English in Melbourne

Discover Melbourne

Capital of the state of Victoria, Melbourne is Australia’s second city, after Sydney, with more than 4,250,000 inhabitants in 2012.

The city is a prominent commercial and industrial centre, but is also considered to be the capital of sports, arts and culture. Numerous festivals and events take place throughout the year and attracts thousands of travellers from all over the world, giving the city an international atmosphere. This long list of events includes the “Australian Open”, Forumla 1 and the “Melbourne Cup”.

Melbourne is also known for its mix of Victorian and contemporary architecture which gives the city a unique and beautiful charm to it. Its numerous chic and bohemian districts are perfect for a short stroll or for a shopping spree. As well as its shops and commercial districts, the city is also surrounded by stunning parks that offer respite to the city’s industrial aspects. The excellent public transport network makes accessing the city centre and the surrounding areas a very simple task. Getting to the beach has never been simpler, as St-Kilda beach is just a few kilometres away from the city centre by tram. You have everything at your doorstep!

It comes as no surprise that the city has been nominated as the most liveable city for the 5th consecutive year.

Our partner school, International House, is located in the heart of Melbourne in the business district and also nearby many shops, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, museums and parks for you to explore. It has public transport links by the bus, tram and train from surrounding areas.

The school’s modern building offers top of the range technology:

10 bright classrooms
Interactive whiteboards
IT labs with 30 computers
Free WiFi access throughout the building
Lounge area
Study hall

The school is accessible to persons with reduced mobility.

International House is accredited by ASQA, NEAS, University of Cambridge (ESOL), J-Shine.

English language courses: the basics

Lesson length: 60 minutes
Class size: 18 students maximum
Schedule: morning and/or evening lessons
Placement test: first day of lessons
Certificate of completion at the end of your stay
Open access to the International House e-learning platform up to 12 weeks after your stay
Regular progress tests (every 4 weeks)
CELTA-qualified native English speakers

General English: 15 lessons per week

3 lessons a day will give you a practical understanding of the English language and improve your fluency and confidence in day-to-day communication. International House trains you in all four communication skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Lessons take place from 8 am to 11 am. Students may take up to 10 hours per week of additional evening lessons.

Language level: beginner* to advanced*

Please note that students also attend additional lessons until they reach A1 proficiency.

20 lessons per week

5 lessons per day Monday-Thursday or 4 evening lessons per day Monday-Friday will give you a practical understanding of the English language and improve your fluency and confidence in day-to-day communication. International House trains you in all four communication skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Language level: beginner* to advanced

*Please note that students also attend additional lessons until they reach A1 proficiency.

25 general English lessons per week

The ideal course to get your English where you want it to be, fast. Includes 5 General English lessons per day, and also allows you to personalise your course by taking an additional 5 lessons per week across a selection of electives focusing on one of the 4 communication skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening. You will choose 2 electives and alternate from week to week (Week 1 Writing, Week 2 Speaking, Week 3 Writing, etc.) Each elective is adapted to suit your English proficiency, to ensure you make progress at your own pace.

Language level: beginner* to advanced

*Please note that students also attend additional lessons until they reach A1 proficiency.

Cambridge ESOL FCE or CAE Exam Preparation course: 20 or 25 lessons per week per 4-week course.

Session length: 4 or 10 weeks, with specific start dates (please contact us for more information). As International House is an exam centre, course sessions start almost every 4 weeks. Registration deadline: 8 weeks prior to the start of the course.

Your teachers will guide and monitor you to make sure that you progress at the correct rate to succeed in your exam, giving you the specific vocabulary and grammar and study plan you need. Using sample exam papers you will learn how to effectively answer questions so by the time you take the test, you will know the style of questions to expect and how to answer them. A 10-week course is recommended for ideal preparation.

Language level:

FCE: Upper intermediate
CAE: Advanced

20 lessons per week per 4-week course session.

Session length: 4 to 10 weeks

If you wish to attend university in an English-speaking country or certify your English proficiency, preparing for the IELTS exam is the first step to success. Teachers will meet with you individually to assess your language proficiency and goals. Sample papers will help you learn how to effectively answer questions and learn the techniques you need to sit the exam with confidence.

Language Level : Intermediate or IELTS 4.5 or Intermediate/Pre-advanced or IELTS 5.5 depending on your desired score.

For reference, a 0.5 IELTS score improvement usually requires 8 weeks of study.

As an International House student, you will enjoy a varied calendar of social and leisure activities every week, in the afternoon or during the evening. Attendance is optional. Many of these activities are free of charge, however, some may require a fee. All activities are subject to change without notice and may be offered seasonally.

Some of the many activities available include:

Conversation club
Movie outings
Museums
Origami
Docklands
Yarra River cruise
Eureka Tower
Barbecues, etc.
Weekend trips: Phillip Island, Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley Wine, The Victorian Alps, etc.

Shared room, half-board Monday-Friday and full board at the weekend.

Travel time to International House: 30-40 minutes on public transport Australian families usually live in spacious houses and are very active.

Practical information:

Bed linen provided

Residence accommodation is a great option for students looking meet other students from all over the world.

Residences are located in the suburbs of Melbourne (districts mentioned below) and offer a quick connection to the school, located in the city centre. Residence location depends on availablity during your time of stay.

Features:

Shared or single room
Shared bathroom
Self-catering
30 minutes’ travel time to International House on public transport
Located in Southbank, Docklands, Melbourne City Centre, North of Melbourne
AUD 350 deposit to be paid on arrival (to be refunded at the end of your stay provided your room is clean and tidy with no evidence of damage)

Facilities and services

Coin laundry facilities available on-site
Bed linen provided on arrival
Shared kitchen and lounge area
TV
Telephone

Travel

Arrivals: Saturday or Sunday

Departures: Saturday or Sunday

Arrival airport: Tullamarine International Airport, MEL

Airport pick-up available on request (fees apply, please see price list)

Please note: do not make travel arrangements until we have confirmed your enrolment in your chosen course.

Visa Information

You might need a visa for this course. For more information please visit our Visa Information page.

Do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email if you require any additional information.

Dates & Prices 2020

Dates 2020

Beginning of the sessions : Classes start every Monday, all year round. If Monday is a public holiday, the session starts on Tuesday.

Holidays and vacations: 01/01, 27/01, 09/03, 10/04, 13/04, 27/04, 08/06, 03/11, 25/12, 28/12 – 04/01/2021

Dates for IELTS preparation sessions: every Monday, for a minimum of 4 weeks. Exam dates should be checked on the IELTS website.

Start dates for Cambridge 2019 exam preparation sessions: please contact us.

Prices 2020

All taxes and registration fees included

Course and accommodation with a host family, single room and half board
Duration	20 H	23 H
2 weeks	€ 1.105	€ 1.175
3 weeks	€ 1.455	€ 1.560
4 weeks	€ 1.770	€ 1.910
6 weeks	€ 2.485	€ 2.695
8 weeks	€ 3.200	€ 3.480
10 weeks	€ 3.915	€ 4.260
12 weeks	€ 4.625	€ 5.045
16 weeks	€ 6.055	€ 6.615
18 weeks	€ 6.735	€ 7.365
20 weeks	€ 7.420	€ 8.115
24 weeks	€ 8.835	€ 9.675
32 weeks	€ 11.625	€ 12.740
36 weeks	€ 13.035	€ 14.290
Additional week	€ 360	€ 395
Family accommodation supplements (per week)
Service	Price
Minors (-18 years old)	€ 70
additional night (per day)	€ 40
Course and accommodation in residence, shared room, no meals
Duration	20 H	23 H
2 weeks	€ 995	€ 1.065
3 weeks	€ 1.295	€ 1.395
4 weeks	€ 1.555	€ 1.695
6 weeks	€ 2.165	€ 2.370
8 weeks	€ 2.770	€ 3.050
10 weeks	-	-
12 weeks	€ 3.980	€ 4.400
16 weeks	€ 5.040	€ 5.600
18 weeks	€ 5.595	€ 6.220
20 weeks	€ 6.150	€ 6.845
24 weeks	€ 7.310	€ 8.150
32 weeks	€ 9.590	€ 10.710
36 weeks	€ 10.745	€ 12.005
Additional week	€ 295	€ 330
Mandatory transfer	€ 110	€ 110
Residence accommodation supplements (per week)
Service	Price
Single bedroom	€ 100
Security deposit to be paid on site	€ 220
Transfer (on arrival only)
From Melbourne Airport	€ 110
Compulsory insurance for all stays of more than 12 weeks (per month)
OSHC (subject to change)	€ 40

Prices include:

Your chosen course
Accommodation (host family: single room, shared bathroom, half board Monday-Friday and full board at the weekend; residence: shared room, self-catering)
Course materials
Unlimited WiFi access
Placement test and certificate of completion
All taxes and enrolment fees

Prices do not include: