A success
in any language

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

Caroline Brooker knew she was filling a niche when she opened a language school on Castor Avenue 10 years ago. She never dreamed, however, that the niche she was filling would widen to a gorge.
"This industry is just exploding," Brooker said.
The 1984 St. Hubert High School grad opened Avante Language Services in Rhawnhurst in 1997, expecting to teach foreign languages to native-born Americans preparing for a trip or for fun, as well as conducting English as a Second Language classes for the growing Russian and Brazilian immigrant community.
Not only did the number of languages grow as different ethnic groups arrived in Northeast Philadelphia, but a post-9/11 reaction brought Avante requests for Arabic, Farsi — the most common Persian language — and Pashto, the language spoken in Afghanistan.
"Americans are finally just getting on the train that we need to learn a second language. It has to do with the global climate," Brooker said.
Her services increased as well with foreign-language interpretation and translation. Certified interpreters translate the spoken word, while translators focus on the written word.
New laws have mandated that translation services must be provided by a qualified interpreter. States have also mandated that more and more documents must be translated into a variety of languages, not just Spanish.
Brooker’s impressive list of clients spans hospitals and lawyers, government agencies, the School District of Philadelphia, Dunkin’ Donuts — even Leonardo DiCaprio. Brooker just finished a Spanish translation of the heartthrob actor’s eco-friendly Web site, www.leonardodicaprio.org. While it hasn’t been uploaded yet, that Spanish version will soon be available.
How does a girl from Holmesburg hook up with the Titanic star? Brooker wrote a letter suggesting that such an important Web site needed to at least be translated in Spanish.
"A week later his mother called me," Brooker said from one of Avante’s private classrooms.
She has amassed a list of educational credentials, including a master’s degree in foreign languages and literature from Washington State University and a master’s in business administration at the University of Pittsburgh.
Her career has included jobs in banking and manufacturing, as well as four years as a university Spanish instructor.
Over the years, Brooker has expanded Avante’s capabilities beyond the walls of her language school. The business also offers its services off-site at businesses and homes, accompanies clients to such appointments as medical exams and driving tests, and designs and implements language programs for private schools and preschools.
"They outsource to us," Brooker said.
With the growing influx of immigrants from other countries, there also is a need for the translation of personal documents, such as certificates of divorce from another country, so that a couple may marry in the United States.
Translation comes in handy during weddings, as well. Brooker recently participated in the marriage ceremony of a German man who had been studying Spanish and the Colombian woman he fell in love with.
Language instruction programs are tailored to each client’s needs but generally take a conversational approach. One-on-one instruction costs $450 for 10 hours, but according to Brooker, two can learn together for the price of one. Avante also offers volume discounts for more than 36 hours of instruction.
"Learning another language enriches your life," she said. "It’s like taking on a different persona."
Brooker speaks Spanish, Portuguese, moderate German and Russian. However, she has a network of 1,000 certified instructors, translators and interpreters she works with on a contracting basis.
In addition to offering language services, Brooker operates an academic tutoring subdivision that provides customized remedial, catch-up and enrichment programs for students on-site, as well as homebound tutoring and home-schooling support.
Adults, too, can take advantage of Avante’s programs. Tutoring services include remedial math skills, reading and writing enrichment for people who are functionally illiterate, and prep work for GED diplomas. Other programs address SAT exams or getting clients ready for Praxis tests, commonly part of the process for teacher certifications. ••
Avante, at 8012 Castor Ave., is open seven days a week, with flexible schedules and evening classes. For more information, visit www.avantelanguage.com
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com