Useful Information
Associations
Languageducation.net has selected the best schools in the respective
region. The quality of the courses is guaranteed either by membership
of an independent school association, or by acknowledgment by the
national ministry of education:
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The British Council is the British government
agency responsible for promoting British culture throughout the
world.
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ENGLISH UK was formed in 2004 from two previous
associations (ARELS and BASELT). ENGLISH UK represents private language
schools, educational trusts, charities, further education colleges
and universities. All members are accredited by the British Council
under the Accreditation UK Scheme.
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RELSA (Recognised English Language Schools Association)
is an association of schools teaching English as a foreign language
in Ireland. All member schools are recognized by the Irish Department
of Education.
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ACCET (Accrediting Commission of the Accrediting
Council for Continuing Education and Training) is a group of educational
organisations affiliated for the purpose of improving continuing
education and training. ACCET is recognised by the US Secretary
of Education.
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IALC (International Association of Language Centres)
has over 60 accredited language centres in 21 countries. IALC is
an international association of independent, private schools.
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BAC (The British Accreditation Council) is a
registered charity (non-profit-making organisation) which was established
in 1984 to act as the national accrediting body for independent
further and higher education.
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FELTOM (Federation of English Language Teaching
Organizations) is an association of schools teaching English as
a foreign language in Malta. It is officially recognized by the
Ministry of Education and Ministry of Tourism of Malta.
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ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for
Overseas Students) is the representative body for quality public
and private English language colleges in Australia.
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ACPET (Australian Council for Private Education
and Training) is the national industry association for independent
providers of post-compulsory education and training, for Australian
and international students.
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ENZ (English New Zealand) is a group of well-established,
quality English language schools located across New Zealand. ENZ
is a registered society that incorporates the long-standing organisation
known as FIELSNZ (Federation of Independent English Language Schools
of New Zealand).
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FIELSNZ (Federation of Independent Language Schools
in New Zealand) is an association of private English language schools
in New Zealand, which aims to guarantee quality of service of its
members regarding language instruction, Accommodation and student
counselling.
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ELTASA (English Language Travel Association of
South Africa) is the national association of quality English language
centres in South Africa.
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EAQUALS (European Association for Quality Language
Services) is a pan-European association of language training providers
aiming to promote and guarantee quality in modern language teaching
institutions. EAQUALS members include both state and private institutions
who must comply with the association’s code of conduct and
are subject to inspection.
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CAPLS/ACELP (Canadian Association of Private
Language Schools) is an association of Canadian private language
schools. CAPLS promotes Canada as a destination for foreign students
wishing to study English or French and supports the creation of
standards to ensure the high quality of language training programmes.
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Courses
Language schools offer a wide range of different courses. it is sometimes
not easy to find the most suitable course for you.
In order to help you make the best choice, here is an overall view of
the main types of courses offered by our partner schools:
General and Intensive courses - these courses cover all areas
of language study.
Foundation and Access - programmes with the aim to obtain a University
certificate or diploma.
English for Academic or Specific Purposes - these types of courses
provide language practice in specific subjects (finance, law, banking,
marketing, etc.).
English for Business/Executives - these courses enhance language
level, spoken fluency and communicative skills in a business context.
English Plus/Work Experience - after a general language course,
students have the opportunity to consolidate their language skills during
an internship.
Adult Vacation (age 18+) – general courses for adult combined
with leisure activities (golf, wine tasting, etc).
Junior Vacation (age 5-15) – course for junior students
combined with sports activities and recreational programmes.
One to One – individual courses.
Teachers – teacher training and post graduate courses.
Costs
The following factors influence overall costs quite significantly and
should be carefully taken into consideration:
Cost of living - sometimes you can save a significant amount
by choosing a language course in a country with a low cost of living.
Group sizes - one of the main factors which determines the
price of a language course is the number of students per class.
Included services - airport transfer or study material can
raise costs. Compare the entire price including registration fee, Accommodation
and course price.
Certificates
FCE - Cambridge First Certificate in English
Corresponding to the Swiss pre-university level, the FCE is without doubt
the best known of the Cambridge exams, in that it is recognised in the
majority of countries, where it can open doors both in academic and professional
fields.
CAE - Certificate of Advanced English
The level above the FCE, it is required more and more for undertaking
university studies in Great Britain. Proof of language level in numerous
countries, the CAE is a solid professional asset.
CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English
It requires very good linguistic and cultural knowledge. It constitutes
a direct reference for the majority of British universities and, due
to its renown, for a large number of businesses and institutions.
BEC - Business English Certificate
This series of three exams (three levels) – BEC Preliminary, BEC
Vantage, BEC Higher – was put in place to test English Language
Skills in the context of the business world. These exams are aimed at
adults who work in the business sector or are preparing to do so.
IELTS - International English Language Testing System
It is required for undertaking university studies in certain English-speaking
countries, notably Australia and Great Britain. This exam is designed
to evaluate general skills in oral and written comprehension, as well
as other practical areas such as summaries and written reports. The
grading system is based around points (9.5 points being the maximum
and 5-7 points being the average).
PET - Preliminary English Test
Elementary level, corresponding to the level acquired on finishing business
school.
TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language
The TOEFL represents a precise standard of evaluation of linguistic
level that allows you to commence studies in the majority of American
and Canadian colleges and universities. Numerous companies also use
it as a condition for employment and promotion. Made up of multiple
choice questions, it is divided into three parts and evaluates all aspects
of the language. Generally speaking, candidates sit the test after having
followed a preparation course of at least 4 to 6 weeks and having attained
an intermediate level. The TOEFL awards points to reflect the level
of knowledge. The score obtained is valid for two years. The exam is
offered in two formats, each with a different points scale (paper or
computer).
TOEIC - Test of English in International Communication
The American TOEIC has become the international standard for evaluating
English proficiency in the business and communication worlds. The exam
is composed of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover both oral and
written comprehension. It lasts about 2 ½ hours.
Entry test
On your first day at school, you will be asked to take a written test
in order to have an accurate measure of your initial language level.
Attendance Certificate
An attendance certificate will be awarded to the students at the end of
their language course.
Accommodation
Language schools offer a range of Accommodation options. The most common
options are:
Homestay – either single or double room. Usually Breakfast
and dinner are included.
Residence – usually single room with shared bathroom.
Hotels and youth hostels – Most of the language schools
also offer hotel rooms at a close distance from the school.
Apartments – Many schools rent apartments for students
near the school. Usually you share the bathroom and kitchen with about
3-6 other students.
Health insurance
You should contact your health insurer
and make sure that you are covered abroad.
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