Study Overseas

There are various types of language teaching centres and private language schools to choose from.
Prices will vary according to different regions in the UK.
Things to Consider:

• How long is the Course?
• How many hours of teaching is there per week?
• How many students are there in each class?
• How much are the course fees? Do they include any extras such as courses books?
• What type of accommodation is offered and can I afford it?
• Can I take examinations or gain qualifications?

Almost all the UK's accredited establishments offer courses leading to internationally-recognised qualifications.

Further education colleges offer courses at pre-university level or in a wide range of vocational subjects such as media, design or floristry.

Universities offer degree courses, usually for three years. It may be necessary to take a foundation course in the UK before starting your degree.

To get onto a degree course, you'll probably need a score of 6.0 - 6.5 in the IELTS test or equivalent in Trinity College or TOEFL qualifications.

Course Types

The UK has the widest range of English language and combined courses in the world.

There are thousands of courses at all levels, wherever you wish to study.

General and Intensive English

English for daily life in an English speaking country. Adult courses are usually for students aged 18 and over and will include a variety of nationalities. A full-time course will usually be for a minimum of 15 hours per week but many centres offer up to 25 hours of tuition per week or even more. Courses ensure you improve your English in all areas of the language; reading, writing, listening and speaking.

English Plus

A general English course plus study of a hobby or spcial interest such as cookery, football skills, etc. A number of centres offer courses specifically for mature students, often combining cultural or tourist activities with English language study.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Language preparation for academic study, often at university. EAP courses prepare you for success at university by improving your English in an academic context snf teaching study skills such as note taking, discussion skills, academic reading and writing and research techniques.

Foundation Courses

Preparation for courses that students will progress to at colleges and universities, often at undergraduate level. The course will combine English for academic purposes with study of your chosen academic or professional subject. Many students take a foundation course to gain a qualification required to enter a British university and to raise their level of English to the required level, usually IELTS 6.0/6.5. Foundation courses can be any length from short pre-sessional programmes to courses of up to nine months to achieve the required qualification.

Business English

English for the business world. Courses are for people in all walk of business life; technology, marketing, manufacturing, management, finance etc. are designed to help you communicate confidently in a global English-speaking business environment. Specific skills may include conducting meetings, negotiations, making presentations, socialising, attending conferences, telephone skills, report-writing and reading technical documents,

English for Specific Purposes (ESP)

Courses for professionals in specific areas of work. English is taught in context, aiming at particular job-related outcomes and using appropriate vocabulary and structures. You will be able to apply what you learn directly to your career. ESP covers a range of subjects as diverse as aviation, hotel and catering, diplomacy , journalism and many more.

Work Experience Programmes

Courses which combine classroom-based English language learning with work placements and internships in selected companies in the UK. Programmes aim to improve your English language skills and increase your employment opportunities through working in a professional environment. You will achieve valuable, relevant experience for your career. Work placements many or may not be paid positions but are designed to match the career objectives of each trainee.

Courses for Teachers of English

Teacher developments courses for language teachers. Refresher courses may include subjects such as language and methodology, creative teaching techniques, contemporary culture and using multimedia in the classroom. Return to your classroom with fresh ideas and techniques to motivate you and your students. "Train the Trainer" courses develop skills to run formal pre-service and in-service teacher training courses. Examination courses lead to qualifications to teach English.

Examination Courses

Courses leading to qualification that are recognised throughout the world. British examination boards are international leaders in the profession and offer certificates and diplomas for all students at all levels from elementary to proficient. You can improve your career with a qualification from a wide range of general or academic English examinations as well as certificates in subjects such as business and commerce, translation and bilingualism, tourism and international communication.

Adult Vacation Courses

This is a general English vacation courses combined with activities to suit your interests, from golf to Scotch Whisky tasting.

Home Tuition

Learn English in the teacher's own home as part of the family. You live and learn in your teacher's own home providing individual tuition and total immersion in the English language. With home tuition you will be able to develop your English both inside and outside the "classroom" in a truly authentic context.

One to One Courses

Individual tuition, one student and one teacher, allowing a truly personalised programme for as many days or weeks as you choose. One to one teaching can be combined with other courses to benefit from studying as part of a group whilst focusing on your own aims and language objectives.

ACCOMMODATION

Most English language centres will arrange accommodation for you.

Various options are available but it's best to live in an environment where you have to practice your English.

Homestay is a popular choice, offering a taste of British culture. Enjoy living with a family and experiencing a way of life different from your own. Practice what you have learnt in the classroom and make lasting friendships with British people. Some meals are provided and you'll have your own room or share with another student.

Homestay providers can be very different but they have two things in common:

A genuine desire to welcome people into their homes and lives

A clean and comfortable home.

Our homestay providers are a reflection of our society and come from different backgrounds, every age group and different socio-economic groups. We do not discriminate and welcome all homestays that fir our basic criteria.

Centres try and match students with homestays and to find the right homestay for everyone. It is important to booms early, especially for the peak summer months and to make known your requirements so that they can be matched where possible for example in the areas of diet, smoking, children and pets.

If you like your independent and want to live with other students you may prefer residential accommodation in college or university hall of residence, ir in students houses or flats. You'll usually have your own room but share a kitchen and bathroom. You will probably be self-catered.

Accreditation

To ensure that you receive the highest quality of teaching and learning on your English language course, make sure you select a course which is accredited. The British Council accredits English language courses under the Accreditation UK Scheme in partnership with English UK (the national association of accredited English language centres). All English UK members are accredited, this is a pre-requisite of being a member.

English UK currently has over 340 accredited UK English language centres and English schools as members. These include language centres in universities, further education colleges and private schools.