English
Language Schools
in
the UK
The
UK has been at the very forefront of the research and development
of English language study for many years and has pioneered
many advances in the theory and practice of teaching English
as a second language. These advances have been made in both
the mainstream university sector and in the private language
school sector which boasts some of the most prestigious names
in English language teaching world such as The Bell and International
House. Due to its location and its unique status as being
the "home" of the English language and the importance of being
able to communicate in English in the modern business community,
the UK has become a Mecca for students from all over the world
wanting to improve their English. Every year hundreds of thousands
(check?) of language students improve their English in the
UK either to go onto higher education, to improve the job
opportunities or just for fun. There are three main types
of English schools in the UK, all with their own special selling
points, so that there is a school to suit everybody.
UK
Private Language Schools:
Private language
schools have been around in the UK for many years and some
of the older ones have been instrumental in developing and
promoting new ideas and techniques in English language teaching.
They should not be compared with "bu-shi-bans" in Taiwan many
of which teach using dated techniques and materials and unqualified
teachers.
There are more
than 1000 private language schools in the UK, but only about
200 (check figures) are recognised by ARELS. They come in
all shapes and sizes and in all parts of the UK. From Scotland
and Northern Ireland down to the south coast of England where
many are located. Some are owned by large organisations and
others are owner-operated models. They deliver high quality
year round courses in general English or can also prepare
students for examinations and for university preparation.
Students can study for as little as two weeks or for as long
as they wish. Most schools provide summer programmes which
combine study with sports and sight-seeing for students of
all ages. Generally they use homestays for accommodation although
some have dormitory places on university campuses or provide
accommodation in hotel rooms.
UK
University Based Language Centres:
The majority of
University based English language centres offer language support
for non-native speaking students for the duration of their
academic studies and pre-sessional language courses for students
who are about to embark upon an academic course and need to
improve their language before they start. The pre-sessional
courses last for varying lengths of time from a few weeks
to nine months and the length of time the students need to
spend on the course will depend upon their level of English
when applying. Most University language courses will expect
the student to provide proof of language ability before being
let onto a course. If the student's English is too low they
will be expected to improve it before starting the course.
Some university language centres provide year round general
English programmes similar to those at private language schools
although these tend to be more academically oriented. Accommodation
is generally in student dormitories on campus, but some may
be able to provide homestay accommodation or provide help
finding private accommodation.
UK
Community (FE/HE) College Language Centres:
Many community
colleges have language centres, however the focus of some
of them is not necessarily on the overseas study market. Some
are in place to provide language classes for local immigrants
to help them settle down in the UK. The community college
centres often have very good facilities which may be used
by students and students can often take extra "vocational"
classes for a nominal fee. Accommodation is usually in homestay
or help is given finding private accommodation.
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