We want to expand accessibility, affordability, and opportunities for students to learn and engage in a new language.
Project Description
Who We Are:
Bon Voyage World Language Academy brings language learning to students all over the globe. We currently offer dozens of language opportunities to students aged three through adult. Our programs use live certified instructors to encourage students to communicate and grow as language learners.
What Makes Us Different:
The Bon Voyage Method, Language with the 5 Senses, teaches language through pictures, stories, rhythm, music, body movements, and well-focused experiential learning tasks. We do not use translation but focus on whole language and communication. We use all 5 senses to FEEL and EXPERIENCE the language. It is unique in that it focuses on communication and fluency while reducing brain fatigue that can come with second language acquisition.
Why We Need Your Help:
Throughout the United States, there is a massive teacher shortage. One of the most difficult teacher positions to fill is that of a language teacher. Many schools, as a result, have cut language programs or have put students into a “sit and complete” automated language class. We do not believe this choice is best for any nation’s students. Our students need the skills to be competitive in the global market. Several studies note that employers are increasing their demands for multilingual employees. We are shortchanging our students' futures by not offering effective foreign language education.
Bon Voyage has grown over the last few years, but we are a VERY small school. Our team consists of less than thirty staff members. We have invested a great deal of time and energy into building a great school, but we need help to do more.
Your Contribution Will Help Us:
- Develop new programs for students (including study abroad programs).
- Expand our “for credit” course opportunities. We currently offer high school credit. We hope to offer college credit classes in the near future.
- Allow for the establishment of student scholarships.
- Enhance our technological and pedagogical resources (including teacher trainings).
- Reach schools who may need our services but are unaware of our existence.
- Obtain our non-profit status within the next 2-3 years.
- Become fully accredited in the next 5 years.
The Project FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I expect to receive my reward?
Within 2-4 weeks. We are a very small team, and all of us teach at various times throughout the day.
Why should I donate to your school?
We offer a dozen languages, many of which are not offered in traditional schools but are in demand by employers and highly desired by students.
We know not all students want to take Spanish. Some want to learn Japanese or Mandarin, but may not be in an area where these classes are offered. We want to give students a gift that can be carried with them for the rest of their lives. What better than the gift of knowledge?
Couldn't I just pay for classes for my student? Why are you offering tuition as a reward?
Yes.
However, one of our goals is to establish student scholarships for various programs we offer. We know there any many gifted students who may not have the funds to take part in our programs. We hope to change that through the support of individuals who value learning as much as we do.
I can't pay through Stripe or wish to remain anonymous with my donation. What do I do?
Call or text us at: 509.942.8015
Or email: info@bonvoyagefrance.com
Can a student receive high school credit in a language through your school?
Yes.
Are you a non-profit?
Currently, no.
We had a non-profit status when we began, but we missed the deadline to file our 501(c) renewal. Again, we are a small group doing a large amount of work. We are hoping to become a non-profit again within the next 2-3 years.
How is your language program different from a program like Mango, Babbel, Duolingo, or Rosetta Stone?
We do not translate. Period.
Our teachers teach the language much like you would learn your first language. We also do speaking practice with live instructors which may include song, dance, even illustration.
Where are your classes held?
100% online. We have classes with live instructors that meet 1-5 days per week.
What are your classes like?
You can check out our YouTube Channel and see some of our classes live or sign up for a sampler class for free on our website at www.BVWLA.com.
Just Because I Care
$10 or more donation:
- Acknowledgement on our social media and website.
$50 or more donation:
- Acknowledgement on our social media and website.
- Bon Voyage World Languages Academy T-Shirt.
$100 or more donation:
- Acknowledgement on our social media and website.
- Bon Voyage World Languages Academy T-Shirt.
- An autographed copy of Pathways to Fluency: Changing how we think about language in the United States by Elizabeth Porter.
$5000 or more donation:
- Acknowledgement on our social media and website.
- Bon Voyage World Languages Academy T-Shirt.
- An autographed copy of Pathways to Fluency: Changing how we think about language in the United States by Elizabeth Porter.
- Private language tutoring for you, a person of your choosing, or a student in need.
$1000 or more donation:
- Acknowledgement on our social media and website.
- Bon Voyage World Languages Academy T-Shirt.
- An autographed copy of Pathways to Fluency: Changing how we think about language in the United States by Elizabeth Porter.
- Private language tutoring for you, a person of your choosing, or a student in need.
- One language class for one student for one year (for a student of your choice or may be gifted to one of our students in need).
$10,000 or more donation:
- Acknowledgement on our social media and website.
- Bon Voyage World Languages Academy T-Shirt.
- An autographed copy of Pathways to Fluency: Changing how we think about language in the United States by Elizabeth Porter.
- Private language tutoring for you, a person of your choosing, or a student in need.
- One language class for one student for one year (for a student of your choice or may be gifted to one of our students in need).
- Tuition for 2 students (ages 13-17) to attend the CAVILAM summer 2020 program (for a student of your choice or may be gifted to one of our students in need).
Rewards
Just Because I Care
$10 or more donation:
- Acknowledgement on our social media and website.
$50 or more donation:
- Acknowledgement on our social media and website.
- Bon Voyage World Languages Academy T-Shirt.
$100 or more donation:
- Acknowledgement on our social media and website.
- Bon Voyage World Languages Academy T-Shirt.
- An autographed copy of Pathways to Fluency: Changing how we think about language in the United States by Elizabeth Porter.
$5000 or more donation:
- Acknowledgement on our social media and website.
- Bon Voyage World Languages Academy T-Shirt.
- An autographed copy of Pathways to Fluency: Changing how we think about language in the United States by Elizabeth Porter.
- Private language tutoring for you, a person of your choosing, or a student in need.
$1000 or more donation:
- Acknowledgement on our social media and website.
- Bon Voyage World Languages Academy T-Shirt.
- An autographed copy of Pathways to Fluency: Changing how we think about language in the United States by Elizabeth Porter.
- Private language tutoring for you, a person of your choosing, or a student in need.
- One language class for one student for one year (for a student of your choice or may be gifted to one of our students in need).
$10,000 or more donation:
- Acknowledgement on our social media and website.
- Bon Voyage World Languages Academy T-Shirt.
- An autographed copy of Pathways to Fluency: Changing how we think about language in the United States by Elizabeth Porter.
- Private language tutoring for you, a person of your choosing, or a student in need.
- One language class for one student for one year (for a student of your choice or may be gifted to one of our students in need).
- Tuition for 2 students (ages 13-17) to attend the CAVILAM summer 2020 program (for a student of your choice or may be gifted to one of our students in need).