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LEARN ENGLISH IN CAPE TOWN - LANGUAGE COURSE SOUTH AFRICA
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Cape Town, South Africa
Minimum
Age: 17 years
Average Age: 20
– 35 years |
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Location |
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 Cape
Town is one of the most exciting and beautiful travel
destinations in the world today. With its landmark Table
Mountain, two surrounding oceans that meet at the Cape of Good
Hope, stunning beaches and natural parks, the city is
considered to be in one of the most lovely settings on earth.
Within these surroundings, the traveller to Cape Town can
experience a stimulating diversity of people, cultures and
religions, living together in a cosmopolitan and unifying
city.South Africa's scenic beauty and wealth of natural
resources invite you to combine an English language course
with a trip through southern Africa. A wide variety of tours
are offered, from a 3-day safari in the Kruger National Park
to a 19-day adventure tour to the Victoria Falls.
South Africa's population is 47 million
with 3 million living in Cape Town. Nearly all religions, skin
colors and over 10 languages are represented in South Africa.
However English is the most dominant and commonly used
language in South Africa. |
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Cape Town offers:
- Paragliding
- Surfing fun
- Parades
- A mild climate all year round.
- Friendly people.
- Natural surroundings that allow almost any outdoor
activity.
- Famous tourist attractions such as Robben Island where
Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
- First class services such as excellent restaurants,
hotels and entertainment.
- The Waterfront, a popular entertainment area.
- Activities like whale watching, shark diving,
- bungee jumping, wine tasting and more.
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School |
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The school was founded in 1995 as one
of the first English language schools in Cape Town and has
since played a leading role in developing Cape Town as an ever
more popular destination. Our partner
is a founding member of ALTO and ELTASA
and runs teacher training courses that
are approved and moderated by the University of Cambridge ESOL.
You have the choice of two different locations, the
southern suburbs or the city
centre. The school in the southern suburbs offers a quiet
and relaxed atmosphere in which to study, while in the city
centre students enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city
on the main pedestrian walkway of Cape Town.
Both schools are centrally located with quick access to all
forms of accommodation as well as shops, restaurants, sport
facilities and public transport. The most popular beaches can
be reached by Metrorail in 20 to 30 minutes.
People learn best when they feel comfortable and
relaxed. You will find both schools to be warm and friendly
places in a quiet environment. Besides the usual learning
facilities you will also find an interior that creates a
pleasant atmosphere in which to study. In addition to fully
equipped classrooms, both schools offer break rooms where
students enjoy free coffee and tea, computer-based self-study
programmes and free internet access for e-mailing.
1. City Centre:
feeling the pulse of Cape Town
The school is located in the heart of Cape Town, in the
pedestrian walkway of St Georges Mall. Here you fell the
hustle and bustle of city life and can enjoy the multicultural
blend the city is so well known for. Shops, restaurants, banks
and other conveniences are all around the school, the main
train station is within 5 minutes walking distance. All major
tourist attractions including the popular entertainment area
of The Waterfront, beaches and Table Mountain can be reached
by public transport in 15 to 20 minutes on average.
Travel distances from the school:
- 2 - 10 min.: Metro station, bus stop, restaurants and
coffee shops, banks, hotels, travel agencies, Botanical
Gardens.
- 15 min.: V&A Waterfront, shopping centres, cinema,
theatre, fitness centre, public swimming pool, golf course.
- 20 min.: University of Cape Town, beaches, tennis
courts.
- 25 min.: Wine estates.
Location Profile
- Travelling to school: by Metrorail (5 min. from the
station to the school) or by bus.
- School building: office building in the city centre.
- Disability constraints: suitable for people in a wheel
chair.
Facilities:
- 10 fully equipped classrooms.
- Reception area, break room.
- Lending library and electronic self-study facilities.
- Free Internet and e-mail access.
- Snacks, cooldrinks and lunch can be taken in one of the
many take-aways, pubs or restaurants close by.
2. Southern
suburbs: a relaxed atmosphere
The school is located in two buildings in an upmarked
residential area in the southern suburbs. Both buildings offer
beautiful gardens in which classes regularly take place as
well as a swimming pool. Here students
can study in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, are close to all
types of accommodation and have a commercial centre within
walking distance that offers conveniences such as shopping
centres, restaurants and banks. All major tourist attractions
including popular beaches and the city centre can be reached
by Metrorail in 20 to 30 minutes on average.
Travel distances from the school:
- 2 - 10 min.: Bus stop, metro station, restaurants and
coffee shops, hotels, public swimming pool.
- 10 -15 min.: Shopping centres, banks, travel
- agencies, cinema, fitness centre.
- 15 min.: University of Cape Town, tennis courts, theatre.
- 20 min.: City centre.
- 25 min.: V&A Waterfront, beaches.
Location Profile
- Travelling to school: by Metrorail (5 min. from the
station to the school) or by bus.
- School buildings: 2 buildings with a capacity of 70
students each.
- Disability constraints: not suitable for people in a
wheel chair.
Facilities:
- 18 comfortable classrooms, all with sufficient
- natural light.
- Beautiful gardens in which classes regularly take
- place.
- Reception areas, break room, outdoor pools.
- Lending library and electronic self-study facilities.
- Free Internet and e-mail access, public phone.
- Snacks and cooldrinks can be bought at the school. Lunch
can be taken in one of the many take-aways, pubs or
restaurants close by.
The most valuable asset the school
has are its committed staff members. It is them who make
your stay an unforgettable experience,
and who help students to achieve their goals. All staff
members are regularly trained through in-house workshops and
external international training courses. The outcome of this
is a competent team ready to provide the service students need.
To ensure excellent service there are specialised staff
members for all key areas such as education, accommodation,
activities, work placement and groups. |
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Courses |
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All courses include:
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Pre-course placement test on arrival.
- Course certificate for students who successfully complete the course.
- Teaching materials (coursebook or study file).
- Orientation and welcome pack (including map).
- Access to multimedia study centre
(computers, videos,listening facilities and virtual language
laboratory).
- Free access to e-mail and access to internet.
- Weekly progress test and optional
exit test.
- One-way airport
transfer from Cape Town Int. Airport
There is a comprehensive listening and oral test before
the course begins. This allows you to start in the correct
level right from the outset. On the first day of the course
there is also an introductory meeting.
All ongoing courses are structured around a 4-week
cycle. At the beginning of a cycle all classes start with a
new coursebook and follow that book for the next 4 weeks. At
the end of the cycle, all students write a test. Students
continuing the course either move to the next level or
repeat the same level with a different coursebook.
The course is based on a four-week cycle. Students can
start any Monday but we recommend starting at the beginning
of a cycle. Beginners can only start at the beginning of a
cycle. Please refer to
Dates for recommended starting dates.
We do not recommend starting in the last week of a cycle.
Further more students coming for more than 4 weeks benefit
from starting on a recommended starting date.
- Syllabus
- The lessons include grammar, reading, writing,
listening and vocabulary extension, with a strong focus on
communication. An emphasis is placed on real-life
situations through role-plays, conversations, interviews,
and simulated telephone dialogues.
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- Coursebook lessons
- The first two lessons of each day are of a very
structured nature with students following a prescribed
course book. Two books are used in each level so that
students repeating a level do not repeat material.
Refundable deposit: On the first day, the students
need to provide a deposit of ZAR 500 (EUR 53 / USD 72). The
deposit covers the course book rental, possibly the keys at
the Student Residence or the Student House, pre-booked
excursions and breakage at the host family (by Cash, Visa or
Mastercard)
Not inclusive:
- Cambridge course books: EUR 47 (2 books)
- Normal course books: EUR 40* (1 book)
* If you are paying the deposit for the student residence or
the students house, you will have the chance to borrow the
books for free.
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Standard Course (20 lessons per week)
The Standard course is recommended for students who wish to
improve their general English while having enough time to
enjoy Cape Town. The lessons include grammar, reading,
writing, listening and vocabulary extension, with a strong
focus on communication. An emphasis is placed on real-life
situations through role-plays, conversations, interviews,
and simulated telephone dialogues.
Homework is given 2 to 3 times a week.
You receive a certificate after completion of your
course to confirm the total course hours. For courses of 4
weeks or longer you also receive a detailed course report.
Summary:
- Availability At both centres
- Content General English [coursebook + supplementary
lessons]
- Time 09.00 - 12.40
- Lessons per week 20 lessons of 50 min. each + 2
sessions of self access
- Group size 5-8 students (max. 10)
- Duration 2 - 23 weeks
- Levels Beginner to Advanced
- Minimum age 17 years
Standard PLUS Course
(25 lessons per week)
The Standard-Plus course is recommended for students who
wish to focus on specific areas. It is a
combination of the Standard Course and an additional 5 one-to-one
lessons per week. A total of 25 lessons per week.
For one-to-one lessons, students can choose a focus of
study when booking the course. The exact needs within the
focus of study are then established at the beginning of the
course through a needs analysis.
Available areas:
- General English
- Business English
- Hotel & Tourism
- Secretarial English
- Exam preparation (IELTS+TOEFL are not available)
Summary:
- Availability At both centres
- Content General English [coursebook + supplementary
lessons] + one-to-one with focused area
- Time 09.00 - 12.40 and 13:30 - 14:20
- Lessons per week 25 lessons of
50 min. each + 2 sessions of self access
- Group size 5-8 students (max. 10) (exept
for one-to-one)
- Duration 2 - 23 weeks
- Levels Beginner to Advanced
- Minimum age 17 years
Intensive
Course
(30 lessons per week)
The Intensive Course is recommended for students who want
a more intense study programme. It is a
combination of the Standard Course and an additional 10
intensive group lessons per week. A total of 30 lessons per
week.
In the afternoon, lessons focus on actively using the
language. The training is complemented by discussions around
South African culture, history and current affairs. There
are no lessons on Wednesday afternoons. Students can have a
free afternoon or participate in 2 sessions of self access.
Summary:
- Availability At both centres
- Content General English [coursebook + supplementary
lessons] + Communication and Culture
- Time 09.00 - 12.40 and 13:30 - 15:45 (except
Wednesdays)
- Lessons per week 30 lessons of
50 min. each + 2 sessions of self access
- Group size 5-8 students (max. 10) (exept
for one-to-one)
- Duration 2 - 23 weeks
- Levels Elementary to Advanced
- Minimum age 17 years
Business
Course
(30 lessons per week)
The Business Course is recommended for students who use
English mainly in business situations.
It is a combination of the Standard Course and an additional
10 business English smaller group lessons per week.
The afternoon lessons cover the language skills needed in
the work place such as negotiating, telephoning,
presentations, writing reports, etc. Only experienced
Business Course teachers teach this course. Up to 1 hour of
homework is given per day. There are no lessons on Wednesday
afternoons. Students can have a free afternoon or
participate in 2 sessions of self access.
Summary:
- Availability At both centres
- Content General English [coursebook + supplementary
lessons] + Business English
- Time 09.00 - 12.40 and 13:30 - 15:45 (except
Wednesdays)
- Lessons per week 30 lessons of
50 min. each + 2 sessions of self access
- Group size 5-8 students
and 4-6
students (max. 10) in the afternoon
- Duration 2 - 8 weeks
- Levels Intermediate to Advanced
- Minimum age 17 years
IELTS and
TOEFL Exam Preparation Course
(30 lessons per week)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS
(International English Language Testing System) are widely
recognized English tests that are often required by European
and American universities and companies. The exams can be
taken in Cape Town. 1 - 2 hours of homework is given per day.
There are no lessons on Wednesday afternoons. Students can
have a free afternoon or participate in 2 sessions of self
access.
Summary:
- Availability ONLY in Southern
Suburbs location
- Content General English [coursebook + supplementary
lessons] + Exam Preparation
- Time 09.00 - 12.40 and 13:30 - 15:45 (except
Wednesdays)
- Lessons per week 30 lessons of
50 min. each + 2 sessions of self access
- Group size 5-8 students
and 2-4
students (max. 6)
in the afternoon
- Duration 4 weeks
- Levels Intermediate to Advanced
- Minimum age 17 years
Starting Dates:
07.01., 04.02., 03.03., 31.03., 29.04., 26.05., 23.06.,
21.07., 18.08., 15.09., 13.10., 10.11., 08.12. (Students
can start any Monday but we recommend starting on the
official starting dates. Courses are based on a four week
cycle.
Cambridge Exam
Preparation Course
(30 lessons per week)
Cambridge examination certificates are English language
qualifications which are recognised and highly valued by
many employers around the world.
Our partner is one of the leading
providers of preparation courses in Cape Town for Cambridge
examinations.
The courses are run by specially trained teachers and are
offered as closed courses. From beginning to end all lessons
have one dedicated goal: the offering of the best possible
preparation. Small class sizes ensure personal attention for
all participants and a high pass rate. The exam can be taken
in Cape Town after the course.
Cambridge exams:
- First Certificate in English (FCE) - good Intermediate
to Upper Intermediate level
- Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) - Upper
Intermediate to Advanced level
- Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - Advanced
to Proficiency level
Summary:
- Availability ONLY in Southern
Suburbs location
- Content Cambridge Exam Preparation
- Time 09.00 - 14.20
- Lessons per week 25 lessons of
50 min. each + 2 sessions of self access
- Group size 5-8 students (max.
10)
- Duration 12 weeks
or 10 weeks (January starting date)
- 10 weeks: 02nd January / 12
weeks: 20th March, 18th September
- Levels Intermediate to Advanced
- Minimum age 17 years
All applicants are required to complete two placement
tests before being accepted, which are available by fax or
on-line.
Minimum levels required:
- FCE: good intermediate to upper intermediate level
- CAE: upper intermediate to advanced level
- CPE: advanced to proficient level
The courses are run as closed courses, and all lessons
throughout the course are exclusively for Cambridge
candidates. Specially trained teachers, small class sizes
and personal attention for all participants ensure a high
pass rate. One to two hours of homework complement the
course lessons. The exam can be taken in Cape Town in the
week after the course. Therefore it is required to book 13
weeks of accommodation. For the 10 week course it is
sufficient to book 10 weeks of accommodation as the exam can
be written on Friday and Saturday of the 10th week. It is
important to note that a minimum number of candidates is
required for each exam to take place in Cape Town. However
only CPE candidates might be affected by this. Examination fee
156-180 Euros - 2 course books: EUR 47 |
One-to-One
Course
(min. 15, 20, 25 or 30 lessons per week)
One to one lessons are ideally suited for students who want
to improve as quickly as possible and want the maximum in
personal attention. In these lessons you can specify exactly
what you would like to focus on. You may choose one of the
prescribed focus areas found below before arrival. The exact
needs within the focus of study are established at the
beginning of the course through a needs analysis. Throughout
your stay your needs will constantly be assessed to take
into consideration your changing requirements as the course
progresses.
Available areas:
- General English
- Business English
- Hotel & Tourism
- Secretarial English
- Exam preparation
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NOTE: JUNIOR GROUP
COURSES can be arranged upon request (only for groups)
The Junior Group Programme runs for 4 weeks 3 times a
year. The length of stay can be 13,
20 or 27 nights. The starting date is also flexible but
arrival must be on a Sunday and the full stay must fall
within the 4 weeks of the Junior Group Programme. Lunch and
activities are optional and can be added to the tuition. A
four week sample itinerary can be sent on request.
Instead of the activity packages, groups can also organise their own
itinerary. There is no minimum number of students required per group. |
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Starting Dates |
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 Every Monday, except
BEGINNERS, long-term programs and
Cambridge Course
- Minimum duration of 2 weeks for all
courses exept One-to-One
- Beginners / TOEFL / IELTS starting dates:
7th January, 4th February, 3rd March, 31st March, 29th April, 26th May,
23rd June, 21st July, 18th August,
15th September, 13th October, 10th November, 08th December *
* Students can start
any Monday but we recommend starting on the official starting
dates. Courses are based on a four week cycle.
Notes on dates:
- The following days are public holidays and the school is
closed: 1st January, 21st March,28th April, 1st May, 16th June,
9th August, 24th September, 16th, 25th and 26th
December 2008 (Only One to
One Tuition missed due to public holidays will be made up at
other times. Any other lessons, incl. lessons of the
Standard-Plus Course, will not be made up.
- The school is NOT CLOSING FOR
CHRISTMAS VACATION (except for national Christmas
holidays)
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Activities
+ Excursions |
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 The
social club is open to all students. The social organiser arranges new
activities on a weekly basis. The activities help you to get to know other
students very quickly, to learn more about South Africa, and to further practise
your newly acquired language skills. All activities are optional. Some
activities are free of charge, for others a small fee is payable.
Activities include:
- Excursions to Signal Hill
- Fun with friends
- Social evenings.
- Conversation groups and video afternoons.
- Transfers to entertainment areas.
- Introductory talks of the area.
- Welcome reception once-a-month at the
- beginning of a cycle.
- Supervised self-study.
- Guided outings like township tours, city tours etc.
- Guided full day tours to the Cape of Good Hope
- the Winelands, etc.
On Tuesdays or Wednesdays, all students have the
opportunity to take part in scheduled excursions or guided
tours. These may include a city tour, a sunset cruise, visit
to the theatre, a concert or similar attraction. The guided
tours are accompanied by a professional tour guide and are
available at an extra charge.
- Free social evenings
- On Thursday evenings, students have the opportunity to
meet with a teacher at popular restaurants and pubs.
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- Free shuttle service
- On Fridays, a free shuttle service is offered to provide
students with transport to popular night spots. Students are
taken to 3 popular areas and transfers back to the
accommodation are offered at different times.
Excursions
Excursions are not included in this course but the school
can give you ideas and help in organising
excursions.
- Kruger Park
- This major international tourist attraction offers a wilderness experience
which ranks with the best in Africa. The sight of elephant, lion, leopard,
rhino and buffalo is always a thrill, especially at close range on a conducted
wilderness trail. After an exciting day in the bush, sunset heralds the
crackle of campfire, sundowners and shared anecdotes.
- Garden Route
- Between Heidelberg and Storms River, the Garden Route runs parallel to a
coastline featuring lakes, mountains, tall indigenous forests, amber-coloured
rivers and golden beaches. Meandering trails are followed by hikers, the
forests invite long, leisurely walks, and the lakes and rivers led themselves
to swimming, boating and fishing. A wide range of leisure options, spectacular
scenery and a mild climate guarantee an unforgettable holiday experience.
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 Sun
City
- For tourists looking for glamour and glitz, you'll need to look no further
than Sun City and the fabulous Lost City. Both resorts cater for everyone and
the golf course at the Lost City boasts the only water hazard in the world
that is inhabited by live crocodiles.
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- Drakensberg
- Giant's Castle Game Reserve is a major resort, renowned especially for
more than 5000 Bushman paintings on the walls of caves. The reserve provides
sanctuary for black-backed jackal, caracal and prolific bird life. A bird hide
facilitates the viewing of cliff-dwelling species. The 40-km Giant's Castle
hike takes three days to complete.
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 Accommodation:
click
here
How to get around
- Train (Metrorail)
- The train is a fast, reliable and affordable form of
transport. It links the southern suburbs with the city centre and some
popular beaches. It goes as far as Simon's Town. Tickets can be bought at the
station during the day. Alternatively, it is more economical to buy a monthly
or weekly ticket. Please refer to the train timetable for schedules,
especially on weekends and in the evening.
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- "Mini Bus Taxis”
- These taxis go along all major travel routes. They are a popular, reliable
and inexpensive form of public transport and run frequently during rush hours.
Mini bus taxis do not operate during night times.
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- Taxis
- In the evenings we recommend using taxis. For a telephone number students
can phone the inquiry service: 10118.
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- Bicycle
- For a small fee, bicycles can be rented at the school for short and long
term periods.
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- Car hire
- Besides the big international companies there are also local hiring
services which offer good rates. Students can ask at reception for the best
rates available.
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- Airport Transfer
- Arrival transfer from Cape Town Int. Airport is included one way.
An airport transfer on departure can be booked on
request at an extra charge. However most students arrange the transfer
on departure themselves while in Cape Town. If you wish to
book the airport transfer you must arrive in a certain time periode. Students
who arrive between 21:30 and 07:30, will be charged a late arrival fee of 38
EUROS.
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Our partner school is accredited by
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Founded in 1995 |
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South Africa Tourist Information |
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