teacher will give you a “retry“. You really have to accept it, because it’s very important for the Grade Point Average. To give you an idea, in College Prep and English III, I got straight A’s in both subjects. That is, I have over 90% success. »

Thank you very much Elias for sharing your experience !

If you would like to read his article in the Dual Diploma Times, click here !

You can also find the entire Dual Diploma Times editions of the Student Newspaper Club by following this link.

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“My name is Alissa Longo. I live in Northern Virginia, right outside of Washington, D.C.. This year marks my 14th year teaching. I have loved this journey. I received my bachelor’s degree from Towson University in Maryland and my master’s degree from Wright State University in Ohio. I am happily married to my high school sweetheart and we have a little boy named Preston and a little girl named Shelby. My goal is to create impactful learning experiences for my students that are unforgettable ( in order to help reach their highest potential.)”

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