A Foundation for life. University Foundation courses in London

Why not do a University Foundation course at a British-Council accredited language school in the cosmopolitan international atmosphere of London?

University Foundation courses have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way for overseas students to gain admission to British Universities and Colleges of Higher Education. These courses will typically involve an element of English language development, leading to the taking of the IELTS test, and an assessed element of subject study within a broad area, such as Business, Engineering etc.

Typically either 6 or 9 months in length, University Foundation courses can be taken at a whole range of different organisations, however taking these courses at British-Council accredited language schools has grown enormously in popularity in recent years. There are a number of good reasons for this……

Small is good

Language Schools are invariably quite small in comparison to universities. Typically language schools range in student numbers from 80-200 whereas even small universities will usually have many thousands of students. This ‘smallness’ has a number of benefits at both the pre-course and in-course stages.

Whilst there are inevitably variations in response, generally language schools within the accredited private sector are able to provide a very quick personal service to enquiring parents of prospective University Foundation course students. This is particularly important at the pre-course stage when parents need to feel they are making the right choice for their son or daughter. Being able to ask questions, seek explanations and clarifications and quite possibly being able to speak in your mother tongue is tremendously reassuring to the customer. This is something universities, who operate in a much more standardised way due to the volume of students, struggle to do.

Another positive feature of private sector language schools is class size. Typically classes will be between 10-15 students at language schools whereas university classes are typically in excess of 30. This small class feature is very important to students from overseas, they particular need that greater degree of personal attention afforded at a quality language school. After all, they are getting familiar with a new culture, they are probably struggling with their English and many may be away from their home countries for the first time.

Language is the key

Of course the key area of expertise of an English language school is, not surprisingly, English language teaching! Almost without exception, University Foundation course students need to work extensively on their English, not least because they have to achieve a proven level of English usually by way of the IELTS test, in order to enter university. This makes language schools the natural habitat for the international student, as the importance of developing confidence and proficiency with their English is absolutely vital if they want to succeed at university and enjoy their intended long stay in the UK.

An added bonus, of studying at a language school is the high degree of sensitivity and awareness of other cultures that resides within faculty. The staff are totally attuned to dealing with different cultures and this partly emanates out of the fact that many of the teachers have travelled and taught English extensively overseas. This means that dealing sensitively with students from different cultures is something that is second nature to language school teachers and staff.

Broadening Horizons:

You can take University Foundation courses anywhere in the UK but the number of students choosing to study in London has steadily increased over the past decade.

London of course is simply one of the great cities of the world. There is an energy and excitement about London that quickens the pulse of even the most seasoned traveller. That sense of discovery and opportunity within a cosmopolitan international setting is an invigorating starting point for any young person looking to broaden their horizons.

This article was submitted by Saint George International