Our Courses

We believe that an international language learning experience provides excellent opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. An immersive experience of studying and communicating with other students as well as the locals of the country, equips you with skills you will use throughout your life, especially in the global world we are living in today.

We only work with schools that are reputable and we focus on options best suited to your needs. The social programs available enhance your language ability as well as develop your social and cultural awareness, giving you confidence to use the language in a relaxed setting.

At the UCT English Language Centre, we use a learner-centred approach. It focuses on your individual needs and learning style, and gets you communicating confidently from the start. Whether you want to learn English for conversational or business use, or to complete the IELTS, TOEFL, FCE or CAE exams, there is an English course tailored to your needs.

Standard

On our Standard course you will study 20 lessons a week. The course will teach you English vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation together with the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Semi-Intensive

After studying General English in the morning, you will be able to choose from a range of electives to take for two afternoons a week, to allow you to focus on the English skills that you most want to improve.

Intensive

The intensive course takes place every morning and four afternoons a week. This course is quite demanding and is intended for students who want to improve their English as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Private

Private classes are most appropriate for students who have specific language learning needs, such as needing to learn English for a particular professional context. The timetable is arranged to suit your personal schedule.

At International House Cape Town we are now using the National Geographic (NGL) “Life” series as course books. Students receive the Student Book with answer key and will also have access to NGL’s microsite, filled with incredible, unlimited resources.

National Geographic Learning expressed that “our goal is to bring the world to the classroom, and the classroom to life. We think the world is incredible, and that learning should inspire and amaze. We want students of English and their teachers to experience the excitement and joy of learning through our materials.

Standard

Contextual lessons are balanced to ensure that students improve their ability to apply language structures (grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation) for authentic communication and improve their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The minimum age is 16 and classes have a maximum of 12 students (average 10-12).

Intensive

Intensive English consists of Standard English in the mornings combined with English for Life lessons in the afternoon. Intensive courses will prepare you for life in an increasingly English-speaking world. You will develop the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills you need to feel more confident as you interact in a range of everyday situations in English. You will also have a chance to discuss interesting topics for 21st century life.

Private

One-to-one lessons can be either intensive or additional to group lessons. These lessons are ideal for focusing on English for Specific Purposes (for example Legal English or Medical English) or on English for Academic Purposes, where teachers are able to design their lessons according to students’ specific needs. Private tuition is also beneficial for further work on language (grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation) and/or skills practice (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

Business

The core syllabus of Business English focuses on three main business functions – presentations, meetings, and social exchanges. The syllabus covers the key areas of telephoning, formal and informal meetings, presentations, negotiations, business writing and socialising within the work environment.