We interviewed Ariana Salazar, a 1BGU student at Los Pinos  

Ari began the Dual Diploma program this October, and she told us what her experience has been like.

What challenges did you meet at the beginning?

Not many actually. At first, I had a meeting with my teacher and she explained everything to me, so it took me just a little to adapt and understand how everything works, “but after a week you understand everything.”

How do you keep in touch with your teacher?

If “you need something, you can either write an email to the teacher or organize a video call via Skype and, despite the time difference, it doesn’t take long for them to get back to you.”

Regarding the activities to be completed throughout the program, Ariana comments that “you have to turn in the tasks before the deadline, and if they are wrong you have the option of repeating them again. If for some personal circumstance something happens, you just have to notify the teacher by sending an e-mail”. But honestly, assignments are fun and motivating. It normally takes one day a week, around two to three hours to work on them.

Do you believe this experience allows students to live a true international experience?

Yes, I do. When we have our live sessions, we have the opportunity to be with native English teachers and students from different countries, which means there are different viewpoints, different backgrounds, and even different accents.

What subjects are you taking currently?

I took the admission test and I got a good grade so I had to take English III. I have improved my IT and communication skills, both oral and written. And I chose to take Criminology, which is like being in a TV crime series”.

Would you recommend the Dual Diploma for those families and students who are looking for an upgrade in their English level?

Yes, I would. For sure, students will find lots of opportunities that will enable the acquisition of new skills. Moreover, this will teach them how to manage time so that they can meet all deadlines. Finally, I feel more confident of my capacities and more eager to improve them.