Frequently asked questions
Why study English in the UK?
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 Foto: Steven Pepple |
Where can I study?
There are accredited institutions throughout the UK, from the south coast of England to the north of Scotland and also in Wales and Northern Ireland. This means that you can choose the region that best suits your needs.
You can also choose the type of language institution you want to study at: a specialised language school, a college of further education or a university. State and private institutions offer different advantages. In a state institution you will have the chance to mix with UK students studying other subjects. In a private language school there are usually smaller classes and more individual attention and less UK students. Up to the age of sixteen, you will probably learn English in a language centre which runs summer courses. Independent schools also run these courses. You can also learn English at a British Council teaching centre in many countries around the world. If you are over sixteen, you can study at one of the following institutions:
Private language school: Full-time and part-time courses at all levels. Short and long courses. English language only courses will be in the majority.
Private and state language centres: Only short-term courses, normally in the summer, often including social activities and cultural visits. English language courses only.
Independent schools and tutorial colleges: You could study a range of subjects at these schools and colleges, and all your activities would involve using English.
Further education institutions: Full-time and part-time courses from beginners to advanced. They also offer career-based training and academic courses in classes where many students speak English as their first language. If you learn English language with another subject, the course will sometimes be called English Plus.
Higher education institutions: Full-time and part-time courses. Students would be of intermediate level, or better. Many of these institutions specialise in teaching English for Academic Purposes.
What are the different types of courses?
You can learn English language for social, academic or business purposes. You can also study English on its own, or alongside other academic, business or hobby subjects.
Here are some of the options;
General English: For students from complete beginners upwards.
English for Academic Purposes: To help students learn the English they need for academic study.
Pre-university English courses (also called Pre-sessional courses): For students who plan to study in the UK, and who have been asked for a minimum level of English. These courses can last from three weeks to a year.
Support/in session English courses: These are like the courses above, but are usually free. They are to give extra help after the main academic course has started.
English for specific purposes: For people who want to learn English to further a career in areas such as business, travel and tourism, and catering.
English Plus combined courses: English language is only one part of a course. The other part - the 'plus' - could be training for a career or a professional qualification. The 'plus' part of the course could be anything from pottery to politics.
English plus work experience: A general English course combined with study of another subject such as business studies or IT/computing, with work experience
Seasonal or vacation courses: Summer and Easter courses, available for juniors (aged under sixteen) and adults. These courses often include holiday activities, such as sport or sightseeing.
Foundation and access courses: A combination of academic English with study skills and study of an academic or professional subject.
One to one: Personalised individual tuition. Only one teacher and one student.
Where will I live?
Although you can stay with friends or relatives it is probably better to live somewhere where you have to use your English on a daily basis. Almost all institutions running English language courses will help arrange accommodation for their students. There is a wide range of accommodation types available from staying with a family, in college halls or student flats to hotels and hostels. Think about what type of environment you would prefer to stay in.
Contact your chosen institutions for more information.
Can I work?
You can take part-time or holiday work, but you must not: work for more than 20 hours a week during term time unless your placement is part of your studies, has been agreed with your educational institution and leads to a degree or qualification awarded by a nationally recognised examining body do business, be self-employed or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, or work full-time in a permanent job.
If you are coming to the UK as a student for six months or less, you must ask the Entry Clearance Officer for permission to work.
What courses are available for teachers?
You can find many courses to enable you to teach English.
Introductory courses
There are various introductory courses in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) ranging from one week in duration, to four weeks for courses leading to qualifications such as the UCLES CELTA or Trinity Cert TESOL.
Courses for experienced teachers
These include courses leading to the UCLES DELTA and Trinity DipTESOL qualifications as well as refresher courses for overseas teachers, covering topics such as teaching specialised English, young learners, tailor-made group programmes, and methodology or language improvement training courses.
Universities and Colleges also offer similar courses leading to certificate or diploma level qualifications.
What is the food like in the UK?
You will find almost every type of food in the UK and you will find restaurants in the cities and large towns serving food from all over the world. Supermarkets stock vegetables, fruit, spices and other ingredients, and numerous shops specialise in international foods.
(British Council)