Oxford

Located in the South of England about an hour from London, Oxford is undoubtedly one of the most reputable university towns in the world. Every year more than 37,000 students flock to Oxford for its excellence in education as well as the numerous opportunities for recreational activities that this student town offers. Theatres, cinemas, pubs, museums, art galleries, restaurants, nightclubs, concert halls, markets, and a botanical gardens contribute to the exceptional atmosphere of this superb historical centre.

On nice days in the city centre, street performers play music to the crowds, or if you prefer something more unusual, you can try the Oxford tradition of punting on the river, or watch cricket and rugby on the university sports grounds. Oxford is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in England, including the Cotswolds with its traditional stone-built villages and undulating hills, perfect for a weekend getaway.

    • Our partner school, EC, is located in the heart of this historic town, a short walk from the Colleges of Oxford University, an array of shops and other attractions such as the market, the Bodleian Library, Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the train station.

    EC is accredited by the British Council and Private Further Education.

    School facilities include:

    • 15 bright classrooms with SmartBoards
    • IT suite with 17 computers
    • Free WiFi access throughout the centre
    • Excellent library facilities
    • Study room
    • Student lounge

    Service VIP – The Orange Carpet Experience

    EC welcomes you with their orange carpet

    • Before your arrival: access to the online platform of EC to prepare for your stay
    • A warm welcome upon your arrival at the airport of station
    • A warm welcome in the residence or in your host family
    • A welcome activity on Sunday to meet the other students
    • On the first day of course: a VIP reception at the school
    • A presentation of all members of the EC team

    You´re ready to learn!

    English language courses: the basics

    • Lesson length: 45 minutes
    • Class size: Average 12 students (maximum 15)
    • Schedule: morning and/or afternoon lessons every other day
    • Placement test: first day of lessons
    • Certificate of completion at the end of your stay
    • Open access to the online EC platform up to 12 weeks after your stay
    • Regular progress tests (oral test every week, written test every 6 weeks)
    • CELTA-qualified native English speakers

    20 lessons per week

    4 lessons a day will give you a practical understanding of the English language and take you all the way to fluency. See your confidence improve as EC trains you in all four communication skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

    Language level: all levels

    30 lessons per week

    The ideal course to get your English where you want it to be, fast. Includes the above General English classes, and also allows you to personalise your course by taking an additional 10 lessons per week across a wide selection of electives (see the choices below).:

    • Write Now
    • Media Studies
    • The Language of Music
    • Film Studies
    • Global Citizenship
    • Comparative Culture & Communication
    • Basic English Writing
    • Academic Techniques in Practice (writing assignments, taking notes and preparing presentations)
    • Get Talking
    • And many more!

    Language level: all levels

    30 lessons per week

    This Special Focus Programme combines 20 lessons of General English with 10 lessons focused on language study inspired by your destination, for a complete intensive experience that is tailored to you and your personal reasons for learning. Students enrolled in this course visit a number of fascinating locations, from stunning museums and inspiring galleries to successful local businesses and charming neighbourhoods all over the city.Themed lessons include:

    Business English – Tours of Local Businesses

    Describing Art & Culture – Museum Tours

    Talk like a Local – Neighbourhood Visits

    The Language of Sports – Stadium Visits

    Language level: all levels

    30 lessons per week

    EC’s English for Work course will allow you to improve your English fluency and empower you with the language, knowledge and skills to confidently deal with a variety of business issues. Every week you will take 30 lessons: 20 lessons of General English and 10 lessons of Business English.

    Business Skills:

    • Expressing personal opinions
    • Making suggestions
    • Presenting case studies
    • Problem solving

    Business Focus – 10 tailored lessons :

    • Negotiating contracts
    • Management and HR
    • Branding and promotional strategies
    • Project management
    • Business ethics and CSR

    Specific business techniques such as business English on the phone and interview skills are also covered.

    Language level: Lower Intermediate to Advanced

    IELTS Exam Preparation: 30 lessons per week
    Session length: 4 or 8 weeks If you wish to attend university in an English-speaking country, preparing for the IELTS exam is the first step to success. EC 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

    EC follows a ‘Communicative Method’ syllabus, which works to develop all four English language skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening. Special attention is paid to speaking, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

    To give an engaging and relevant framework to learning these skills, each lesson will focus on a specific topic, which will vary from current affairs to everyday issues. Your professional and friendly teachers will select topics that create interest, discussion and debate in the class, allowing you to develop your confidence both in speaking and listening throughout your stay, in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere.

    The teaching materials EC uses are specially designed by the school and realia such as newspapers, videos and other materials is also used.

    As well as taking an active part in classroom discussions – the best way to improve your fluency – you will work on your language skills in small groups, pairs or individually on tasks and projects. EC’s teachers work to create a welcoming environment with mutual support among students – so you’ll feel at home while your English improves!

    As an EC student, you will be able to enjoy a diverse range of social and leisurely activities every week, in the afternoons or evenings. You are very welcome to participate in these activities, although they are not mandatory. Many of these activities are free of charge, but some may require a fee. All activities are subject to change without and differ depending on the season.

    Some of the many activities available include:

    • Welcome Event
    • Pub outings
    • Movie nights
    • Football events
    • Bowling
    • Trips and excursions

    Single room, shared bathroom and breakfast.

    Travel time to EC School: 30-40 minutes on public transport

    Optional extra:

    • Private bathroom
    • Half board

    Practical information:

    • Bed provided
    • Laundry: your host family will let you use their laundry facilities once a week or let you know their laundry day

    • Features:

    • Single room
    • Private bathroom
    • Travel time to EC: 10 by bus
    • Located in central Oxford, near Magdalen College
    • Deposit to be paid on arrival, to be refunded by EC at the end of your stay provided your room is clean and tidy with no damage

    Facilities and services

    • Bedding provided on arrival (bring your own towels)
    • Private kitchenette with fridge and freezer, microwave and ceramic hob
    • Coin laundry facilities available on-site
    • Free WiFi access
    • Bike storage
    • Common room with large screen TV, boardgames and pool table
    • CCTV and secure door system
    • Weekly cleaning of common areas and student rooms; please note that outside of this service, students are responsible for cleaning the kitchen and common areas

    • From 18 July to 29 August 2020 only

    Features:

    • Single room
    • Private bathroom
    • Travel time to EC: 20 minutes by bus (Slade Park stop)
    • Shared mixed gender flat with 4-6 people
    • Located in the city centre in a busy student area
    • Deposit to be paid on arrival, to be refunded by EC at the end of your stay provided your room is clean and tidy with no damage

    Facilities and services

    • Bed linen provided on arrival
    • 2 shared kitchens with all kitchenware provided
    • Coin laundry facilities available on-site
    • Free WiFi access
    • 24hr security
    • Reception
    • Common room
    • Bike storage
    • Weekly cleaning of common areas and student rooms; please note that outside of this service, students are responsible for cleaning the kitchen and common areas

    • Travel

    Arrivals: Saturdays (3 pm for Alice Studios)

    Departures: Saturdays (before noon for Cricket House, before 10 am for Alice Studios)

    Transport

    • Railway station: Oxford
    • Arrival airport: London (all airports and St Pancras station)

    Airport transfers available on request (fees apply, 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

    Course start dates

    Most courses start every Monday year-round (exceptions are outlined below.) On Bank Holiday Mondays, lessons start on Tuesdays.

    Bank holidays and holidays (No lessons will take place on these dates and they will not be rescheduled or refunded.) : 01/01, 10/04, 13/04, 08/05, 25/05, 31/08, 25/12 et 28/12.

    English for Work start dates: every Monday for up to 23 weeks.

    IELTS: every week, for 4 or 8 weeks. Exam dates are posted on the IELTS website

    Prices 2020

    Includes all taxes and enrolment fees

    WPCS 42.0.1
    Lessons, accommodation in a host family, single room, no meals
    Duration20 lessons30 lessons or Business English
    1 week€ 615€ 710
    2 weeks€ 1.170€ 1.355
    3 weeks€ 1.740€ 2.020
    4 weeks€ 2.305€ 2.675
    6 weeks€ 3.440€ 4.000
    8 weeks€ 4.575€ 5.320
    12 weeks€ 6.355€ 7.055
    16 weeks€ 8.460€ 9.395
    18 weeks€ 9.515€ 10.565
    20 weeks€ 10.570€ 11.735
    24 weeks€ 11.560€ 13.095
    32 weeks€ 15.400€ 17.450
    36 weeks€ 17.320€ 19.625
    Extra week€ 520€ 580
    IELTS exam prparation - accommodation in a host family, shared room, half board
    4 weeks€ 2.400
    8 weeks€ 4.700
    Supplement peak season (15/06 - 11/09) (per week)
    1 to 12 weeks only€ 15
    Accommodation extra per week
    Host family - half board€ 15
    Host family - single room, private bathroom, breakfast€ 80
    Slade Park (only in summer) - single room, no meal€ 100
    Alice Studio - single room, no meal€ 185
    Transfer - Per trip
    Heathrow€ 165
    Luton€ 180
    Gatwick€ 190
    Stansted€ 200
    London Saint Pancras railway station€ 205

    Prices include:

    • Your chosen course
    • Homestay, breakfast
    • Single room, shared bathroom
    • Course materials
    • Limitless WiFi access
    • Activities and language workshops
    • Welcome Event
    • Access to the EC e-learning platform up to 12 weeks after the course
    • All taxes and enrolment fees

    Prices do not include:

    • Transport to Oxford
    • Airport pick-up and drop-off
    • Optional extras
    • Midday meals
    • Transportation in and around Oxford
    • Deposit on arrival, where applicable
    • Exam fees, where applicable (IELTS)
    • Visa fees
    • Optional insurance