Easy Languages

Program

Destination

Manchester is the capital city of the north of England, and only 10% of its population is not British, so it is a good place to learn English. The city has the UK’s largest University complex and a lively atmosphere. It is also surrounded by 4 national parks, beautiful areas of mountains and lakes. Moreover, Manchester is famous for football and popular music, like Manchester United and Oasis.

In 2009, the population was estimated to be 483 000. Manchester today is a centre of the arts, the media, higher education and commerce, factors all contributing to Manchester polling as the second city of the United Kingdom in 2002.

School

Our partner is located in Manchester City Centre, so it is easy for students to enjoy the city around the school. Public transit has an excellent reputation and the commute between the school and student accommodations are about 20 minutes away. The staff is very friendly and available. The school is accredited by the British Council, assuring the quality of the lessons. The classes host a maximum of 14 students with an average class size around 8.

Students come from the world over and so a mix of nationalities is guaranteed, as is the reduced likelihood of encountering your native language.

Courses

When they arrive, the students are put through a diagnostic test to establish their language skill level, both written and spoken. This places them in the appropriate group for lessons, to ensure the material is suited to their ability.

All levels are taught, from complete beginner to advanced students. Each lesson lasts 50 minutes. Three programmes are available:

• Standard courseload: 20 lessons per week
  This is ideal for participants who wish to work on their English, but also enjoy their holiday. Classes take place either in the morning or afternoon (depending on your level), from Monday to Friday, year-round.
  
• Semi-intensive courseload: 30 lessons per week
  This has been conceived for participants who would like to improve their language skills faster. Classes take place in the morning and the afternoon, from Monday to Friday, year-round.
• Intensive courseload: 40 lessons per week
  This is designed for participants who are looking for a very intensive experience. Classes take place in the morning and in the afternoon, from Monday to Friday, year-round.
• Exam preparation: 20 or 30 lessons per week
  You can prepare to take an examination such as the TOEIC, the FCE (morning or afternoon classes; 10 weeks sessions) or the IELTS (upper intermediate level required).
  
  

Activities

In addition to lessons, the school offers an entire programme of activities and excursions including: visits to galleries, museums, nights out, and other activities designed to explore the town and its surroundings, allowing the students to fully immerse themselves in the local culture. These are entirely optional and occasionally subject to additional fees.

Accommodation

2 types of accommodation are offered with this programme:

• Host Family

Staying with a host family is an efficient means for students to regularly communicate with native English speakers and to get to know English culture. The families are carefully selected by our local representative according to strict hospitality criteria. Often they are located close to either the school or the centre of town, depending on the preference of the participant.

The particularly welcoming families will share their daily life with you, and ensure that you practice English as much as possible.

Students stay in a single room, typically with a shared bathroom, and receive half-board during the week and full-board on the weekends.

• Shared House - min. 4 weeks

For more independent students staying more than 4 weeks, it is also possible to stay in a shared house. This option does not include meals, but the residences are fully equipped with kitchens. Bathroom, living room and kitchen will be shared.

Rooms are either single (extra supplement) or shared. Costs of electricity, gas, water and internet (wifi) is included.

This accommodation is booked monthly and according to availability. Make sure you book at least 3 months in advance to be sure of a room.

Prices & Dates

Dates 2012

Courses start every Monday, housing is from Sunday to Saturday.

The school is closed during the Christmas holidays, Easter and public holidays (in 2012: 6/04, 9/04, 7/05, 4-5/06, 27/08, 25-26/12).

Cambridge FCE Examination: dates to come.
IELTS: on request
TOEIC: last Saturday of each month

Prices include:

• The selected academic programme
• The chosen accommodation within a host family or a student house
  
• Host family with half-board during the week and full-board during the weekend, single room, or a student house
• All taxes and enrolment fees
• Internet access throughout the school
  
  

Prices do not include:

• Transportation to and from Manchester (see supplements in the table)
  
• Midday meals during the week (host family option only)
• Books and materials: about 10£
• Exam fee for IELTS, Cambridge, to be paid locally

Practical Info

Transport

• Arrival airport: Manchester
• Transfer possible upon request (see price table)
  
  

VISA Information

EU residents do not need a visa to enter the UK. A valid passport will be enough.

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