Learn English  in Cape Town - English language school in South Africa

Learn English in Cape Town - English language school in South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa


Minimum Age: 18 years Average Age: 20 – 35 years


| Cape Town | Language School | English Courses | Exam Preparation Courses | Business English Courses | English + Work Experience | Junior English Courses | Dates | Activities/Excursions | Accommodation | Prices | Registration | Visa | Visit Cape Town | South Africa | How To Get Around Cape Town | FAQ

Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most exciting and beautiful travel destinations in the world today. South Africa is a wonderful destination to learn English and meet people from all over the world.

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.

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront by night, Cape Town, South Africa, English language course
South Africa's population is 49 million with 3,5 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.

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.
Clifton, Cape Town, South Africa, Learn English

Language School

The school was founded in 1995 as one of the first English language schools in Cape Town and has since then played a leading role in developing Cape Town as an ever more popular destination.

Our partner school is a founding member of ALTO and EduSA and runs teacher training courses that are approved and moderated by the University of Cambridge ESOL. Please follow this link to see all accreditations of our partner school.

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.

School reception, Language school, Cape Town, South Africa, Language course, English

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.

Our partner school receives students from over 40 countries each year. We can therefore offer a student nationality mix that is unusual for Cape Town. Most students are from Europe, South America and Asia; some students are from African countries. 

The school runs the internationally recognised teacher training course, CELTA

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. Close to the central station.

City centre school, English language school in Cape Town, Language course
More info on the school (please click here)

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.

Southern Suburbs school, English language school, English course, Cape Town, South Africa
More info on the school (please click here)

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. Most teachers have at least a CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

Social Projects
Our partner school starts working with selected social projects. Students who are interested can take part in an introductory tour. They can donate money, get involved with the projects or learn more about social problems in South Africa. Through these projects, students can learn more about previously disadvantaged people in South Africa, can assist financially or with their expertise and can gain first-hand experience of the difficulties that are faced.

Themes
Themes are introduced alternating with social projects. Themes will form a focus for certain lessons and excursions and are intended to give students a deeper insight into specific South African subjects, such as art, history, food, culture and more. 

For more information about the English language school and Cape Town, please go to English language courses in Cape Town.


English Courses

Our priority is to provide lessons of a high standard and our aim is for students to leave Cape Town feeling more confident communicating in English.

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 and Study Year Students 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.

Classroom, Language school, Cape Town, South Africa, Language Course, English

Levels
6 course levels are offered – beginners, elementary, pre-intermediate, intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced.

Syllabus
The lessons are geared towards the needs and interests of the students in each class. There is usually a mix of the four skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking – and of language systems – grammar and vocuabulary, with a strong focus on communication and real-life tasks. At least two books are used in each level so that students repeating a level do not repeat material. The material in the textbooks includes both skills and language work. We constantly review our choices to ensure that the books we use are up-to-date and in line with current theories on language learning. The textbook is supplemented with additional material, either adapted from published material, developed by the school, or designed by the teacher for a particular lesson. This allows teachers to cater more specifically to the needs and interests of the students. It also allows teachers to draw on the South African context, often bringing South African culture and history into the classroom. Homework is given 3 to 4 times per week. Wednesday afternoons are free for excursions or self-study (without guidance). Self-study computers are available and centre directors are available for assistance.

Refundable deposit
On the first day, the students need to provide a refundable deposit of ZAR 500 (EUR 40 / USD 60). The deposit covers the course book rental, possibly the accommodation keys, pre-booked excursions and breakage. Cash is accepted but a VISA or Marstercard are recommended. The deposit will be refunded in full in case of no loss or damage.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There is no minimum number of participants required on any course. However, if there is only one participant for a particular course, one-to-one tuition is given instead of group lessons. The number of lessons is reduced according to the table. Experience has shown that only the beginner level and the exam preparation courses (IELTS, TOEFL) are affected from time to time.

  • Standard Course and morning session of the Standard-Plus, Intensive, Business, IELTS & TOEFL course: 15 one-to-one lessons instead of 20 group lessons
  • Afternoon session of the Intensive, Business, IELTS & TOEFL course: 7 one-to-one lessons instead of 10 group lessons 
  • Cambridge Course: 20 one-to-one lessons instead of 25 group lessons 
To know what's included and what's not included (please click here)

Standard English Language Course (20 lessons per week)

The Standard English Language 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 3 to 4 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.

English language students, Language school, Cape Town, South Africa
More details (please click here)

Intensive English Language Course (30 lessons per week)
The Intensive English Language Course is recommended for students who want a more intense study programme while learning more about the South African context in which they are studying. It is a combination of the Standard Englihs language Course and an additional 10 intensive group lessons per week. A total of 30 lessons per week.

The afternoon (Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri) lessons are less intensive than the morning lessons. Students will usually practise speaking, reading, listening and writing, and the lessons will be based around South African culture, history and current affairs. The lessons may include outings to local cultural sights, lessons using South African videos or songs, or debates on controversial issues in South Africa. There are no lessons on Wednesday afternoons.
Intensive English Course, Language school in Cape Town, South Africa, English language course
More details (please click here)

Standard PLUS English Language Course (25 lessons per week)

The Standard-Plus English Language Course is recommended for students who wish to focus on specific areas. It is a combination of the Standard English Language Course and an additional 5 one-to-one lessons per week. A total of 25 lessons per week.

For one-to-one teaching, the lessons are designed around the specifi c needs and wants of the student. A syllabus is decided on in consultation with the student at the beginning of the course through a needs analysis.

English teacher & students, Language school, Cape Town, South Africa, Language course, English
More details (please click here)

Study Year (20, 25 or 30 lessons per week)

The Study Year programme is recommended for people who wish to study on an English language course for 24 weeks or more. It is also an appropriate course for those who wish to enter a South African University or College.

Students can choose from three options:

  • Standard Study Year: 20 group lessons per week
  • Intensive Study Year: 30 group lessons per week
  • Standard PLUS Study Year: 25 lessons per week: 20 group + 5 one-to-one lessons

We have designed a teaching programme, which is based on a four-week cycle and long-term students are required to start at the beginning of a cycle.

At the end of every 4-week cycle students complete a comprehensive test. This is to gauge their progress and to advise the student on where to focus their study.

Starting dates (please click here)

Details:

  • Availability: at both centres
  • Content as per Standard, Intensive or Standard PLUS English Language Course on long-term basis 
  • Timetable:
    • Standard: 09h00 - 12h40 /
    • Intensive: 09h00 - 12h40 and 13h30 - 15h45 (except Wednesdays) /
    • Standard PLUS: 09h00 - 12h40 (group lessons) and 13h30 - 14h20 or 14h30 – 15h20 (one-to-one lessons)
  • Lessons per week 20, 25 or 30 lessons of 50 min. each
  • Group size 5-8 students (max. 10) 
  • Duration: 24 - 48weeks 
  • Levels Beginner to Advanced

Advantages:

  • Course fees are reduced by up to 40%.
  • A number of free services are included.
  • Regular tests show students’ progress.
Free services for Study Year students (please click here)

One-to-One English 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.

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.

School lounge, English language school, Cape Town, South Africa, Language course, English
More Details (please click here)


Exam Preparation Courses

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. For further information please visit: www.brithishcouncil.org/new/ for IELTS and www.toefl.org for TOEFL.

Homework is given 3 to 4 times per week. There are no lessons on Wednesday afternoons. Students can have a free afternoon or practice at the self-study computers.

Examination Fees: TOEFL USD 160 / IELTS ZAR 1900 (Prices as of August 2009, subject to change) 

English language students with teacher, IELTS & TOEFL Preparation, School in Cape town, South Africa, English Course
More details & starting dates (please click here)

Cambridge Exam Preparation Course (25 lessons per week)
Cambridge examination certificates are English language qualifications which are recognised and highly valued by many employers around the world. Our partner school 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. Where possible, exams take place in the last week of the course. Therefore students can return home on the Sunday of their last course week.

The following courses require an extra week of accommodation: FCE starting 13 Sept., all CAE courses except the one starting 04 Jan., all CPE courses.

Internet facilities at the schools in Cape Town, South Africa, Language course, English
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

All applicants are required to complete a two placement tests before being accepted, which are available by fax or email.

More details & Starting Dates (please click here)


Business English Courses

Business English Language Course (30 lessons per week)

The Business English Language Course is recommended for students who use English mainly in business situations. It is a combination of the English Standard Course and an additional 10 business English 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.

Homework is given 3 to 4 times per week. There are no lessons on Wednesday afternoons. Students can have a free afternoon or practice at the self-study computers.

Business English Courses in Cape Town, South Africa
Please follow this link for further information on our young professional course in Cape Town.
More details (please click here)


English + Work Experience

Internship South Africa (min. 8 weeks)

Our partner school has been offering internship programs for over 10 years and has built up a comprehensive database of local companies.

Depending on the client´s qualification, experience and local factors, many placement requests can be fulfilled.

Details:

  • Minimum age: 21 years
  • Minimum level of English: upper-intermediate
  • Internship Placement Fee: EUR 600
Internship in Cape Town, South Africa, English language course

For further information on our internship program in South Africa, please refer to our pdf file Professional internship in Cape Town, South Africa.

For general information on our paid work programs please refer to our Study & Work abroad page.

Work South Africa

Work South Africa is a one year, working holiday programme, available to full time tertiary students or graduates only. The majority of Work South Africa applicants find work in the hospitality industry, either working in one of the many vibrant bars, restaurants and nightclubs in Cape Town, or within the lively backpacking industry within South Africa.

Details:

  • Age restriction: 18-25 years.
  • Minimum level of English: upper-intermediate
  • Work Placement Fee: EUR 500

For further information on our paid work program in South Africa, please refer to our pdf file Paid work placement in Cape Town, South Africa.

For general information on our paid work programs please refer to our Study & Work abroad page.

Volunteer South Africa (min. 2 weeks)

This is the ideal travel opportunity for those who don´t just want to sightsee in Africa, but who want to have a worthwhile experience in African community development and volunteer time and energy whilst visiting the beautiful continent.

Details:

  • Minimum Age: 18 years
  • Minimum level of English: upper-intermediate
  • Volunteer Placement Fee: depending on program duration and volunteer project. 

For further information on our volunteer program in South Africa, please refer to our pdf file Volunteer Placement in Cape Town, South Africa.

For general information on our paid work programs please refer to our Study & Work abroad page.


Junior English Courses

JUNIOR GROUP ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES (14-16 years)

JUNIOR GROUP COURSES can be arranged upon request (only for groups)

Juniors are taught in closed groups. Therefore they either need to be of a similar level of English, or they are divided into different levels, which is only possible for larger groups. A minimum number of 10 students is required per group.

The starting dates are flexible but arrival must be on a Saturday or Sunday. Minimum stay is 2 weeks. Lunch and activities are optional and can be added to the tuition. Instead of the activity packages, groups can also organise their own itinerary.

Please contact us at Email info for further information

Junior Group Courses in Cape Town, South Africa, English language course for juniors

Dates

Every Monday, except BEGINNERS, Study Year Programs, Exam Preparation Courses.

Minimum duration of 2 weeks for all courses except One-to-One.

Starting Dates in 2010 (beginners, Study Year, IELTS & TOEFL Preparation Courses)
 JanFeb March April May June July
Aug Sept
Oct
Nov
 Dec
04
01
01
26
24
21
19
16
13
11
08
06
  29
         
Students can start any Monday but we recommend starting on the official starting dates. Courses are based on a four week cycle.
Holidays in 2010
 JanFeb March April May June July
Aug Sept
Oct
Nov
 Dec
01
 2202
01
16
 09
24
  16
    05       25
   27
       27

The school is closed on Public Holidays. When Monday is a public holiday, courses start on a Tuesday. One-to-one tuition missed due to public holidays will be made up.

The school is NOT CLOSING FOR CHRISTMAS VACATION (except for national Christmas holidays)


Activities/Excursions

Students want to improve their English as quickly and efficiently as possible. At the same time they would
like to get in touch with local people and learn more about South African culture. The Social Club of our partner school organises activities on an almost daily basis to enable students to do just that.

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 (transport + entrance fees). All activities are subject to availability and require a minimum number of participants. All guided tours start at both centres.

Bicycles can be hired at the school for a small fee. Assistance is provided in organising leisure time activities, car rentals, private tours, etc. 

Excursion to Seal Island, Activities in Cape Town, South Africa, Language Course, English

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.
The Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town, South Africa, Language course, English
Activities in Cape Town, South Africa, English Language School
More details (please click here)

More info on Airport Transfers (please click here)

Visa info, please click here

More info on vaccinations (please click here)

Our partner school is accredited by :                                                            Founded in 1995

IALC WYSETC ALTO
Wyse Work Abroad logo EduSA logo Tourism Cape Town logo

South Africa Tourist Information 

Back to Top


|
|
|
|
|
Bookmark and Share
|
|
Destinations
Spanish Courses
English Courses
French Courses
German Courses
Italian Courses
Russian Courses
Chinese Courses
Portugese Course
Special Offers
Accommodation
Spanish Programs
English Programs
French Programs
German Programs
Italian Programs
Russian Programs
Chinese Courses
Prices
Spanish Programs
English Programs
French Programs
German Programs
Italian Programs
Russian Programs
Chinese Courses
Testimonials
REQUEST
REGISTRATION
Brochure
Service + Info
Accommodation
Booking
Course Levels
Course Types
FAQ
Flights
Insurance
Language Exams
Quality Marks
Travel Info
Useful Links
Visa Info
Save Money
Executives
Juniors
Teacher Training
Work Experience
Best Ager / 50+
Call toll free