Hong Kong Institute of Languages

Hong Kong Institute of Languages (HKIL) is a privately owned language school established in 1985 by a French couple, Dominique and Christian Chasset.

Hong Kong Institute of Languages
HKIL's Logo
AbbreviationHKIL
MottoLearn with the professionals
Founded1985
TypePrivate
Headquarters Hong Kong
Location
Region served
Hong Kong
Official language
English, French, Spanish, German, Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese
Websitehttp://www.hklanguages.com

History

The institute originally started as a French language school in Hong Kong, specifically teaching French to small groups of executives. By the 1990s, the founders Dominique and Christian Chasset expanded their business by providing six other language offerings (including, English, Spanish, German, Cantonese, and Japanese),[1] and as well as providing these language classes for children and very young children (from age 2 upwards).[2]

Concept

Hong Kong Institute of Languages concept was, and still is, to teach only small-group classes. Emphasis is on interaction and oral practice of the language in the class. The focus is on practical language that can be used right away. "[3]

In the 1990s, HK KIDZ was established as an extension of HKIL, specifically tailored for young children (age 1.5-12).[4]

The HK KIDZ concept has the same foundation as HKIL. For teaching children however, it emphasizes more on "fun,... acquisition of the language being achieved through hands-on activities: games, songs, etc., in the same way that they acquired their mother language."[3]

Summer Camps & Language Study Programmes

HKIL was "the first language school to organize overseas summer camps" in Hong Kong.[3]

In 1992, HKIL organized its first overseas summer camp trip to Paris, France, for children and teenagers. By 2008, HKIL extended its summer camp trips/language study programmes to countries including: England, Canada, France, Switzerland, China and Spain.[2]

Awards

One of the founders of HKIL, Christian Chasset, was awarded the "Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Academiques" (Knight in the Order of the Academic Palms), the French Government's highest honour for academic achievement, for advancing the cause of French culture, education, and the fine arts"[5] on May 28, 2007.

The co-founder of HKIL, Dominique Chasset, was awarded the Ordre National du Mérite ("Knight of the National Order of Merit").[4]

References
  1. "Hong Kong Institute of Languages", Special Reports|The Bulletin (February 2005). p.50-53.
  2. "不一樣的夏令營 Hong Kong Institute of Languages 遊學團 帶你遊埠學外", 明報 Mingpao (April 24, 2006).
  3. "Members' News", Talking Points|The Bulletin (Jul 2007), p.16.
  4. "The language of love", HKTDC Hong Kong Trader (01/09/2008).
  5. "HKIL plays a historical role in the teaching of French language in Hong Kong", "Article: Consulat Général de France à Hong Kong & Macao (March 25, 2014)"
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