Cape Town - Language Course Directory

Learn English in
Cape Town
ENGLISH COURSES FOR ADULTS
LONDON - CAMBRIDGE - BRIGHTON - MALTA - CAPE TOWN
CONTENTS
About EC Cape Town
3
Welcome to Cape Town
EC Cape Town
Courses
Accommodation
10
Get the Facts
12
Next Steps
1
Greetings from EC Cape Town,
We would like to take this opportunity to
welcome you to our wonderful city.
Our teachers are available for everything English
related! Chris, Tonia, Vivi, Una, Joleen, Phillip
and Tania, our full-time teachers, have lots
of experience teaching English as a second
Personally, I am very excited to be in Cape Town
language. They love meeting students from all
and enjoy welcoming students to the school.
over the world, helping people to discover the
Cape Town is rapidly becoming an important
language and creating the right conditions for
student destination to learn English and at EC;
students to flourish and develop their English
we guarantee interesting lessons, a full social
skills.
programme and excellent customer support
throughout a students stay.
We look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town
very soon!
Formerly the General Manager at EC Brighton, I
made the move to South Africa in 2006, bringing
with me 22 years of experience in the English
language sector, as well as personal experience of
Sue Camilleri - General Manager
living in Africa.
Zubeida and Eileen, our student welfare and
administrative team are always available
for enquiries related to health, welfare,
accommodation, activities, visas and more; even
if it is a restaurant recommendation or a tip about
where to buy the best souvenirs!
“In our 100 years of combined
experience EC has welcomed
over 0,000 students from
over different countries.”
3
WELCOME TO
CAPE TOWN
Cape Town has to be one of the most stunning
cities in the world perched as it is at the very
tip of Africa and cradled between landmark
mountains and wild oceans. Certainly the world’s
tourists think so. In recent years, Cape Town has
consistently ranked among the globe’s top city
holiday destinations, alongside New York, Venice,
Paris and Sydney.
Apart from being famed for its dramatic setting
From whale watching, hiking, mountain climbing,
on a peninsula dividing two oceans, Cape Town is
paragliding and diving with sharks, to sauntering
renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and vibrant
along its famous wine routes, dining with
multicultural lifestyle. Of all South Africa’s cities, it
incredible views, joining in street life, visiting
is here that you really get the sense of the country
townships, watching world-class cultural events
as ‘The Rainbow Nation’. Cape Town’s vast mix
and doing a spot of great shopping, Cape Town
of cultures and ethnic diversity give it a particular
has it all.
charisma.
As the sum of many parts, Cape Town is an ideal
Whatever your dream holiday activity, Cape Town
destination for language learning vacations, and at
can probably come up with the goods! From the
any time of year. The winter months are temperate
city and its immediate area, you can take in Cape
and perfect for exploring the natural land and
Town’s past as the ‘Mother City’ to South Africa,
seascape and embarking on more high-octane
as well as discover some of the world’s most
activities, while summer brings out the city’s
amazing, natural attractions such as the Whale
cultural life to the full and is perfect for easing
Coast and Table Mountain.
yourself into its unique, relaxed way of life.
EC CAPE TOWN
EC Cape Town, established in 2002 is located in a
modern purpose-built building in the heart of the city
centre. From this great location it is easy to explore
this lively city. Within the immediate vicinity students
will find everything they need including internet
cafés, shops, a post office, sandwich bars and
more. Long Street packed with trendy cafés and an
amazing array of shops is only 2 minutes’ walk away.
At EC Cape Town the maximum class size is 10
students. All 15 classrooms are fully equipped and
students also have free internet and Wi-Fi access.
Students are encouraged to use our library and
resource facilities. The Café on the ground floor is
a perfect place to enjoy a coffee, or students can
choose to relax in the beautiful student lounge.
We offer a comprehensive service to our students,
providing all the information needed to enjoy their
studies, starting with a welcome talk on their first
day. We can arrange a variety of accommodation
options and a full and varied activity programme.
EC Cape Town
Nationality Mix
Centre Info
Minimum age: 18 (16 low season)
Established: 2002
Centre capacity: 150
Class size: max 10
Amenities:
• Internet access
• Student computers: 8
• Wi-Fi hot spots
• Student lounge
• Library resources
German 12%
Chinese 6%
Swiss 12%
Japanese 6%
Angolan 10%
Brazilian 5%
Saudi 6%
Italian 5%
Mozambique 6%
Korean 4%
Other 14%
Courses
Information is based on projected student weeks for 2007. The nationality mix
• General English
• Intensive English
• One-to-One (in low season)
(General / Business English)
• Academic Year
• Multi-Destination
• Exam Preparation
(Cambridge ESOL, IELTS,TOEFL)
varies over different time periods and courses. In 2006 EC Cape Town welcomed
students from a total of 24 different countries.
Optional activities
• Robben Island by boat • Table Mountain by cable car • Cape Point day trip
• Vineyard tour • Township tour • Day safari trip • Dive with Great White shark
Included in course
Travel time from airports to EC
• Course book and materials
• Welcome lunch
• Airport transfers
(arrival & departure)
• Free internet access
• Average 20 minutes off-peak, 1 hour at peak times by taxi
Accommodation options
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• Homestay • Superior Homestay • Superior Residence • Hotels
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EC COURSES
General English
General English is our standard course which
General English Timetable
2 lessons Break
2 lessons
gives a solid foundation in all aspects of the
• Beginner to Advanced levels
English language. The course provides the
• Minimum 1 week
essential structures and vocabulary needed,
• 20 lessons per week
whilst practicing all four language skills: speaking,
• Max 8 in class
listening, reading, and writing. The course is
designed to improve your level and to maximise
your ability to use all the English you know.
Intensive English
Make the most of your time with this fast-track
Intensive English Timetable
2 lessons
Break 2 lessons
Break 2 lessons*
learning course. This course gives you the
• Beginner to Advanced levels
advantage of 2 extra lessons in the afternoon (30
• Minimum 1 week
lessons a week). During the extra two lessons,
• 30 lessons per week
your teacher will instruct you how to integrate
• Max 8 in class
* Lessons 5 & 6
Integrated Skills
your language skills. This will increase your ability
to communicate, comprehend and to use all four
language skills with greater fluency, accuracy,
organisation and confidence.
One-to-One &
Business One-to-One
One-to-One tuition is the ultimate course for
making maximum progress in a short time. This
is the most flexible and personal course option;
One-to-One Timetable
2 lessons Break 2 lessons Break 2 lessons Break 2 lessons
• Beginner to Advanced levels
Minimum Level: Lower
Intermediate for Business
One-to-One
you can choose to study 20, 30, 40 or 50 lessons
• Minimum 1 week
per week. One-to-One is a highly intensive course
• 20, 30, 40 or 50 lessons
per week
which is 100% focused on your English language
requirements and designed by your teacher to
match your specific needs.
Business One-to-One focuses on English language
skills in the workplace. EC can provide specialised
One-to-One lessons specific to your profession.
End of day when taking
20 lessons per week
End of day when taking
30 lessons per week
End of day when taking
40 lessons per week
Academic Year &
Multi-Destination
Academic Year
You can achieve fantastic results with 6 to 9
1
months of dedicated English language study,
Academic Year programmes are structured and
comprehensive courses allowing you to maximise
your progress over an extended period. Many
Academic Year & Multi-DestinationTimetable
2 lessons Break 2 lessons Break 2 lessons
• Beginner to Advanced levels
• Minimum 24 weeks
• Minimum 12 weeks
• 20 or 30 lessons per week
an international qualification. You will also benefit
• Start any Monday
from our very attractive long-term study discount.
• Max 8 in class
EC offer the fantastic opportunity to experience
to Cape Town. With the Multi-Destination
Academic Year course you can choose to study in
any combination of our schools.
Exam Preparation
End of day when taking
30 lessons per week
per school (multi-destination course)
students also choose to sit an examination to gain
London, Cambridge, Brighton or Malta in addition
End of day when taking
20 lessons per week
Exam Preparation
2 lessons Break 2 lessons Break 2 lessons
• Intermediate to
Advanced levels
• Max 8 in class
• 30 lessons per week
End of day when taking
20 lessons per week
End of day when taking
30 lessons per week
Prove your achievements with an international
1 lesson = 45 minutes, 10 lessons = 7.5 hours
English qualification recognised by universities,
20 lessons = 15 hours, 30 lessons = 22.5 hours
colleges and employers. EC Cape Town offers
40 lessons = 30 hours.
a range of courses combining General English
lessons and exam preparation classes to ensure
you are thoroughly prepared.
Cambridge ESOL
We offer FCE (First Certificate in English), CAE
(Certificate in Advanced English) and CPE
(Certificate of Proficiency in English) exam
preparation. 20 lessons of General English + 10
Cambridge exam preparation classes per week.
IELTS / TOEFL
We recommend you follow a 10-13 week General
English course. In the last 6 weeks you will follow
20 lessons of General English + 10 IELTS / TOEFL
exam preparation classes per week.
ACCOMMODATION IN CAPE TOWN
10
Homestay
Superior Homestay
Our hand picked families provide a warm and
At a Superior Homestay you will enjoy more
welcoming environment where you can practise
privacy with a single bedroom and a private
your English. The majority of host families are
bathroom. Breakfast and dinner are included.
situated within walking distance of EC Cape Town
Towels, bed linen and laundry are also provided
or are easily accessible by public transport. You
on a weekly basis. Most of our host families live
can choose a private bedroom or a twin room.
within walking distance of the school. As only
Your host family will provide you with breakfast
a limited number of Superior Homestays are
and dinner throughout your stay. Towels, bed linen
available, early booking is a must.
and laundry are provided on a weekly basis.
Residence
Mountain View Residence
The Mountain View residence is situated in a quiet
residential area at the foot of Signal Hill and has
stunning panoramic views of Table Mountain, the
city and the harbour. When staying in a residence
you enjoy more independence and the social
atmosphere of living with other EC students.
Mountain View residence is only a 10 minute
walk from EC Cape Town and the famous Long
Street, which is home to a huge variety of trendy
restaurants, bars, cafés and shop.
Whilst staying at Mountain View residence you can
choose to stay in a single or twin room. Residence
accommodation includes shared bathrooms (some
ensuite), a fully equipped kitchen and laundry
facilities. The Mountain View residence also has
a sun terrace where the beautiful views of Table
Mountain can be enjoyed, maybe with a glass of
South African wine!
11
Hotels
We can arrange accommodation at a wide range of
3 star to 5 star hotels, depending on your budget
and preferences.
Panoramic Views From Residence
Mountain View Residence
GET THE FACTS
BACKGROUND
Population & Statistics
PRACTICAL INFO
Time
The official population of South Africa is around
South Africa is GMT/UTC +2, the same time as
42.5 million. The population density varies from
Paris, Rome and Prague.
less than 2 people per square kilometre in remote
parts to over 1,000 per square kilometre in urban
areas. Cape Town’s population is around 3 million.
Currency
One Rand (R) = 100 cents (c). Notes issued
R200, R100, R50, R20, R10; coins R5, R2,
Languages
R1, 50c 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, & 1c. Foreign
There are 11 official languages in South Africa, with
currency can be exchanged at local banks and
English as the national language. Most native South
Bureaux de Changes. Most major international
Africans speak good English, so there is plenty of
credit cards such as American Express, Diners
opportunity to practise outside the classroom.
Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted for most
purchases. The large banks are: First National
Culture
12
Bank, Standard Bank, ABSA Bank and Nedbank.
South Africa is a country rich in culture and
diversity. If it is your first visit, you may be surprised
Cost of Living
and overwhelmed by the diversity of peoples,
South Africa is one of the most cost-effective
languages and cultures around you. But this is the
holiday locations and extremely good value.
beauty of the country! You will find that people are
very friendly in Cape Town, South Africa’s ‘Mother
City’.
Visas
For most nationalities entry into South Africa is
hassle free. It is very important that your passport
History
Most documented history of South Africa starts
is valid for at least 6 months, with 2 consecutive
blank and adjacent passport pages in it. Some
with the arrival in Cape Town of the Dutch settlers
nationalities will receive a visa upon arrival, while
in 1652. British military intervention shifted the
other nationals need to obtain a visa prior to
balance of power in favour of the white minority.
departure. If you wish to study for 12 weeks or
The Union of South Africa, ruled by a white minority,
more you will need a Study Permit.
was formed in 1910. It consisted of 4 provinces
- the Cape, Natal, Orange Free State and Transvaal.
Cuisine & Restaurants
The Nationalist Party came into power in 1948
All types of food can be found in Cape Town.
and introduced apartheid. The first non racial,
There are a variety of restaurants serving a wide
democratic elections were held in April 1994.
array of dishes guaranteed to suit all palates.
Health & Water
There are two health systems in South Africa;
Safety
Cape Town has a relaxed, friendly feel and crime
the Public Health Care for local citizens and the
is certainly no more prevalent than in other major,
Private Health Care System which provides world-
world cities. However, you should take a common
class service; however, it is expensive and health
sense approach to your personal safety at all
insurance is a must. Visitors who are entering
times and exercise the same caution you would
South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a
in other unfamiliar cities. A few points to note:
valid international yellow fever certificate. No other
cars drive on the left-hand side, so be very careful
vaccinations are required. As a rule, tap water is
when crossing the busy roads; never walk around
safe to drink.
the city centre at night alone or in areas you are
not sure about; don’t flash expensive cameras,
Electricity
220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Three
watches, jewellery or other personal items around;
and keep cash on you to a minimum.
pronged plugs are universal, so take an adapter.
Internet, Telephones & Mobiles
Climate
The seasons are “upside down” compared to the
Access to the internet is widely available
northern hemisphere. Winter runs from June to
throughout Cape Town. Internet services and free
August and the sun shines on Christmas Day.
email is provided at the school for all students.
Public phones are widely available and South
Africa is GSM compatible. Some international
cell-phones will work here if you purchase a local
Sim Card.
Religion
Most South Africans are Christians. The largest
denominations are Anglican (Church of England),
Roman Catholic and Dutch Reformed. There are
also large Jewish and Muslim communities living
in the Western Cape.
Transport
Local buses are cheap, Rikkies are tiny, open
Asian-style vans that buzz all over the place. The
cheapest and the most efficient way to get around
pretty much anywhere in South Africa is a Minibus
Taxi. Obviously taxis are the most expensive but
are the easiest way to travel.
13
London
NEXT STEPS
Book Your Course
You can book your course with one of our local
representatives in your country. Please contact
us to find a representative near you. Alternatively
you can book directly with us using the enrolment
form which you can send by email, fax or online.
We are pleased to answer all your questions and
help you find the right course for you.
Confirmation
Once we have received your requirements EC or
our local representative will confirm your booking
and send you the details of your accommodation.
Payment
You should pay our representative or EC directly
by credit card or bank transfer. Full payment
14
details are written on the price list. All bookings
are subject to terms and conditions.
OTHER PROGRAMMES
AND DESTINATIONS
English Courses for Adults
Available: London, Cambridge, Brighton & Malta
English Courses for the Workplace
Available: London, Cambridge, Brighton & Malta
English Courses for Juniors (14-18 years)
Classic programmes: London, Cambridge,
Brighton & Malta
Adventure programmes: Devon & Malta
Explore programme: China
Summer Camps for Children (8-13 years)
Available: England & Malta
For more information contact EC or our local
representative.
Cambridge
Malta
Brighton
15
London
Cambridge
TEACHING ENGLISH TO THE WORLD
LONDON - CAMBRIDGE - BRIGHTON - MALTA - CAPE TOWN