Language Courses
Internships
IELTS
Business
Over 50s
TeenagersWhich language course is right for me ?
One of the keys to successful language learning is choosing the right language course to meet your goals. But this can be difficult when schools offer such a wide range of courses.
Below we have outlined some of the most popular language courses offered in our partner schools.
We will be happy to talk to you and give you the information you need to find the best language course, school or university for you.
General language courses
By 'general' language course, we mean the type of topics covered in the lessons.
These courses help you learn the language you will need to visit or live in a country and speak to native speakers, to watch TV programmes and films, and read newspapers etc.
These language courses are usually the base of all language learning.
In our partner schools, the lessons are usually in groups of 8 to 12 students (occasionally 14 in some schools). They consist of 3 or 4 lessons in the morning, leaving you free in the afternoon for sightseeing and other activities. Or they may be more intensive, helping you to make faster progress.
These courses are ideal to build up all your language skills. Although there is a strong emphasis on communication (speaking and listening) all other areas, including grammar, are covered. See ‘How will I learn ?’
They can be combined with activities and specialist courses, including business, exams and university preparation.
Examination Courses for General Languages
(For university entrance, please check our IELTS preparation or TOEFL exams or Business section for TOEIC examinations.)Many countries now have national exams to evaluate your level in the language. You can prepare a language exam in our partner schools.
Taking an exam course keeps you focused on your learning and can be very motivating. For people who need an official certificate of their level, then one of these courses is ideal.
- English : a number of examining bodies offer internationally known examinations. These include the very popular Cambridge ESOL exams such as the First Certificate in English, the CAE or Cambridge Proficiency English.
- Spanish : the Institute Cervantes organises the official Spanish examinations (DELE) at Initial, Intermediate and Advanced levels.
- French : the DELF and the DALF are the foreign language qualifications which are officially recognised by the French Ministry of Education.
- German : preparation is offered for the internationally recognised certificates, issued by the telc and the Goethe Institute.
Gap Year programmes/long term language learning programmes.
All schools run long term programmes to help students reach language competence for university or work.
Preparation for University - IELTS
Most of Crossroads partner schools in the UK run IELTS preparation and programmes to prepare students to study in an Englsh-speaking university. Our partners provide a variety of excellent programmes. They are designed to give students the language and appropriate study skills they will need for university life.
All students must have successfully completed their secondary school education.
The courses combine English and academic study skills, such as note-taking, essay and report writing, and research techniques with specialist subject modules.
Preparation for the IELTS is also included in the programmes.
See our University preparation section for more information.
Business Language Courses
These are available in all our partner schools.
Some centres specialise in executive language training and have a wide programme of courses while others have a more limited programme. In all cases, lessons are given by specialist teachers with a background in business.
Group lessons are often supplemented by one to one lessons to help professionals address individual needs.
Most of our schools, in all countries, combine lessons with work experience for the 18 + learners. This gives them the opportunity to practise their language in a professional setting.
One to One courses
You have your own private teacher. This is particularly useful if you want to make fast progress to meet a specific need.
Older students
Many of our schools have special programmes for the over 50s. These are particularly attractive to people who want to combine tourism and culture with language learning and who prefer to study and socialise with people of a similar age.
Activity courses/Special courses
Join learning and leisure by choosing an activity course.
Activities are specific to a particular city or country. These courses help you to learn more about the culture of the country, or to try a new sport.
Our schools offer such courses as :
Spanish and Arts
Spanish and Flamenco
Olé Spanish and Cooking
French and Surf
German and Theatre
English and Golf
