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Frequently Asked Questions
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Language Cert testing
Are English exam fees included in the IH course fees?
Exam fees are set by the external exam boards, so are not included in the course fee. You can see the fees on the exam pages and contact us. We can help you book your exam.
Can I change my General English course to an IELTS or Cambridge Preparation course?
Yes. Students are allowed to change once they pass the required entrance test. You may have to pay the difference depending on the length of the course you are attending.
What should I do if I have to miss an English class?
Students are allowed 20% absence over the course, so if you can’t come to school just for a day, you don’t need a form, but please do let Reception know. If you are ill or if there are any other important reasons why you can’t come to the school for more than 2 days, please ask for an ‘Authorised Absence Form’ at Reception and bring evidence (e.g. doctor’s certificate).
When will I receive my English course certificate?
Your teacher should give it to you on the last day of your course. Students can also come to Reception and ask for a ‘Document Request Form’. Please note that this takes 5 working days to be issued. Students need to attend a minimum of 80% to get a certificate.
I booked a course and I need to cancel it. What happens now?
Once a course has been confirmed by International House London the initial deposit will be lost in the event of a cancellation. At our discretion, this may be offset against the booking of a further group/individual by the same agents.
Fees are not refundable less than 28 days before the start of the course.
Cancellations must be made in writing – by letter, fax or e-mail. Agents should ensure that they arrange full insurance cover for these cancellation conditions.
Student care
Students’ safety and well-bein is the priority of all our Young Learner Centre staff.
Students are supervised throughout their stay whether in the classroom, in the school grounds, or on excursions outside of the school.
Security is our top priority and we ensure that students are always in safe areas. All our campus locations are safe and secure places to stay and learn.
Our staff are professional teachers vetted and trained to work with young learners. There are first aiders at the schools at all times and access to medical professionals.
Each accommodation house has a ‘parent’ or supervisor who students meet with every day. If your child needs to talk to someone about any issue they have, their house ‘parent’ is always there to listen, as are all International House staff members.
Can you accept students with learning difficulties?
At International House London, we offer a friendly and supportive learning environment where students feel safe to practice their language skills. If you have enquiries regarding a specific learning difficulty please contact the YL team at younglearners@ihlondon.com in order for International House to be able to accommodate the needs of the student in the best way possible.
Can you accept students with disabilities?
At International House London we are very proud of our commitment to equal opportunities, non-discriminatory procedures and practices. We accept students from all backgrounds, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation and disability. If you have enquiries regarding a specific disability, please contact the YL team at younglearners@ihlondon.com so that we can best accommodate the needs of the student.
I booked a course and I need to cancel it. What happens now?
Once a course has been confirmed by International House London the initial deposit will be lost in the event of a cancellation. At our discretion, this may be offset against the booking of a further group/individual by the same agents.
Fees are not refundable less than 28 days before the start of the course.
Cancellations must be made in writing – by letter, fax or e-mail. Agents should ensure that they arrange full insurance cover for these cancellation conditions.
Student care
Students’ safety and well-bein is the priority of all our Young Learner Centre staff.
Students are supervised throughout their stay whether in the classroom, in the school grounds, or on excursions outside of the school.
Security is our top priority and we ensure that students are always in safe areas. All our campus locations are safe and secure places to stay and learn.
Our staff are professional teachers vetted and trained to work with young learners. There are first aiders at the schools at all times and access to medical professionals.
Each accommodation house has a ‘parent’ or supervisor who students meet with every day. If your child needs to talk to someone about any issue they have, their house ‘parent’ is always there to listen, as are all International House staff members.
Can you accept students with learning difficulties?
At International House London, we offer a friendly and supportive learning environment where students feel safe to practice their language skills. If you have enquiries regarding a specific learning difficulty please contact the YL team at younglearners@ihlondon.com in order for International House to be able to accommodate the needs of the student in the best way possible.
Can you accept students with disabilities?
At International House London we are very proud of our commitment to equal opportunities, non-discriminatory procedures and practices. We accept students from all backgrounds, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation and disability. If you have enquiries regarding a specific disability, please contact the YL team at younglearners@ihlondon.com so that we can best accommodate the needs of the student.
Specialist Language
My level is very low. What is the best course for me?
If you are from beginner to pre-intermediate level, then we can accept you in the Executive Centre as a one-to-one client. You could choose a General English group course in the morning and one-to-one lessons in the Executive Centre in the afternoon.
Don’t you waste the first morning with testing?
Clients are sent tests prior to their course and placed in classes according to their results. Work starts on Monday Day One at 9.00. The first hour takes the form of a speaking/listening activity designed to check whether everyone in the group is at the right level.
Will there be anyone else from my country in my group?
We create groups according to the level of clients, not their mother tongue. However, we try our very best to keep the number of people who share the same language to two in each group.
If I stay for another course, won’t I just repeat the same material?
No. We keep extensive records on what you do, and – although you may practise the same skill several times during your stay – you won’t repeat any of the same material.
What else would I be expected to do outside the timetabled hours?
You should expect to spend time:
- Working with the other trainees in your teaching practice group to put together a timetable of lessons for your students
- Planning your own lessons. Although you’ll only be teaching for short periods, it is normal to spend at least 2-3 hours preparing
- Working on written assignments. These usually comprise two tasks related to language analysis and teaching materials (up to 3000 words in total). The assignments are relevant to your course and very practical. They are internally assessed.
Do I get a book with the course?
Yes. We normally supply one book per stay in the Centre. This book will be chosen with your teacher in order to help you continue your learning after the course has ended. Clients also receive a starter pack, which includes a pen, highlighters, transport map, pad of paper and dividers.
How would I be assessed on the course?
Assessment is on-going and part of your studies. We look at your teaching skills, written assignments and professionalism, and each component we asses contribute to your overall grade. Tutors will give you feedback on your teaching, and there will be at least one tutorial during the course to discuss your progress. All the course tutors will discuss the final grade you are awarded.
What are the possible grades?
Pass, Pass B and Pass A. A small number of candidates fail the course: if you are at risk of this you would normally be warned by your teacher. The majority of students achieve a Pass grade.
I am not a native speaker of the language I wish to teach: is this course appropriate for me?
The course entry requirements state that candidates “must have an awareness of language and a competence in the language they wish to teach, both written and spoken, that enables them to follow the course”. If you are accepted onto the course, please be aware that if your level of the language you want to teach falls below the required standard, you won’t be awarded the Certificate.
How does this certificate compare to the TEFL?
The courses are the same in terms of content, teaching approach and quality.
Can the learners use a dictionary during the exam?
Candidates are not allowed to use dictionaries or any other aids during the LanguageCert International ESOL exams.
What can I use a LanguageCert International ESOL qualification for?
LanguageCert International ESOL qualifications can be used internationally as school curriculum requirements, as well as for university entry and/or graduation, employment and career progression.