The new school year is about to begin and many of you are probably thinking that it’s about time to take the plunge and sign up for a course to improve your English.

The problem is – with so many schools and types of courses available – choosing the right one can often be a daunting task.

In this post we’ll outline the different English language courses we offer to help make your decision easier.

Unsure if Oxford House is the English Language school for you? Here are 10 reasons why we think you should choose our academy.

First – check your level!

Before you begin, take our online level test to get an idea of your current ability – this is a grammar-based test but will give you a general idea of where to start.

Once you have a better understanding of the course you want to take, come into the school and complete a more indepth level test with one of our teachers.

We refer to levels using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. See the table below for the equivalent Oxford House levels and Cambridge and Trinity exams.

Our Courses

General English: Intensive

Need to improve your English as fast as possible? Then our General English Intensive course is right for you. With a total of 100 hours contact time you’ll complete an entire level in just 10 weeks.

Suitable for A2 – C2 learners, you’ll work closely with your teacher in small groups (eight max) to improve in all areas of your English including speaking, reading, writing and listening. New courses start each term – so if you work extra hard, you can go up three levels by June.

Read more about our Intensive English course.

General English: Extensive

Although similar to Intensive English, this general English course is more suitable for students who have less time on their hands . You will still complete a whole level by the end of the course, however, with only three hours a week you can combine studying with work and other commitments. Depending on your availability you can do two 1.5hr classes on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesday and Thursdays or do one three hour class on Fridays or Saturdays.

Check all the timetables available for our General English Extensive course.

Cambridge Exam Preparation

Perhaps you need a certificate to prove your level for work or university? If so, you should consider the Cambridge English exams – one of the most well known English language qualifications in the world.

We offer preparation courses for the B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency and you can study up to eight hours a week depending on how much time you have and when you want to sit the exam. What’s more we offer a free mock exam so you can get a good idea of what it’ll be like on the big day.

Discover how you can get your Cambridge certificate.

IELTS Exam Preparation

We also offer preparation courses for IELTS. If you are thinking about going abroad to study in the Netherlands, UK or Australia, some universities may ask for this qualification. Different from the Cambridge exams – there are no levels. Everyone does the same exam and you are awarded a ‘band’ based on your results. Most universities ask for band 6 or higher. For this reason we only offer IELTS preparation courses for those students who are B2 level or above and want to take the Academic test.

Find out more about how IELTS can take you around the world.

English for Seniors

Are you over 55 and prefer to study with people your own age? If so, our General English course for seniors might be what you are looking for. Classes are three hours a week on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Covering half a level per course allows you to work at your own pace, reinforce what you’ve learned and focus on speaking skills without being overwhelmed.

For more information head over to the course page.

Business English

Do you already speak English but want to improve your communication skills in a business setting? Maybe you need to give presentations in English or speak to clients in other countries. When it comes to business – English is important and could make all the difference when trying to seal a big deal.

Our Business English courses run termly on Monday and Wednesdays or Tuesday and Thursdays from 20h00-21h30 and are open to all students with a B2 level of English or higher.

English Starter

Are you thinking about studying English for the first time? Then we’d recommend you begin with Starter English. This monthly semi-intensive course will give you the confidence and the skills to be able to have basic conversations in English. The course is split into three parts which you can start at any month of the year. Once you finish part C you’ll be ready to join our Intensive, Extended or Economic A2 English courses. Classes run in the morning or evening so you can choose the group which best fits your availability.

Read more about our Starter English course.

Economic English

Those who are looking for an affordable way to maintain their level while making friends with people from all over the world, should consider Economic English. These communicative classes, which are taught by teachers-in-training, run from Monday – Thursday at 10h00 or 16h00. There are four levels available (A2, B1.1, B1.2 and B2) and classes are just €60/month.

You may even be eligible to study for free. Check this post to find out more!

Private classes

Sometimes you may need to improve your English for a very specific purpose like to prepare for a job interview or a less well known exam. Or you might prefer the attention you receive in a 1-on-1 setting.

If that’s the case then you should consider taking a private class which can be at the time and place of your choice. You can even share a private teacher with some friends and create a closed group.

More information about private classes can be found here.

The majority of our courses start at the beginning of October and places are selling fast. So, once you have a general idea of the course you’d like to take, come into the school and speak to one of our trained level testers who will make sure you are placed in the correct class.

Level testing is available Monday – Friday from 10h00-20h00. No appointment needed.

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Take the plunge (exp): commit to doing something you may be nervous about.

Sign up (pv): to enroll in a program or course.

Daunting (adj): something which is difficult to decide.

Entire (adj): something whole or complete.

Time on your hands (exp): free time.

Seal a deal (exp): to come to an agreement on something.

Affordable (adj): something which is good value for money.

Key

exp = expression

pv = phrasal verb

adj = adjective

Study English at Oxford House Barcelona

Interested in taking an English course at Oxford House Barcelona? Check all the different English classes we can offer you, or contact us for more information.