What to expect on your first day at our English School?

You are expected to be at the language school at 8am and once you have met the teachers and staff, received a map of the area and had all your questions answered about things such as: public transport, activities/social programmes, beaches, shops and banks/foreign exchanges, you will be asked to write a placement test. The test takes one hour and is used by us to make sure that you are placed in the correct level according to your reading, speaking, listening and writing skills in the English language. Once all the formalities are complete you will join classes at the start of the second session (10h45). In the evening we have welcome drinks in the garden/entertainment area. This allows you to meet other students/staff and to start making friends almost immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of weather can I expect in Cape Town?

Summer (Nov to February) temperatures range from around 15 to 27 degrees Celsius (60 to 80 Fahrenheit), while winter (June to August) averages are between 7 and 20 degrees Celsius (45 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit). Moderate rainfall in winter and long hot summers can be expected. Be sure to make use of a good sun cream and don’t forget the swimwear for tanning on the beaches.

Is Cape Town a good shopping destination?

There are a variety of choices to suit all: V&A Waterfront and Canal Walk, the former the most visited in Africa, the latter the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, offer the ultimate mall experience. For the more adventurous, daily and weekly markets (indoors and outdoors) promise a vibrant, fun day. Those willing to seek them out will find a variety of boutiques, curio shops, antique shops, and many more throughout the city and suburbs.

How can I get around affordably?

The cheapest way is by mini-bus taxi. The city-beach rout is popular and safe (Cape Town’s beaches are world famous for their beauty and bronzed bodies). Within the city conventional taxis are also quite affordable, especially if shared and is the recommended means of transport after a night on the town. A new addition to our transport system is the IRT which came about as a result of the FIFA World Cup being hosted in South Africa. IRT stations can be found opposite the new Cape Town stadium and will take passengers to Cape Town’s northern suburbs and the windsurfing beaches of Blouberg.

What about the night life in Cape Town?

Our night life is legendary (second only to our beaches and beautiful landscapes) and offers something for everyone, from restaurants to live music to clubbing until the early hours, we have it all. Friendly, lively locals mingle freely, adding a unique friendly Cape Town flavour to your fun.

Can I see the Big Five?

Private game parks surround the city within a couple of hour’s drive, with Kruger Park and Victoria Falls easily reached by a short flight.

Questions about the school:

Do you have a social programme?

Yes, our rich and varied social programme is designed with something for everyone.

Where are most of the students from?

Our students are from all over Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.

How many students do you have per classroom?

We place eight or less students per classroom.

Does the school provide assistance with visa applications?

Yes we do. While still in your home country, you will be guided via email and once you are here and you would like to extend you stay, one of our members of staff will be at your service and go with you to the Department of Home Affairs.  More information about visas:

Visa applications – Documents required:

·  A valid passport – please make sure that your passport has at least two empty visa pages
·  Sufficient funds either in cash or a bank statement in your name of that of your sponsor
·  A return ticket
·  A letter of invitation from the school – please note that you are required by law to pay all your fees before such a letter can be issued to you
·  Radiological report (if you intend to stay for a longer period)
·  Medical report (if you intend to stay for a longer period)
·  Police clearance certificate (if you intend to stay for a longer period)
·  Medical Insurance (if you intend to stay for a longer period)

Helpful links

www.dfa.gov.za – for a list of South African representatives in countries around the world.

www.home-affairs.gov.za - for more information on visas.