When first looking at all the courses offered by all the schools around the world, you may wonder how can I decide which course is the best for me. Although these courses and teaching methods vary from school to school there are really only about 9 different courses offered. These courses are outlined below to help you decide which is best for you.

(1.) GENERAL ENGLISH - E.S.L or E.F.L
(English as a second language or English as a Foreign Language)

This is probably the most common course taken by overseas students at a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level wishing to improve their everyday English. Classroom activities concentrate on developing all of the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Most schools will use a core textbook. Some of the areas of English focused on include grammar, pronunciation, sentence structure, idioms, oral and written expression. Many opportunities are provided for students to practice their English in real-life situations outside of the classroom. Opportunities for discussions with other people of that country, as well as other international students, are a key component of overseas study. Most schools provide a wide range of levels usually from a Beginner level (Level 1) to an Advanced level (Level 11 or more). Students are tested on their first day of school to determine which level is the most appropriate for them. For longer periods of study testing is given to students on a regular basis to assess their progress and move them to a more suitable level if needed.

(2.) TEST PREPARATION COURSES - ACADEMIC ENGLISH

There are many different types of English exams that test an individual's English level depending on what the students' objectives and goals are. Therefore many schools offer a wide variety of courses that help the student prepare for the particular test he or she plans on taking. By successfully passing these tests the student is able to proceed onto further studies usually in College or University. We have listed the most common tests and programs below.

(a) IELTS - Preparation Course
(International English Language Testing System)

This course is for students who's English level is at an Intermediate or higher level and helps prepare the student for the IELTS examination. This course usually has a minimum length of time per session. Class work follows the format of the IELTS exam (Reading, Writing, Interview and Listening), with some practice of IELTS-style exercises. Emphasis on skills like writing analytical essays, note-taking skills, describing figures and graphs, reading academic texts for general meaning and specific information, asking questions and participating in discussions, and presenting organized, developed answers to questions.

(b) TOEFL - Preparation Course
(Test of English as a Foreign Language)

This course is for students who's English level is at an Intermediate or higher level and are interested in taking the TOEFL exam. This course usually has a minimum length of time per session, and focuses on the main components relevant to the TOEFL test. In order to reach the necessary level of proficiency to pass this exam, students may need to enroll in this program for several sessions. A wide range of language, from idiomatic, informal English, to very literary, formal English, is introduced and practiced. The course focuses primarily on the following skills:

Listening Comprehension - Assists in developing the student's ability to understand spoken English and familiarizes the student with the type of listening exercises that are on the TOEFL.

Structure and Written Expression - Tests the student's knowledge of correct English structure and develops his/her ability to recognize grammatically correct English sentences.

Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension - Develops the student's ability to understand written English with a focus on vocabulary expansion and reading strategies.

Test of Written English - Assists the student in developing his/her ability to write an essay on a given topic in correct and meaningful English.

Test Strategy - This portion of the course reviews various test strategies along with practice exercises will help the student succeed on the TOEFL test. Schools provide a number of practice tests that enable the student to determine when they are prepared to take the actual test. Most schools also provide opportunities to take the actual TOEFL test at the school.

(c) TOEIC - Preparation Course
(Test of English International Communication)

Used by companies around the world, the TOEIC exam tests students for English communication skills in a business context. The TOEIC preparation course is very similar to the TOEFL preparation course but with more emphasis on practical business related English needed to successfully pass the TOEIC exam. If you are planning on a successful career in business this is the course that is the most suitable. The students' English level must be at an Intermediate or higher level. This course usually has a minimum length of time per session and focuses on language skills relevant to the TOEIC test. In order to reach the necessary level of proficiency to pass this exam, students may need to enroll in this program for several sessions. The course focuses primarily on the following skills:

Listening Comprehension - Assists in developing the student's ability to understand spoken English and familiarizes the student with the type of listening exercises that are on the TOEIC test (Picture, Question-Response, Short Conversations and Short Talks).

Reading - Develops the student's ability to understand written English, with a focus on Vocabulary and Comprehension.

Grammar - Tests the student's knowledge of correct English, with a focus on Vocabulary and Comprehension.

Test Strategy - This portion of the course reviews various test strategies along with practice exercises will help the student succeed on the TOEIC test. Schools provide a number of practice tests that enable the student to determine when they are prepared to take the actual test. Most schools also provide opportunities to take the actual TOEFL test at the school.Top of Page

(d) Cambridge examinations courses - CPE, FCE or CAE courses
An introduction for intermediate students to the kinds of English employed in a variety of academic disciplines. The emphasis is on skills development, although the choice of topics and lexical focus partially anticipates the content of the academic CPE, FCE or CAE examinations.

These intensive and comprehensive programs are specifically designed for students interested in taking the Cambridge examinations. The students' English level should be at the upper Intermediate range. The format of the exams (Use of English, Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) is introduced and the classes are designed to teach the skills and language necessary to pass the exams. These include interview techniques, essay writing, reading for gist and for specific information, grammar and vocabulary, idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs. Schools provide a number of practice tests that enable the student to determine when they are prepared to take the actual test. Most schools also provide opportunities to take the actual FCE and CAE tests at the school.

Description of Cambridge Examination courses:

Certificate of Proficiency (CPE).

This is the highest level of general English exam offered by the University of Cambridge. It is recognized as an entrance requirement by British universities and for business and academic purposes overseas. For details of the exam content and assessment, please see the official University of Cambridge FCE Exam Site.
Cambridge Advanced Examination (CAE).

This is a more advanced exam, intended for those students who need English for professional or study purposes. It is recognized by most British universities as the English Language entry requirement. For details of the exam content and assessment, please see the official University of Cambridge CAE Exam Site.
Cambridge First Certificate (FCE).

This is the most popular of the Cambridge exams. It is widely recognized in business circles, and also in British educational institutions, as evidence of English language skills at an intermediate level. For details of the exam content and assessment, please see the official University of Cambridge FCE Exam Site.

These courses focuses on: structures of formal English; expansion of technical vocabulary; discursive, descriptive and process writing; reading for gist and detail; listening for tone and attitude public speaking; basic study skills; time management.

(3.) COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Students at an advanced level study a customized curriculum designed to help them attain English proficiency to continue onto to further their education at college or university. Various teaching methodologies are practiced throughout this program. Students will focus on grammar, pronunciation, idioms, colloquial English, sentence structure, oral and written expression (essays and oral presentations through public speaking). Students are also introduced to the study of literature (novels, short stories and plays) and prepared in areas of note-taking, evaluation and study techniques for success in college or university level programs.

(4.) HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT PROGRAM
This program is intended for the student wishing to obtain high school credits in another country. This is a full time program usually at least 4 courses must be taken each semester. This course will enable the student to obtain High School credits, which can be used to prepare for further study at University or College in that country. Courses offered vary from English, Math, Art, and Science. The students must have a reasonably good level of English to be accepted into this program.

(5.) BUSINESS ENGLISH
This program is for students who want to improve their English skills required for day-to-day business communications. The program includes an introduction of business related articles, writing, vocabulary, and role-plays set in the work place. You will gain confidence and a better understanding of different business situations. Most schools base this courses content on the Cambridge Business English (BEC) examination. The course uses authentic materials, role-plays and simulations to provide a realistic preparation for those needing to use English in the work-place.

Topics covered include: letters, faxes, and memos; telephone technique; international trade; marketing; meetings; sales and negotiation


(6.) STUDY TOUR PROGRAM

This program combines in class English study in the morning with outdoor activities and tours in the afternoons for students usually ranging from 11 years old to 17 years old. The student can also have the option of just studying part-time or full-time with no activities. The range of activities ranges from location to location, but all the activities are fun, safe, and educational. Most of these courses are run in the summer time only, however some locations do offer a special winter program. The courses are usually one week to eight week long during the winter and summer holidays (June-August) and December - January. There is a different activity each afternoon. Teachers accompany students in the afternoon on each activity. There is a special emphasis on personal care of all students; their pocket money, free time and selection of friendly, experienced host families.

(7.) GROUP STUDY TOURS

Open to groups of students of any aged 11 years and above at any time of the year. Groups can be arranged for 1 week or more, and can be totally designed to suit the requirements of the group. Study Tours combine English lessons, Homestay accommodation, sightseeing, excursions, cultural visits, and sporting activities. Minimum group size varies from school to school however the average minimum is approximately 12 students.

(8.) TEACHER TRANING

This program is for students who want to prepare themselves to teach English as a second language back in their home country. The program concentrates on development of language learning styles, teaching methodology, language skills for students, and practical skills required for teachers. You must have a very high level of English in order to enroll in this course.

An initial training course designed for those with little or no previous teaching experience. It is also suitable for people who have already been teaching English but have no formal teaching qualifications. Although designed for native speakers of English, it is also open to non-native speakers of English who have native speaker competence in both their spoken and written English.

These courses are designed for both non-native and native speaker teachers who want a refresher course or to learn about communicative language teaching. Includes a focus on teaching language and skills, and developing teacher confidence with English language and terminology.

Some schools offer teaching certificates (TESL or TEFL)upon successful completion of the course.

(9.) PRIVATE INSTRUCTION / ONE-TO-ONE PROGRAM
Some schools will provide individual programs on a one-to -one basis. This intensive language training utilizes individual tutoring on an as-need basis is the central point of this program, which is available to students of all levels of ability. Student's progress at their own pace and through careful monitoring of students' progress teachers are able to customize the curriculum to each individual student's ability and preference.