Courses

1. When may I start a course?
2. How long can I study for?
3. What is the minimum age?
4. How many students are there in each class?
5. I am going to study for a long time. What if I want to take a holiday during my course?
6. Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?
7. Do I have to buy the course book?
8. How are students allocated to classes?
9. How many levels are there in the school?
10. How many teachers are there in the school?
11. Am I allowed to speak my mother tongue in class?
12. How many classes can I take?
13. If I need to be absent from the school, what should I do?
14. I am worried I cannot speak English very well. Will the Oxford English Centre accept me?
15. What is the timetable?
16. What will I study in my General English Course?
17. What kind of facilities do you have?

Booking

1. How do I book my course?
2. How do I pay?
3. Bank details:
4. Do I need to pay a deposit?
5. When do I have to pay full fees?
6. What will happen to my deposit?
7. What happens if I want to cancel my course?
8. What happens to my deposit if I have to apply for a visa to study in the UK and my visa application is not granted?

Accommodation

1. Where is the accommodation?
2. What happens if I do not like my accommodation?
3. May I use the internet in my home stay?
4. Can I have a private bathroom?
5. Can I use the host family's kitchen to cook?
6. Do I have to contact my host family before I arrive?
7. What do I need to bring to my host family?
8. Should I bring a present to my host family?
9. What happens if I want to change my accommodation leaving date?
10. Can I choose a host family?
11. How does the school choose the family?
12. Do I have a curfew?
13. I want to smoke in a house. Is it possible?
14. Will they cook lunch during the weekend?
15. Will there be any other students in the family?
16. I want to stay with students from my country. Is it possible?
17. Can I invite my friends to my host family?

Others

1. Do I need a Visa to study at your school?
2. Do I need insurance?
3. What should I bring with me to Oxford?
4. How can I find the school?
5. What happens on the first day at school?
6. Can I use the internet at school?
7. What happens if I need a doctor?
8. What can I do if I have a problem?
9. Can I open a bank account?
10. Can the school arrange my airport transfer?
11. What can I do in Oxford?
12. Why should I come to Oxford to study?
13. Why choose the Oxford English Centre?
14. What nationalities do you have in the school?
15. Do you have a café in the school?
16. Are there any shops near the school?
17. How long does it take from the city centre to the school?
18. Do you have social activities?
19. What time does the school open and close?
20. What type of plug do you use?
21. How much is a bus pass?
22. How far is it from London? And how much does it cost to get there?
23. May I come to the school at the weekend?
24. Is it safe to drink the tap water in Oxford?
25. Can I have a discount on the course fees?
26. Will I be able to meet students the same age as me?
27. I want to send my luggage before I arrive. Where can I send it?

Courses

1. When may I start a course?

   General English, Business English, IELTS and Individual Tuition: On any Monday.
   Medical English course (AMED); on the first Monday of every month - except July and August
   Cambridge Exams, Intensive Medical English, English for Teachers, Legal English, TOEIC and TOEFL: Please contact us for details.
   

   

2. How long can I study for?

   The minimum for lessons in a mixed nationality group (Course code A) is 2 weeks; you may study for as long as you want. We also have 1-1 and combination courses for one week only or more.

   

3. What is the minimum age?

   Students have to be 16+ when they start the course. In January, July and August, we accept students who are 14+, coming with their guardians or group leaders. The minimum age for our specialised courses (Business, Law and Medicine) is 20 and students need to have an intermediate level of English.

   

4. How many students are there in each class?

   For General English courses the maximum is 14 students per class. For exam preparation courses the maximum is 12. For Professional courses the maximum is 6 students per class.

   

5. I am going to study for a long time. What if I want to take a holiday during my course?

   Please look at the Terms and Conditions for information about course holidays.

   

6. Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?

   Yes! If your course attendance is at least 80 %, you receive a certificate.

   

7. Do I have to buy the course book?

   No, your teacher will provide course materials for your course.

   

8. How are students allocated to classes?

   You do a placement test on the first day of your course. Then we place you in a class with students of the same level.

   

9. How many levels are there in the school?

   The curriculum is based on the Common European Framework and uses its six proficiency levels A1 Elementary - C2 Proficient. The levels cover Elementary to Proficient. There may be 2 or more classes at the same level.

   

10. How many teachers are there in the school?

    We have 5 academic team members and 8 full time teachers as well as further part time teachers.

    

11. Am I allowed to speak my mother tongue in class?

    Unless it is an emergency, you should only use English in class. Remember, you are here to study English!

    

12. How many classes can I take?

    For group lessons, you can take either 20 lessons or 30 lessons per week. For 1-1 lessons, please contact us to discuss the details.

    

13. If I need to be absent from the school, what should I do?

    Your teacher will be worried if you are not in school without mentioning anything to us. Please let us know if you need to be absent from school by calling the office.

    

14. I am worried I cannot speak English very well. Will the Oxford English Centre accept me?

    As long as your English is elementary level, you are always welcome. If you are a complete beginner, then please check if we have a beginner's class available.

    

15. What is the timetable?

    From September to June

    Lessons 1 & 2		09.30-11.00
    Lessons 3 & 4		11.30-13.00
    Lessons 5 & 6		14.00-15.30

    In July and August: Check with the school as the timetable may change.

    

16. What will I study in my General English Course?

    Lessons 1 & 2,
    This class is usually your 'grammar' lesson, and you can expect each lesson to focus on one or more aspects of English grammar. The teacher may (though not always) use a course-book. At Oxford English Centre, we use class sets of books, which are given out and taken in by the teacher each lesson. You will get a workbook to keep, which contains lots of useful exercises for you to do for homework or outside class.

    Lessons 3 & 4,
    This class is normally a 'skills' lesson, and will focus on reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, and pronunciation. There are a wide variety of methods, so you may find yourself on the internet, in the self-access centre, watching a DVD, or even in the city centre!

    Lessons 5 & 6,
    This class is usually 'fluency' lesson, where students are given the opportunity to speak as much as possible, through games, quizzes, questionnaires and interviews or debating contemporary topics and issues. It may also be used however, to revise and extend work studied previously, or for remedial work.

    

17. What kind of facilities do you have?

    Internet room, Library/Self-Access centre (Computers, DVDs, CDs, videos, books. There is a tutor to help you with self-study after 3:30pm) and a café and a beautiful prize winning terrace garden next to Caramba café. Please see the photos at our web-site www.oxfordenglish.co.uk.

    

Booking

1. How do I book my course?

   Just fill in the on-line application form. Or you can send an email to info@oxfordenglish.co.uk
   We will contact you to tell you if we have a place for you but we cannot process your application until we have received proof of payment of your deposit, or full fees (less than 4 weeks before the course begins).

   

2. How do I pay?

   By cash, sterling traveller's cheques, bank draft or credit card (Visa, MasterCard and JCB)

   

3. Bank details:

   Please contact us info@oxfordenglish.co.uk for this information.

   

4. Do I need to pay a deposit?

   Yes, please contact us for more details.

   

5. When do I have to pay full fees?

   The balance of the fees must be paid 4 weeks before the course begins.

   

6. What will happen to my deposit?

   It is deducted from your total fees and cannot normally be refunded in case of cancellation. The registration fee is not refundable. If you cancel before your course begins the balance of the accommodation deposit will be refunded after any cancellation charges have been paid.

   

7. What happens if I want to cancel my course?

   If your visa is refused, we will refund all fees paid in advance less any charges. Note: To quality for this refund you must provide the refusal document from the Embassy and return the original letter of acceptance supplied to you by the school. If you cancel before a course starts, the School will refund fees paid in advance minus the Registration deposit. Refunds are not normally made once a course has started but a credit may be considered at the discretion of the school. Special conditions for cancelling accommodation apply. We strongly recommend insurance in case of accident, illness or bereavement. You should arrange this yourself.

   

8. What happens to my deposit if I have to apply for a visa to study in the UK and my visa application is not granted?

   The visa office will give you a document explaining why your application was unsuccessful. Please send us a copy of this and the letter of acceptance we sent you and ALL of your deposit will be refunded after any cancellation charges have been paid.

   

Accommodation

1. Where is the accommodation?

   Oxford English Centre is in the city centre and all of our standard host families live about 20 - 30 minutes away by bus. We have no families within walking distance. All of our students have to take buses to come to school (or you may hire or buy a bicycle - the "Oxford way" to get around the city.).

   

2. What happens if I do not like my accommodation?

   You should talk to our Accommodation Officer who will discuss your problems and help you.

   

3. May I use the internet in my home stay?

   Not usually. We have an internet room that can be used free of charge at school. If you have a laptop, you may connect for free in our school café. Oxford is a student city and there are many internet cafes & WiFi zones in the city centre.

   

4. Can I have a private bathroom?

   Most host families have a shared bathroom. It is usual in the UK to have one shower or bath a day. Students are asked to leave the bathroom clean and tidy and not to take a shower very early in the morning or late at night.

   

5. Can I use the host family's kitchen to cook?

   You are not allowed to use the kitchen facilities for your own cooking. However, you may want to offer to cook a shared meal for your family with their permission. e.g. your national dish.

   

6. Do I have to contact my host family before I arrive?

   If you are making your own way to your host family, then please inform them of your approximate arrival time. Please also send these details to the school.

   

7. What do I need to bring to my host family?

   Sheets and bed linen are provided, but you should bring your own towel. Families usually do one weekly load of washing.

   

8. Should I bring a present to my host family?

   You don't have to, but it would be nice if you could bring something for your family.

   

9. What happens if I want to change my accommodation leaving date?

   Normally the school requires a minimum of 2 weeks notice if you wish to leave your host family before your booked leaving date. Please look at our Terms and Conditions or ask us for more information about accommodation changes.

   

10. Can I choose a host family?

    No. You can tell us your requests and we will find a suitable family for you.

    

11. How does the school choose the family?

    We have many experienced families who enjoy hosting students. We visit our families annually and they all conform to British Council, IALC and English UK guidelines. Please let us have as much information as possible i.e. Allergies to pets, foods etc...

    

12. Do I have a curfew?

    If you are over 18, normally not, but please be considerate and let your family know what time you want to come back when you go out. If the family has small children, please check what time they want you to come back. If you are under 16 you should return back before 10:30pm at the very latest.

    

13. I want to smoke in a house. Is it possible?

    We do not have any host families that allow smoking inside their home, but please put your request on our enrolment form. We will try to find a home stay which doesn't mind you smoking outside. At the school you may smoke but ONLY outside in the "designated smoking area". This is a special smoking shelter called "The Smoke House".

    

14. Will they provide lunch during the weekend?

    Yes, they provide a meal or prepare a packed lunch for you. It is included in your accommodation fee.

    

15. Will there be any other students in the family?

    This will depend on the time of the year, but normally yes. Some families take 2 or 3 students at a time. So there may be students of a different nationality/mother tongue in the house. It is the school policy for all students of 16 and under to share a room with a student from another country. If you are 17 or over you will have a single room.

    

16. I want to stay with students from my country. Is it possible?

    We will arrange this if you ask us to, for example, if you come with an organised group or with a friend.

    

17. Can I invite my friends to my host family?

    Please ask your family for permission. Normally guests are not allowed in bedrooms.

    

Others

1. Do I need a Visa to study at your school?

   Students from European Union countries do not need a visa to study in the UK. The situation for students from other countries varies. Please check with the British Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence or visit their website http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk

   Disclaimer. Please note that any contract you have with the school will be void if it proves you do not have/or lose your leave to remain in the UK. Any contract with you will also be void if you enter the UK on a visa that is not valid for study. If you do not obtain a visa that entitles you to study, Oxford English Centre is not allowed to deliver your course and our standard cancellation conditions will apply. Please check the correct visa procedure with us before you travel.

   

2. Do I need insurance?

   We recommend that all students have insurance that covers health, course cancellation and luggage. It is better that you arrange insurance in your own country before you travel. If this is not possible you may buy a student insurance package at www.course-u-can.com

   

3. What should I bring with me to Oxford?

   The weather is not always perfect in England, but when it is perfect it is absolutely perfect!!! The weather may change several times in one day. Bringing an umbrella is always a good idea, also a jacket and sweater even in summer. Make sure you have warm clothes for winter. For the weather here today please check http://www.bbc.co.uk/oxford/

   Passport size photographs - these are very useful for student cards, travel cards etc.
   Paper, pens and pencils - remember you are going to study English!

   

4. How can I find the school?

   If you stay with a host family, they will show you how to get to school on your first day. If you stay in private accommodation, please ask us to send you a map of Oxford by email. It is quite easy to find us - http://www.oxfordenglish.co.uk/location.asp

   

5. What happens on the first day at school?

   Please arrive at school at 09:00 on your first day.
   You will take a test to assess your level.
   There is an introduction to the school for all new students.

   

6. Can I use the internet at school?

   Yes, the internet is free for all students. If you bring your computer, LAN cables are available from our reception (£10 deposit). We also have fixed computers in our internet room.

   

7. What happens if I need a doctor?

   Please come to the office and we will help you to make an appointment. If you are very ill or have a serious accident the number for medical assistance is 999 (for emergencies only).

   

8. What can I do if I have a problem?

   Please come to the school office for help during school hours! If you have a serious problem (an emergency) outside school hours you may call our emergency number - 07976 256618.

   

9. Can I open a bank account?

   For students who will be in the UK for over 6 months it is usually possible to open a UK bank account. Banks are very strict about opening accounts and demand a lot of information from students. It is important to show how long you will be staying in the UK, the reason for opening an account and proof of a permanent address in the UK. The school will be able to provide you with a letter showing that you are registered as a student.

   

10. Can the school arrange my airport transfer?

    Yes. We can send a taxi to collect you from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and other ports of arrival (see our dates and fees leaflet for prices). There is also an excellent bus service to Oxford from LHR and LGW airports - please see http://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/main.php?page_id=23

    

11. What can I do in Oxford?

    Many things! You can go to the cinema, shopping, theatres, parks, bowling, pubs, punting, museums etc... Please check Oxford city council website http://www.visitoxford.org or http://www.OxfordCityGuide.com to know what's going on in Oxford today! The school has its own social programme: http://www.oxfordenglish.co.uk/social/programme.asp

    

12. Why should I come to Oxford to study?

    Many students from all over the world visit Oxford every year. The city is dominated by magnificent college and residential buildings. It is a small, safe, cosmopolitan city. The famous University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English speaking world. This city has the perfect atmosphere to study English.

    

13. Why choose the Oxford English Centre?

    The school was established in 1979. We are accredited by the British Council and a member of EnglishUK and IALC - your guarantees of quality. We are a single school and not part of a chain. You will find a friendly atmosphere, committed, enthusiastic staff, and students from all over the world. It is the perfect place to improve your English!

    

14. What nationalities do you have in the school?

    It depends quite a lot on the season, but normally we have a good mix of nationalities from all over the world. At certain times of the year we have more students from particular countries who have holidays at that time - for example from South America in January; from Thailand in April. During the year there are usually at least 70 different nationalities represented in the school. Please email info@oxfordenglish.co.uk or call us +44-1865 516162 if you would like to know more details of current nationalities.

    

15. Do you have a café in the school?

    Yes, "Caramba café". They offer you a cooked lunch, sandwiches, paninis, snacks, soft drinks. The prices are student friendly and Caramba is a great place to hang out with the friends you make here.

    

16. Are there any shops near the school?

    Yes. There is a road called "North Parade" opposite the school. It has a convenience shop, restaurants, gift shops, and two pubs.

    

17. How long does it take from the city centre to the school?

    It is about 15 minutes walk or just a few minutes by bus.

    

18. Do you have social activities?

    There is a full social programme ranging from museum trips, sports to BBQs to karaoke. Most activities are included in course fees. You may book weekend excursions to other cities in England from approximately £35.
    In the summer, we have a more extensive social programme with activities nearly every day. Students arriving in groups with leaders normally have a package that includes weekend excursions.

    

19. What time does the school open and close?

    It normally opens Monday to Friday (except bank holidays), from 9am to 5pm.

    

20. What type of plug do you use?

    Standard British voltage which is 240v ac 50HZ. It is normally called "13-amp plug".UK plugs have three pins but you can buy an adaptor plug at most airports or at electrical shops in Oxford.

    

21. How much is a bus pass?

    You can buy a bus pass called "Plus Pass" which you can use on the buses in Oxford. From £20 for 7 days, £30 for 14 days, £50 for 28 days (July, 2008). Please visit http://www.stagecoachbus.co.uk/oxfordshire/index.html and check the current fees.

    

22. How far is it from London? And how much does it cost to get there?

    It is about 1 hour by train, 90 minutes by bus. For more information, please check http://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/index.php

    *For more information about buses or trains, please visit the following websites.

    National rail		http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
    Stagecoach bus company		http://www.stagecoachbus.com/oxfordshire/
    Oxford bus company		http://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/

    

23. May I come to the school at the weekend?

    The school is closed at weekends. We are normally open from Monday to Friday except on Public Holidays and the Christmas and New Year Break.

    

24. Is it safe to drink the tap water in Oxford?

    Yes, no problem. You may also buy mineral water from shops and there is a water-cooler in the school where you can fill up with filtered fresh water - free of charge!!

    

25. Can I have a discount on the course fees?

    Yes. If you come for more than 8 weeks, there are discounts available (see Dates and Fees) provided that you pay in advance.

    

26. Will I be able to meet students the same age as me?

    We have a huge range of ages. We accept younger students aged 14-17 in the summer on special junior courses but there are usually lots of adults 25+ here as well. All of our students are very friendly. And we will do our best to make you feel at home in the international environment here. There is the school social programme to help you to make friends as quickly as possible!!

    

27. I want to send my luggage before I arrive. Where can I send it?

    You may send luggage to the school and we are also able to receive packages from home for you, but please do let us know in advance!