Frequently Asked Questions

Booking Process

How can I pay for my course?

When you have confirmed your booking we will email you an invoice. The invoice explains how to pay. You can either pay by credit card or bank transfer. Our bank details are shown on the invoice. We must receive full payment 28 days before the start of your course. Payment must include all bank transfer charges.

Do I have to book accommodation?

No. On our adult and junior English courses, you do not have to book accommodation, but you can if you want to. Our tuition price does not include accommodation. You must pay extra for accommodation.

What happens if I need to change my course dates?

You may change dates; however, we reserve the right to charge an administration fee of 50GBP/80Euro/150USD each time the course, accommodation or centre is changed or postponed after we have confirmed your initial enrolment.

Do I need a visa?

The type of visa you need depends on such factors as, destination, length of course, type of course, and your nationality. Please contact us for the latest information on visa requirements.

How do I get a visa?

When you have paid in full for your course, we will send you all the visa documents you need by courier. You must then take those documents to your local embassy or consulate and apply for a visa. When you have booked a course at a U.S. school, you will be assigned to an EC visa specialist who will give you all the help and guidance you need. EC can issue I-20 documents for U.S. schools.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Make sure that you have insurance to cover you for all of your stay. We can also arrange insurance from us.

Can I make a late booking?

Yes, you can. A full payment must be made within 24 hours of receiving the invoice for late bookings. A booking you make four weeks before your course start date is considered a late booking.

Can I have a discount?

Actually, you will get a discount when you book a course of over seven weeks. Courses of 23 weeks are discounted too. The longer you learn English at EC, the more your discount will be. The tuition discount is already included in the price list.

When is the deadline for booking?

You should really book your course as soon as you can; otherwise, you might find that your course or accommodation choice is already full. Make sure that you book early enough to complete the visa application process. It can sometimes take a long time to get a visa.

English Course

When will I take lessons?

Classes are held Monday to Friday, starting in the morning; however, we reserve the right to introduce a double-banking timetable where students switch between morning and afternoon lessons, on a weekly or daily basis. That means you may take morning lessons on Monday, afternoon lessons on Tuesday, and so on.

How long is a lesson?

Lessons at EC are 45 minutes long and taken as double-lessons. That means you take two 45 minute lessons with one teacher. This is known as a module. Breaks in-between modules are 30 minutes long. In 2012, lesson at EC Canada schools are 55 minutes (70 minutes for afternoon lessons). Here is an example of a General English timetable for EC schools (apart from Canada):

How will you know my level of English?

You will take a placement test on your first morning in the school. Your level will be decided by the result of your test score. You will then be put in a class with classmates the same level as you.

How many teachers will I have?

You will learn from at least two teachers every day. This gives you more opportunity to hear natural English. This option may not be available at EC Canada in 2012.

What will I do on my first day?

On your first day you will be given a welcome talk by one of the academic staff. You will then take a placement test. Taking a placement test on your first day ensures that you start off at the right point. You will be put in a class with students of the same level. Depending on the time you may go straight into class after your placement test or start the classes the next morning.

How many people will be in my class?

Apart from EC San Diego (12 maximum), U.S. and U.K. schools have a maximum of 14 students per class. Malta and Cape Town have a maximum of 12 students per class. Mini-Group courses and Club 50+ have a maximum of 6 students per class. EC Canada schools have a maximum of 15 students.

How long can I stay?

The minimum length of stay at EC is one week, two weeks for many EC Canada courses. There is no maximum length of stay. We are here for as long as you need us!

What's included in my course?

Apart from excellent English lessons, you will receive a course book (at EC Canada students must pay $10 contribution per week towards course books), a welcome activity (not EC Canada), internet access at school, English activities & workshops and a weekly social programme.

Can I take a holiday while I am on my course?

The following information applies to non-EC Canada schools: Holidays are available for Academic Year / Multi-Destination Academic Year students (24 weeks+): You can have a maximum of 4 weeks holiday. You must give a 2 week period of notice. When you return from your holiday you cannot expect to return to the same class, teacher or accommodation. No credit is given for accommodation during holiday breaks. If you require a visa for study, you must ensure that your visa is issued for the correct dates to include any holiday breaks. Schools are also closed on public holidays.

What will I learn in class?

Your lesson will be properly prepared by your teacher. You can expect a lot of activities which involve speaking, listening, reading and writing. All lessons are topic based so that you learn English in the correct context. This method makes learning more effective and it encourages you to speak more. Your teacher will make sure that your class is fun and that you feel comfortable, confident and motivated every day.

Will I get a certificate at the end of my course?

Yes. As long as you have attended all of your lessons and actively taken part in class, you will receive a certificate. Academic Year 30 lessons per week students will graduate with an EC Diploma. Academic Year 20/24 lessons per week students graduate with an EC Certificate of Merit.

Accommodation

Can my friend and I stay in the same accommodation?

We will try our hardest to put you in the same accommodation as your friend if you request to share. Because of high-demand we cannot guarantee that you will be placed in the same place as your travel partner. EC accommodation is only available to students. Requests should be made at the time of booking. We cannot offer accommodation to anyone who is not taking a course with EC. We can, however, help with making a hotel booking.

Can I stay in my accommodation longer that my course?

You should arrive at your accommodation on Sunday (the day before your course starts) and leave on Saturday (the day after your course finishes); however, if we have availability, you may extend your stay by a couple of days. You must make this request at the time of booking. You will be charged at a daily-rate for each additional day. Subject to availability.

How far will I stay from school?

This really depends on the type of accommodation you choose and the school you attend. For example, some residences are within walking distance, whereas others require a ride on public transport. All our accommodation options are chosen for their convenience. If you need public transport to get to school, you can be sure that your accommodation will be close to bus/train/subway stops.

I have another question about EC!

OK. Email us and we’ll get back to you soon. You can ask your question here.

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