Easy Languages

School

Location

With a population of 500,000, Bristol is the second biggest city in the south of England after London, which is only 90 minutes away. Bristol is a vibrant city with a high standard of living. Popular with the English, it is a very British city with few foreign tourists. A major University city with 50,000 students, Bristol is famous for its shopping, theatres, night life and music scenes - you can easily see a different band every night of the week: local bands include Massive Attack and Portishead. However the city also takes pride in its numerous festivals, pubs, restaurants, museums, and sports.

School

Our partner school provides the best environment for motivated students to progress rapidly in their English. With an exceptional atmosphere and passion for teaching, the family-run school has been welcoming students to study English for over 40 years. This school is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in your English studies, and advance quickly to the next level. Specifically aimed at higher elementary to very advanced students, the school offers intensive English language courses and examination preparation courses for the IELTS and Cambridge exams. According to your level, the school provides additional afternoon lessons which aim to expand and deepen your knowledge in certain areas of use. All of our teachers are native speakers and qualified graduates, but what is maybe more important is that they are experienced and that they care.

According to the latest British Council inspection report, points of excellence were noted in general management, academic management, teaching, pastoral care, accommodation and the leisure programme. The school is located in two old buildings, close to the University in Clifton, the best area of town. Much care has been taken to equip both the buildings with the facilities that are needed to support language learning both inside and outside the classroom. There are common rooms, study centres and gardens in both schools and two computer rooms as well as free wi-fi access. There are many bars, cafés and shops in the area, and the school is also a member of the University Student Union, which is located only 5 minutes away, and has its own additional facilities which the students have free access to.

Course

There are lessons every morning and on four afternoons a week. Except for complete beginners, the school caters to all levels from elementary to advanced, with several classes at each level. On the first day, you will be given a test so that you can be placed in a language class at the right level. Average class size is 10 people, and maximum 14 people during high season.

• General English : 28 English language lessons of 45 minutes per week. Higher level students can choose from a range of electives on two afternoons a week, including Business English, Academic English, or British Life and Culture (film, literature, music, conversation, etc.). Lower level students focus on developing conversation and writing skills.

• Cambridge FCE, CAE, CPE : Students who are preparing for one of the Cambridge exams will follow a course book in the morning classes which will cover the Cambridge syllabus. On two afternoons a week, students get additional practice for the writing paper and on the other two afternoons they can choose one of the elective classes : Business English, British Life and Culture (film, literature, music, conversation, etc.).

• IELTS: minimum period of enrolment of 4 weeks. This is an intensive and demanding course, and students should be at least at Upper-Intermediate level. 28 lessons per week - includes 24 lessons of IELTS preparation and 4 lessons of electives. This programme is suitable specifically for students preparing for the IELTS exam and also for students going on to study in English in further education. The course includes: grammar, reading, writing and listening skills, one to one tutorials.

• Cambridge BULATS: it is an on-line, widely recognized, user-friendly English test used by companies and individuals looking for a fast, reliable and a cost effective way of assessing language skills. The computer based test assesses communication skills that are needed in real business situations. Bulats preparation is available for students who are upper-intermediate and above who take our business elective class.

• Combination course: you have the normal 28 lessons in class with other students, but you also have an additional 6 lessons per week private tuition with your own private English tutor. These private lessons are usually held after school from 3:45 PM to 5.15 PM (Monday to Thursday).Combination courses are not available in July and August.

Activities

An exciting social programme is arranged every week. It includes a walking tour, regular sports, two evening activites, Friday film club and an excursion on Saturdays. There are 50,000 English students in Bristol and because the school is a member of the University Student Union, you can join the societies which at the University – the perfect way to find people who have the same interests as you and make friends. Bristol is famous for its night life and music scene.

Accommodation

Accommodation is all within walking distance of the school, maximum 30 minutes, and the city centre is just 20 minutes on foot. This makes it very easy, convenient and cheap to get around the city and makes Bristol a very popular destination for students.

• Student houses and flats (residence, self catering). These facilities allow you to have more independence, enabling you to cook your own meals and spend your time together with other students and friends. Some houses have private showers or complete en suite bathrooms in every room. Many houses have wi-fi internet access and TVs in every bedroom. All our houses have washing machines.

• Hall of Residence (self catering): The Hall of Residence is a historic house with magnificent grounds and 100 rooms for our students and is only 10 minutes’ walk from the school. Only available in summer (2 July – 17 September).

• Homestay accommodation includes a single room, breakfast and evening meal. Staying with one of our friendly homestays represents the best way to experience the British way of life. This option is available for a small additional fee.

Prices 2012

Prices include:

• Courses
• Accommodation in a residence (no meals, shared kitchen); host family option with half-board (2 meals a day) also available [see price table].
  
• Course book and teaching materials
• Certificate of attendance
  
• All administrative and enrolment fees
  

Prices do not include

• Transportation to and within Bristol
• Optional exam fees (Cambridge, IELTS)

Dates 2012

Minimum duration: 2 weeks

Main course starting dates: 3/01, 19/03, 11/06, 9/07, 30/07, 28/08, 17/09. Elementary level students must start their English language course on a main starting date.

Alternative starting dates: other students can start any Monday.

Public Holidays: 2/01, 6 & 9/04, 07/05, 4 & 5/06, 27/08, 24-28/12

Cambridge Exam preparation sessions (FCE, CAE, CPE):

• IELTS examination: every month, lessons start minimum 4 weeks before the exam date
  
• FCE : 3/01 & 9/03 (10 weeks), 19/03 & 8/06 (12 weeks*), 11/06, 24/08 (11 weeks), 17/09, 7/12 (12 weeks)
• CAE : 3/01 & 16/03 (11 weeks), 19/03 & 8/06 (12 weeks), 11/06 & 24/08 (11 weeks), 17/09 & 7/12 (12 weeks)
• CPE : 3/01 & 9/03 (10 weeks), 19/03 & 8/06 (12 weeks), 17/09 & 7/12 (12 weeks)
• BULATS: flexible dates, on request
  

* In June the exams are held in the week after the end of the course, so students should book an extra week’s accommodation (if required).

Cambridge English exam preparation courses are not ’closed’, which means that students can join the course at a later date if they are not able to attend for the full period.

The language centre is closed on public holidays. However, a free excursion/activity is usually arranged.

Info

Complete beginners are not eligible to enrol for this programme.

Transport

• Arrival airport: London (all airports and stations)
• Transfer possible upon request (see price table)
  

VISA Information

For non-EU residents, you can apply for a Student Visitor Visa to enter the UK. It is valid for 6 months, even if you intend to stay for less time. It does not entitle you to work. We do not include any VISA application fees in our prices.

For more information, either inquire at your local British Embassy or consult the following website:http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk