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＜Types of English course＞
It is essential to choose the English course which suites your requirement. Each type is described in this section.
General & General Intensive English
Business English
Examination preparation : Cambridge Examination, IELTS, TOEFL & TOIEC
Holiday English course : Summer, Easter & Christmas
Academic Year
English Plus
Senior English course
Junior English course
Teachers (TESOL)
Executive English course
Academic English
Specialist English course
General & General Intensive English
This is aimed for students who want to improve English in general. It is the most popular course and it is run by most schools. The duration of study can usually be between 1 or 2 and 52 weeks. Most levels can be taught from beginner to advanced.
Mainly reading, writing, listening and speaking are all covered in the class. Some courses may include grammar, communication skills, vocabulary and pronunciation. Some schools utilise various forms of media within the lessons.
Most courses are 15 hours a week (3 hours a day between Monday and Friday) but could be taken intensively as 25 to 30 hours a week.
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Business English
This is aimed for people who need to use English for their business in general. The duration of study can usually be between 1 or 2 and 52 weeks. Level of English usually required is at least intermediate. In the class, usually topics such as negotiations, telephone communication, meetings, presentations and business writing are covered. Some schools specialise in teaching business managers specialist knowledge and terms in import/export, economics, accounting etc.
Most courses are 15 hours a week (3 hours a day between Monday and Friday) but could be taken intensively as 25 to 30 hours a week or afternoon supplement course after the morning general English.
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Examination preparation : ＫＥＴ，ＰＥＴ，ＦＡＣ，ＣＡＥ，ＣＰＥ、ＢＥＣ、ＩＥＬＴ
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This type of course prepares students to sit the particular type of English test. Many schools prepare the students by teaching various techniques in solving the questions and interviewing. The tests involve reading, writing, listening and reading so students will improve their general English level by taking this type of course.
IELTS and Cambridge certificates are the two main English tests of the UK, so most British schools have courses to prepare students to sit these tests. Courses in TOEFL or TOIEC preparations are rarer in the UK.
Some courses are combined with the general English but most are specific to examination preparation. In both cases, beginners cannot be taught. The common length of course is between 4 and 12 weeks.
＊ Cambridge certificates are English tests conducted by the University of Cambridge. It has been designed to strike a good balance in assessing the students' level of English. These tests are well known in the UK and Europe. The tests can be chosen as general, business or teachers' English.
The general English can be taken at 5 levels.
Key English Test (KET)
Beginner level. KET tests your ability to use English in everyday situations, for example, to follow directions, understand notices, say what you want, ask for help or information. KET covers listening, speaking, reading and writing at a basic level. We have no separate course for KET, but the School will enter you for it - if you wish. If you are successful, you will receive a certificate awarded by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. The exam takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Preliminary English Test (PET)
Intermediate to Upper Intermediate level. It is growing in popularity. There are 3 papers: Reading and writing (1 hour 30 min.); Listening (30 min. approx); Speaking (about 12 minutes). This is at a lower level than the level of the First Certificate and tests your ability to use the spoken and written language effectively in everyday situations.
First Certificate in English (FCE)
Upper intermediate level. The most widely recognised English language exam in the world. A pass is proof that you can communicate effectively in English at an upper intermediate level, and is recognised by employers all over the world. The exam has 5 parts: listening, reading, writing, grammar and speaking. The total exam time is a little under 5 hours. Some undergraduate university foundation courses in the UK recognise FCE as the English entrance requirement.
Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
Advanced level. Similar format to FCE, with 5 papers. The level is more advanced. The exam is more practical, and is designed for people who need to use English as part of their work. TThe total exam time is approximately 6 hours. Most British universities accept CAE as the English entrance requirement.
Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
Expert level. The most advanced of the Cambridge English exams. The format is the same as for FCE and CAE, but the level is much higher. This exam is recognised by British universities as satisfactory evidence of your level of English. The total exam time is approximately 6 hours. CPE is known to be the most difficult English test available in the UK and even the native English users fail to score highly.
Business test is called Business English Certificate (BEC)
Intermediate to Advanced level. BEC could be taken at preliminary, Vantage and Higher levels. These examinations test your ability to use English in a general business environment. There are 4 papers: Reading (1 hour for both Vantage and Higher); Writing (45 min for Vantage and 1 hour 10 min for Higher); Listening (40 min for Vantage and Higher ); Speaking ( about 14 min for Vantage and 16 min for Higher). They are excellent evidence of your ability to cope in a business where English is an important or primary means of communication. Some universities accept the BEC exams as evidence of your ability to follow a business course conducted in English.
＊ IELTS is designed for non-native English speakers, which are available as general or academic. Most students wishing to study at a British university take the academic English test. IELTS is well known in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The result is scored between 0 and 9 in listening, reading, writing and speaking. The test is taken in 2 hours 45 minutes and the score is valid for 2 years.
＊ TOEFL is designed for non-native English speakers, which are available as general or academic. It is well recognised throughout the world, especially so in the United States and Canada. In recent years, computer based CBT has become the major format. Listening, reading, writing and speaking skills are all tested. The test is taken in 4 hours and the score is valid for 2 years.
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Holiday : Summer, Easter & Christmas courses
Courses are often run to coincide with Summer, Easter and Christmas holidays. The common duration is between 1 and 10 weeks.
The courses are generally a combination of English lessons with various activities such as sports, cultural experiences and excursions. It is an ideal way to get to enjoy the country during holidays.
Most courses are available with accommodation and transfer included within the fees.
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Academic Year
Courses longer than 24 weeks are generally known as academic year, which usually offer significant discounts when compared to shorter courses. This type of course is usually general English.
Some schools have specific start dates and restrict new students joining or old students leaving in the middle of the course to minimise disturbances.
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English Plus
This type of course is ideal for students who wish to study other subjects besides English. The plus element can be different from school to school but business, art, culture, tourism, cooking, flower arrangement and sports are quite common. Depending on the subject, beginners cannot join the course. The duration of study can usually be between 1 or 2 and 52 weeks.
Many of the subjects are often run in locations, such as local colleges or community centres.
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Senior
This type of courses is aimed towards senior adults who do not wish to mix with young students. The minimum age differs between schools but common ages are 40+, 45+ and 50+. The courses are mainly run between April and October for 1 to 4 weeks.
General English is taught in the morning and activities such as tea party, excursion and cultural experiences are organised in the afternoon. It is an ideal way to experience the country while learning English and making friends from all over the world at the same time.
The accommodation is usually homestays but some schools arrange hotel stays.
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Junior
Junior courses are often run during Summer, Easter and Christmas holidays, for young students mainly aged between 8 and 17. The duration is usually 1 to 10 weeks.
The course is usually a combination of general English with various activities such as sports, art & craft, parties and excursions. It is an ideal way to make friends of similar age from all over the world.
The common method of accommodation is usually homestays or residence. The accommodation and transfers are often included in the fees.
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Teachers (TESOL)
This type of course is aimed for English teachers who are non-native English speakers. Most courses are run during summer holidays for 2 to 8 weeks.
The course usually covers English teaching methods, vocabularies, grammar and choice of teaching materials. Some schools involve the students to teach in real classes.
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Executive
This type of course is aimed for mature students aged at least 20. The duration of study can usually be between 1 or 2 and 52 weeks. Most schools concentrate in business English and conversation skills. Most courses are 15 hours a week (3 hours a day between Monday and Friday) but could be taken intensively as 25 to 30 hours a week.
Classes are usually very small (typically between 1 and 6) so that each student can receive the attention he/she needs. In individual tuitions, specialised subjects of the students' choice can be taught.
Many schools offer exclusive accommodation and facilities to students who attend this type of course.
Academic English
This type of course is aimed for students who wish to study at a further/higher education level in English after the course. The courses are often run termly.
The course typically covers presentation, academic writing, interview techniques and note taking.
Specialist English
This type of course is aimed for students who need to improve their use of English in their specific fields. Popular courses are available in medical, law, pilot and engineer English.
The course typically covers terms and knowledge required to communicate in English by teaching the students correct use of the language within the field of the students' choice.
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