General English and Intensive English Courses

Find the right course for you

Our General English courses offer three levels of intensity, to help you reach your goals at a pace that suits you.

We know that everyone’s approach to learning is different, and over the years we’ve developed teaching modules tailored to suit your individual goals. We want you to reach your full potential by learning through doing, and immersing yourself in the most inspirational settings with like-minded people.

This course is available at

Our General English course are our most popular course and are available in the best cities. Our English schools are exclusively for students who want to grow their network and share their learning experience with ambitious, like-minded people in an energetic and focused environment.

General English course options

On the General English Course, you attend a core of 20 lessons per week, which will give you a practical understanding of the English language and take you all the way to fluency. Your confidence will improve as we train you in all four communication skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. You can also choose to extend and intensify your 20 lessons per week with these add-ons.

Intensive English

This course is made up of 30 lessons (22.5 hours) per week including the General English classes. It also allows you to personalise your course by taking 10 lessons per week across a wide selection of Special Focus options.

Semi-Intensive English

This additional option is only available to students studying in the USA or Canada. You get 24 lessons (18 hours) per week of General English including four lessons per week in your choice of Special Focus study.

English for Work

This Special Focus Programme, available at all schools, combines 20 lessons of General English with 10 lessons focused on Business English. Topics cover negotiating, management, marketing, project management, giving presentations and interview skills.

One-to-One sessions

Add One-to-One sessions to the General English course and maximise your progress through private lessons. With individual attention, these sessions are 100% focused on your requirements and designed by your teachers to match your needs.

General English in Australia and New Zealand

General English lessons in Australia and New Zealand differ from other EC destinations. In Australia and New Zealand our programmes look like this:

General English
16 lessons per week (16 hours)

Semi-Intensive English
20 lessons per week (20 hours)

Intensive English
23 lessons per week (23 hours)

Course details
Special Focus lessons
EC Promise

Improve your level and maximise your ability to use English with our most popular course.

General English (20 lessons per week / 15 hours) will give you a practical understanding of the English language and take you all the way to fluency. See your confidence improve as we train you in all four communication skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Intensive English (30 lessons per week / 22.5 hours) includes the above General English classes, and also allows you to personalise your course by taking 10 lessons per week across a wide selection of electives (see the choices below).

Semi-Intensive English (24 lessons per week /18 hours) is only available to students studying in the USA or Canada. This course offers 20 General English lessons plus your choice of 4 special focus electives per week.

Take an dditional four or 10 Special Focus lessons each week to make further progress and tailor your studies to your specific areas of interest.

Class offerings will vary across EC schools, but there will always be classes to suit your language level and interests, such as:

English in the City

Experience the local dialects, history and famous sights, all while improving your English. Learn more about your host city.
English for Work

Develop the fluency, accuracy and the specific communication skills you need to advance confidently in your chosen career.
Global Career Development

Gain valuable in-depth insights into the key parts of a company and the secrets to what makes it succeed.
Get Talking

Develop confidence, practise your speaking skills and develop fluency as you focus on learning through conversation.
Survival English

Develop a practical understanding of English at different levels and activate your new language in everyday situations.
Grammar in Real Context

Take a closer look at how the English language is structured, with a focus on relevance and appropriateness.
A World of Words

Gain inspiration and vocabulary to learn about and discuss world issues and global geography.
Write Now

Improve your skills in writing for different audiences, using appropriate language and style.

The EC Promise and what it means to you

Here at EC, our aim is simple. We’re here to help you reach the English level you choose. We provide the education, learning environment and social programme you need to make the progress you’re capable of. Our unique EC Promise means that, as long as you follow your personalised learning programme, we guarantee/promise that your English will improve.

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Real Outcomes

We believe in giving our students the knowledge and tools they want and need to thrive, be it academically or professionally. With continuous guidance, monitored progress, and optimised learning through EC Online, your success is guaranteed.

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Not sure which EC English course is right for you?

EC offers a broad range of courses to help you meet your goals. Let us help you find the perfect course for you.