English as a Foreign Language (EFL)

Our language department is a Centre of Excellence and accredited by the British Council. The EFL course includes all elements of language; listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary development and learning to use English to communicate successfully with others.






Many of our students take the internationally recognised Cambridge English Language examinations (Preliminary, First, Advanced, Proficiency and IELTS). You will receive guidance on all parts of the EFL exam, ensuring you have the best chance of exam success.



How will I learn?

The course is suitable for au-pairs, school language assistants, workers on temporary contracts and current students who wish to improve their English. The course gives students the opportunity to improve their language skills, grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary, with the chance to take an internationally-recognised exam at the end of the course.

How will I learn?

• General English, including elements of cultural studies, citizenship and employability


• Exam Preparation

Students will be thoroughly prepared for all parts of the exam (reading and Use of English, writing, speaking and listening), working in pairs and small groups to increase fluency. Students will have regular progress tests throughout their studies and will receive individual tutorials with their tutor to discuss their learning and development. Students will receive homework every week, which forms an important part of the course and will ensure the best chance of exam success.

The maximum class size for the part-time EFL programme is 15 learners.

Course Levels
What level of English will I study?

These courses are for students wanting to study English at all levels from pre-intermediate upwards. Students will be invited to Colchester Institute to complete a reading, writing and speaking placement test. The test will provide the teacher with details on the student’s current level of English to ensure they are placed in a class best suited to their development needs.

Part-time
A0
Pre-Entry
Complete Beginner


Part-time
A1
E1
Beginner


Full-time
A2
E2
Elementry


Full-time
B1
E3
Pre-Intermediate → Intermediate


Full-time
B2
L1
Intermediate → Upper Intermediate


Full-time
C1
L2
Upper Intermediate → Advanced


Part-time
C2
L3
Advanced




Entry and Enrolment Requirements

No formal qualifications. However, your language will be assessed on arrival through a simple test to place you on the most appropriate level. The minimum age of enrolment for the part-time EFL programme is 16 years old.

Exam costs

Students are prepared for internationally recognised Cambridge examinations.

EFL Cambridge Main Suite examinations and prices:

• B1 – PET – Preliminary English Test: £37.25


• B2 – FCE – First Certificate in English: £71


• C1 – CAE – Certificate in Advanced English: £75.50


• C2 – CPE – Certificate of Proficiency in English: £81.50

Additional costs and Social Programmes
Students will need a pen, notebook and folder, which can be purchased from our college shop and will cost approximately £2. Students will need to purchase an English learner dictionary (We recommend the Longman active study dictionary or the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary; prices range from £15 – £20). Students will need to pay for their exam.

Social Programme

While studying with us students can attend some trips, visits and activities organised by the EFL department and the Students’ Union. For example these may include ten pin bowling, theatre productions, ice skating and day trips to London, Cambridge or Brighton. The cost of these trips range from £5 – £25.

Holidays and Vacations

If you study September to December: 1 week holiday 24 October – 28 October

There will be no classes on Friday 21 October

If you study September to May/June:

1 week holiday 24 October – 28 October 2 weeks holiday 19 December – 30 December

1 week holiday 13 February – 17 February 2 weeks holiday 3 April – 14 April

There will be no classes on Friday 21 October

If you study January to May/June:

1 week holiday 13 February – 17 February 2 weeks holiday 3 April – 14 April

For further information please contact Admissions:

Telephone: +44 (0) 1206 712705. Email efl@colchester.ac.uk

Information published is correct at the time of printing; Colchester Institute reserves the right to amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will not take responsibility for any changes that may result in students having to cease their studies.

What can I do next?
Career Opportunities

Developing English Language skills offer students the opportunity to access further career opportunities, whether within their existing field or a different one.

Course Progression

Progression onto further education or training in a variety of subject areas and on successful completion of the IELTS examinations, students may progress to university or a higher education institution in the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand or in their home countries.

Information for Under 18's

Many students at Colchester Institute are under 18. In the English Language department, we have a mixture: some students are under 18 and some are adults. You may be in a class with some adult students. They will welcome you and help you with your studies. Your teachers will also work hard to keep you safe.

Commitment to Safeguarding

Colchester Institute believes the health and safety of all our students is important. All of the English Language staff are trained to help keep students safe, happy and healthy in college.

Well-being and keeping safe

Bullying [using words or actions to make someone feel bad] is not allowed in the college. The College is committed to making our classes a place where all students are respected and where bullying is not allowed. If a student has a problem or complaint, we will listen to them and work to solve the problem quickly and fairly.

What should I do if I have a problem?

If a student has a problem or complaint they should speak to their teacher or the Student Services Welfare Team (B66a, Ground Floor, Main Building, Colchester Institute). At The College at Braintree, please go to Student Services A56. Student Services are very good at solving students’ problems.

We hope you will enjoy your studies with us and that you will always feel safe and happy to study here.

Accommodation

You need to arrange where you are going to live during your studies before you arrive in the UK. Colchester Institute is able to offer accommodation to students but it is limited depending on demand.

Accommodation offered by Colchester Institute

If you would like to arrange accommodation through Colchester Institute you will need to complete an Accommodation Request Form, you can email the Accommodation Officer to ask for this form once you have received your course offer.

Please contact:

Elizabeth Bloyce-Hykel

Tel: 0044 (0)1206 712297 Email: Accommodation@colchester.ac.uk

Address:

Student Union

Colchester Institute

Sheepen Road

Colchester, Essex

CO3 3LL





How To Apply

Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to secure your place on your ideal programme. Simply download and complete the relevant application form and return it to our Admissions team as early as possible. You can return your completed application form in person or by post to our Colchester (for applications to Colchester and Clacton) or Braintree campuses:

Admissions

Colchester Institute

Sheepen Road

Colchester

CO3 3LL
Admissions

The College at Braintree

Church Lane

Braintree

CM7 5SN

English Language Courses (EFL, ESOL & IELTS)

We currently offer English Language courses on either a full-time or part-time basis depending on what suits you, your schedule and your needs. You can download the application form for the part-time EFL course here.

Download Application Form – Part-Time English Language Courses (PDF)