The American Language Center—Yaounde
The American Language Center, Yaoundé is a vital service that began as a section of the United States Information Service of the Embassy of the United States in Yaoundé Cameroon in 1972. In 1995, it was transferred to an association and became the American Language Center, Yaoundé, when the embassy decided to discontinue it as one of its services.
The American Language Center, Yaounde furthers bilingualism in Cameroon, assists the community in achieving professional and personal goals, and bridges cultural gaps through the teaching of American English as a second or other language.
Our regular program comprises five levels, from Beginner to Conversation. Students are assigned to the appropriate level as determined by the results of the placement test. Special courses include a four-week TOEFL preparation course that prepares students who plan to study in an English-speaking or other country. In addition, learners may prepare for the SAT, TOEIC, IELTS, GRE, and GMAT, GED, PTE and Duolingo. Private classes provide English for special purposes for individual students or organizations on request, with content and hours tailored to their needs. There is a special focus on primary and secondary school students for six weeks in July and August.
The media center offers students an additional hour for further practice of material closely related to course content. Students may register at the library of the Embassy of the Unites Sates, and as the occasion arises, they may attend special cultural events at the embassy’s cultural center.
ALC’s teaching staff represents a blend of teaching styles, where the most positive techniques of various approaches are put into play to accommodate our students’ learning needs. An interactive methodology, with significant emphasis on pair and group work, allows students to make rapid strides in all areas, and especially in speaking.
During our end-of-session or cultural events, students have an opportunity to demonstrate their acquired skills with songs, poetry presentations, drama, and speeches.
From its inception, ALC has been an accredited testing center, beginning with the SAT of College Board in the USA, and TOEFL of the Educational Testing Services in New Jersey, USA and continuing with GRE, GMAT, TOEIC, USMLE, and others on special request. We are also solicited for proficiency testing related to university admissions or professional evaluation.
Over the years, the center has constantly adjusted its varied services to the needs of its clientele as the trends of the target groups, the country’s economy, and career opportunities evolve.
Among other services offered, translation of official academic and civic documents from French to English, such as diplomas, certificates, etc. are performed at the ALC at competitive prices.
ALC-Yaounde at a Glance
Mission Statement
With the operation of a language center that delivers quality language learning opportunities, resources available to further develop technical and communication skills, a fully equipped testing center available to complete a variety of examinations, and additional professional services offered, the ALC ensures it achieves its vision by making available all necessary tools in one location.
Our Core Values
Excellence
Passionate, knowledgeable, skilful staff and instructors are the core strength of our organization. They work towards providing a dynamic and rewarding learning experience for students. Excellent teaching begins with strong relationships between faculty and students and is nurtured by collaboration among colleagues. We are committed to supporting a professional community that creates and sustains an atmosphere of intellectual excitement, innovative instruction, and personal growth.
Quality
With a set of qualified and experienced professionals, the ALC is committed to delivering the best service to its clients. The Language Center is a flexible, customer-oriented organization. We aim to answer all questions regarding language skills with a fitting response. The Language Center is proactive in initiating new activities that fit the needs of the academic community. The Language Center uses existing learning tools that are supplemented with self-developed materials whenever necessary. We continuously improve our courses and training by conducting and implementing innovative projects.
Integrity
We are honest and truthful to our clients in all aspects of the service provided, and we ensure that such principles are consistently applied.
Our Vision
Playing a crucial role in developing bilingualism in Cameroon as we enhance English language and communication skills by teaching English, and providing complementary services at very reasonable cost.