Intensive English

Central Language School Cambridge

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Course description

The Intensive English course is 21 hours per week every morning starting at 09:30 and finishing at 13:00 with a coffee break at 11:00. After a 1-hour lunch-break, you will have classes on 3 afternoons each week 14:00-16:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

We use different course books throughout the year from Intermediate to Advanced level. There are many opportunities for you to practise your speaking and listening as well as your pronunciation, vocabulary, reading, grammar and writing.

The afternoon classes focus on different language skills: Speaking, Listening and Pronunciation; Reading and Use of English; Writing.

A typical week may include:
How to find information in different texts
How to write a formal and informal email
Exam skills for PET, FCE, CAE and CPE
Useful language for everyday life
There is also opportunity for discussion in pairs and groups.

Students who have studied for 2 weeks or longer will receive a certificate and a report at the end of their course.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
1-52 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
21 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 60 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
20 Dec 2024 - 06 Jan 2025

CLS does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Class times

Morning session
09:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Afternoon session
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

Intermediate
High intermediate
Advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level.

Class size

Average 8 students
Maximum 10 students

Student age

Age range 18 - 80 years old
Average 28 years old
(26 in the summer)

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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photos

Photos

  • Activities offered at Central Language School Cambridge 1/12
  • City of Cambridge 2/12
  • Building of Central Language School Cambridge 3/12
  • Building of Central Language School Cambridge 4/12
  • Students of Central Language School Cambridge 5/12
  • Students of Central Language School Cambridge 6/12
  • City of Cambridge 7/12
  • Activities offered at Central Language School Cambridge 8/12
  • Homestay housing offered by Central Language School Cambridge 9/12
  • Homestay housing offered by Central Language School Cambridge 10/12
  • Homestay housing offered by Central Language School Cambridge 11/12
  • Homestay housing offered by Central Language School Cambridge 12/12
reviews

Reviews

100% recommend

based on 23 reviews
5 stars
19
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"Great experience, Great teachers, Great program and lovely colleagues"

Tair Rave Hadas, student from Israel

The location is in Cambridge center - easy to find, The school is a place with soul - Good and kind teachers. The environment made the group of students into a group of friends. I did not use the housing option.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
23 Sep 2024 - 27 Sep 2024
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Amazing"

Kandawala Suwarnasinghe, student from UK

The class was very efficient and it was very study friendly environment. the activities which I have done in the class room was really helpful for develop my vocabulary. the teachers are very friendly and they are the most humble person I have ever met in Cambridge. They were very approachable and I was very comfortable with them. The class room was not boring and the flow was really good. The extra activities were made me a more socialized person. The location was very easy to find and its literally in the Cambridge city itself. they provided us a city tour and I really liked it. The facilities in the classroom was fine I could say. This is the most amazing experience I had in Cambridge. I booked this school only for one week. even after one week I felt so sad because I miss that amazing experience there. I got so many friends there from different diversities which is really good. I would like to say there were nothing I dislike this amazing school.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
15 Jan 2024 - 19 Jan 2024
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was a really good moment, the teachers are kind and the lessons was really good"

David PEDREIRA, student from France

It was a good experience. The school is small but it offers the possibility to share time with others students. The lessons are really good, i met many people coming from differents countries in the world. I liked the time in Cambridge.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
27 Nov 2023 - 15 Dec 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was the most exciting experience in this summer."

Luis Alberto Gutierrez Valladares, student from Peru

The methodology is remarkable. First of all, teachers are different every day. I suppose they do it to prevent students from getting used to a single accent, a single way of speaking, tone, intonation. Furthermore, they constantly make us talk to each other and not only that. The teachers write down the phrases and expressions that are incorrect and then give a presentation of what the correct form is. I consider that this is one of the best ways to learn and lose the fear of speaking. It seems that they have tirelessly studied the different ways of learning English and put it into practice. Excellent.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
21 Aug 2023 - 25 Aug 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Great friendly atmosphere, professional teachers, hospitable host family."

zsolt szabó, student from Hungary

I felt good during my stay at school and host family too. I stayed (unfortunately) only a week. I met wonderful people, and improved my English. Great experience! I'll definitely return in the future, hopefully next year.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
31 Jul 2023 - 4 Aug 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"A great experience in Cambridge"

Sofia Sgarbi, student from Italy

Overall I am very pleased of my experience at Central, where I have spent two weeks. The school is sited in the city centre of Cambridge, easy to reach by bus. The enviroment was great, the teachers were amazing, friendly and welcoming. They really helped me to improve my skills in speaking and writing. Morover, they had many classes diversified on the basis of your level. The host family was fantatic as well, despite the fact that their house was quite distant from the school. I would certainly recommend this experience to anybody who would like to improve his English!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
31 Jul 2023 - 11 Aug 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Fantastic"

Beatriz Barrio, student from Spain

My experience was fantastic! The teachers are wonderful and there is a great family between the students and the teachers. I would come back without any doubt.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
3 Jul 2023 - 28 Jul 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"A very stimulating experience"

Michela Coan, student from Italy

I had a very good experience in Central Language school : teachers very kind and helpful, classes with students from all over the world. The location is in the center with shops and pub close. I very much appreciated the King’s college choir service and The International dessert, a meeting with people from all countries.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
3 Jul 2023 - 7 Jul 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"A highly recommended experience"

Amparo Celda Santaines, student from Spain

Overall, the experience was awesome. I loved the school, teachers and classes. I have improved my English level in just two weeks. In addition, my host family was simply amazing (thank you Colledge!): they spent a big amount of time teaching me English and correcting my mistakes, playing board games and showing me their daily lifestyle. I would definitely repeat the experience with Central Language and recommend it to my relatives and friends.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
6 Feb 2023 - 17 Feb 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Fun and interesting"

alexandra gabriela baicu dumitru, student from Spain

It's been a nice experience so far although the level isn't what I expected. The teachers are great and the people are awesome too.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
21 Nov 2022 - 16 Dec 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Amazing, professional organization"

Ahmed Arfaoui, student from Germany

Stuff very friendly and helpful. Everything was perfect

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
22 Aug 2022 - 26 Aug 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Great experience, with interesting people"

Juana Parra, student from Chile

It has been a great experience learning English at CLS. The teachers are very good, especially Bethany and Gail. The duration of the daily classes was adequate, as well as the interesting contents.

The classrooms are a bit uncomfortable when there are many students, and in the summer, they are so hot.

The team of teachers and administrators make this school something very familiar, and one feels welcomed.

However, they don´t provide a student card that allows you to obtain discounts on visits to interesting places in Cambridge.

Additional activities to classes are very good and allow interaction between students and teachers.

I think you must have more level of English classes. It´s seems everybody attend at the same level, no matter which is their english

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
23 May 2022 - 17 Jun 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
Sian Serrano, Business Manager at Central Language School Cambridge responded to this review.
28 June 2022

Thank you for your lovely review, Juanita. I just wanted to clarify that we do provide a free student card - maybe you did not find out about that while you were here. Yes, it was a pity we had fewer classes when you were with us, but now we have expanded the number of classes so they are better working within each level. It is rare that we have very hot days in UK in summer, and we will be starting to use our air conditioning next time we have very hot weather.

"Wonderful!! Definitely i'd do it again"

Beatriz Pérez, student from Mexico

Excellent experience, since I received information untrl the end of my adventure. Have chosen Central Languaje School was the best decision I could have taken. The group was small with people from many diferent countries and the atmosphere is very familiar cozy. The teachers are very well prepared, the classes are dinamic with very good material.
I attended to the afternoon activities which are very interesting, because you not only have the opportunitie to continue practicing english, also know life in Cambridge, go to musseums, practice punting...
For me have been in a homestay completed the amazing experience, because I was with a very good and lovely family that made me part of them I enjoyed all the moments that we spent together.

I highly recommend to have this experience, I learned english in a very good level school acreditated by the british council and be in Cambridge was one the most wonderful expiriences in my life.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
9 May 2022 - 27 May 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"I feel/ felt happy to study with such awesome teachers/ tutors and students / study buddies"

Victoria Tyutrina, student from Russia

Central Language School Cambridge is the place where you want to go back! The booking process is easy and clear, service is efficient and kindly!

I would like to thank you and all your nice colleagues for your skilled consultancy in the selection of a suitable language school for me and for your extensive support and for understanding.
I really enjoyed my stay. The number of students in my class (Advanced) was perfect to study and communicate. The teachers were therefore able to respond to our needs and wishes, which made me very happy. The atmosphere at the language school is extraordinary! The teachers are really fabulous! They always boost the students with positive feedback, are challenging and motivational at the same time, while structuring their lessons to make them vibrant and entertaining. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot. The teachers were exchanging information among themselves and always knew what we were learning and how we were performing in the other lessons. I can speak in English better, than before :) and I feel progress. A special thank you for informative and entertaining activities - I like it very much :)

I recommend every student that wants to improve their English skills to do this language course, because it is the exact right one!
Thanks to everybody for the warm and friendly atmosphere! I’ve had an unforgettable time in the school

With friendly greetings from Moscow and hope see you again.
Best wishes,
Victoria

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
29 Jul 2021 - 4 Aug 2021
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"I loved study in Central Language, I couldn’t choose best"

Cássia Regattieri, student from Brazil

I was receive much better for all employees. If I can return one day, I will return to the same school.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
6 Jan 2020 - 17 Jan 2020
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Great time for learning and leisure!"

Raquel Barreda Tarrazona

The classes have the ideal number of students to participate and share experiences. They have a good duration and the activities are challenging. Teachers are very kind and helpful. They are always motivating us to improve. All the staff are very helpful and they like sharing the British culture (history, sports, gastronomy, law, museums, buildings, festivities, traditions,...). The school is settled in the heart of the city, so that it is really lively and charming, the building is very welcoming. The school provides us with all the materials we need for the classes and uses the last technologies for the training. I have enjoyed the most the activities after the classes, because there we interact among us and with the inhabitants of the city in a real context. The housing service was very helpful as I have been living with a really kind family that helped me with my English and shared charming moments with me. I have lived a great experience there and I keep it in my memory until I will manage to be back again.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
22 Oct 2018 - 15 Nov 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Great school!"

Ulrike Bojahr

Last summer I spent six weeks studying in this school and it was a wonderful time.
The atmosphere is very friendly and warm-hearted. All teachers are highly professional and supported me according to my needs. Thus I was able to improve my English considerably. It was really a great pleasure to be there and also to make new friends from different countries.
I liked very much learning in small groups and also the respectful with each other.
I also liked studying in a very pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.

There was nothing I didn't like.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
5 weeks
Date of study
15 Jul 2018 - 24 Aug 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"It was amazing, unforgettable and helpful."

Eleonora Limongi

My first impression was: they are very organized! I started doing an "exam" to test my English level. Then, after the results, they put me into the right class for me. I really enjoyed attending the lessons because my classmates were funny and the teachers were experienced, kind, and patient.
The school is 20-minute walk from Cambridge Train Station and it very easy to get there because it is located in the city centre. There are a lot of facilities available, like a microwave to hit up your lunch, a printer, two computers, smart boards, a lot of books to practice on and there is always coffee and snacks. There are also a lot of activities to do during the week, such as bowling, punting, meetings, debates about important topics and they are very helpful to practice your English. Regarding the housing, the school helped to find a host family. The family was lovely: they were kind and generous. The house was comfortable, cosy and spacious and the neighborhood was safe and quiet.
In conclusion, I can say that it was a beautiful experience and I strongly recommend this school!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
15 weeks
Date of study
16 Jan 2018 - 5 May 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Excwllwnt and terrify in the house"

Luismi De La Ascensión

nice sckool, better teacher,exceptional principal
in my opinion it is good more practic exam.....
an Ithink thaht the insurance it is also very, very important

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
15 weeks
Date of study
5 Jul 2018 - 24 Oct 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"One of the best experiences of my life."

Deborah Canocchi

One day in January I decided that I wanted to take the Cambridge English Advanced Exam. I've found Central Language School on the internet, and I decided to enroll in the intensive English course because the price was affordable, the school location was optimal and all of the reviews were very positive. In a week or so, the school office arranged everything for me: the course, the accomdation in a hostfamily and even the registration for the exam. Once I got there I felt immediately welcome, the teachers were always willing to help and all of the other students were sincerely interested in getting to know the new ones.
The atmosphere inside the school was nice and comfortable. The lessions were interesting and quite diverse, focussing on different skills: grammar, speaking, listening, writing...My vocabulary was growing every day. Nonetheless I was very nervous for the CAE but the teachers helped me a lot with the preparation and I took a mock exam at the school a few days before the actual exam.
I would recommend Central Language School to everyone: you will improve your English and make a lot of new friends.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
27 Jan 2019 - 22 Feb 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"It was a truly profitable time where all of my academic and cultural expectations were completely satisfied."

Edgar Duarte-Forero

I had the possibility to study with my wife for almost two months at Central Language School. At the beginning, my main objective was to achieve a good level of English so that I could get the required level to be accepted as a PhD student in my country.

Happily, not only this objective was achieved. The more I learnt English, the more new features were appearing during my stay, so that it became a real "integral" experience. Firstly, with the help of their teachers, I could understand many issues about the language as well as the fascinating British culture. Expressions, habits, food, dances, and many other topics were appearing in our daily life. A concrete idea of Britain and its admirable people was shaped consistently. Secondly, a fabulous learning pace, characterized by the use of great studying books, complementary activities, small groups, and a lovely environment, constituted a perfect mix of elements that let me especially recommend this school for people who want to achieve a high level of English.

An additional element that complemented our experience was the accomodation. We had the chance to be hosted by a lovely family whose members were always bringing us recommendations and let us be part of their homes in every sense.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
5 weeks
Date of study
8 Jan 2018 - 16 Feb 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"I had a nice experience there."

Miquel

I studied English at Central Language School Cambridge for two weeks, there are very good teachers and a very pleasant atmosphere. I definitely had a great experience there.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
49 weeks
Date of study
10 Jun 2018 - 23 May 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"I had great Time."

Dariusz Siciński

Every think what I experienced in CLS was excellent. I had many fantastic teachers. They run interesting lessons.
They tried I felt comfortable. I appreciated. Once my friends and Our teacher went on picnic. It was amazing moments.
CLS is located in central Cambridge. It is very convenient. I stayed in YMCA where I felt good. People who live there are friendly and helpful. It is a safe place. YMCA is located very close to school.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
29 Jul 2018 - 18 Aug 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
Sian Serrano, Administrator at Central Language School Cambridge responded to this review.
08 May 2019

Thank you very much Dariusz and we look forward to seeing you again this summer when you can experience the same great teachers, school and accommodation!

housing

Housing

CLS offers the following housing types:
homestay

Self-Catering homestay

191 €
weekly
Age range: 18 - 99 years old
Location: Outside the city center of Cambridge
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, telephone, wireless internet, tV room, carpet, heating, and garden
Distance to school: 10 - 30 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
191 €
Staying in the home of a local host is a great way to improve your English as you practise language you have learnt in the classroom, and you can experience more about British life and culture. Our hosts are friendly people offering a good standard of accommodation.

Our homestays are all different: some are families with children, some are older couples or single people. In line with the ethos of the school, we aim to place our students with Christian homestays. Your homestay hosts will be caring and supportive while you are with them.We want them to enjoy having you in their home and you to enjoy being with them.

You will have a single room. There may be other students staying in the same house, but we aim not to put two students who speak the same language in the same home unless this is requested.

You will buy your own food and can cook your meals in the homestay kitchen.

Cambridge is a small city, so your travel from the homestay will not be very far. Many students hire bicycles while in Cambridge and cycle to school every day.

Bed & Breakfast homestay

204 €
weekly
Age range: 18 - 99 years old
Location: Outside the city center of Cambridge
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry, telephone, wireless internet, tV room, carpet, heating, and garden
Distance to school: 10 - 30 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
204 €
Staying in the home of a local host is a great way to improve your English as you practise language you have learnt in the classroom, and you can experience more about British life and culture. Our hosts are friendly people offering a good standard of accommodation.

Our homestays are all different: some are families with children, some are older couples or single people. In line with the ethos of the school, we aim to place our students with Christian homestays. Your homestay hosts will be caring and supportive while you are with them.We want them to enjoy having you in their home and you to enjoy being with them.

You will have a single room (there are also some twin rooms for married couples). There may be other students staying in the same house, but we aim not to put two students who speak the same language in the same home unless this is requested.

The only meal your hosts will provide for you is breakfast every day. You are not permitted to cook other meals yourself in their kitchen, and you will need to eat all other meals out, in cafes or restaurants.

Cambridge is a small city, so your travel from the homestay will not be very far. Many students hire bicycles while in Cambridge and cycle to school every day.

Half-board homestay

249 €
weekly
Age range: 18 - 80 years old
Location: Outside the city center of Cambridge
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner on weekdays, 3 meals on weekends (16 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry, telephone, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, carpet, heating, and garden
Distance to school: 10 - 30 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
249 €
Staying in the home of a local host is a great way to improve your English as you practise language you have learnt in the classroom, and you can experience more about British life and culture. Our hosts are friendly people offering a good standard of accommodation.

Our homestays are all different: some are families with children, some are older couples or single people. In line with the ethos of the school, we aim to place our students with Christian homestays. Your homestay hosts will be caring and supportive while you are with them.We want them to enjoy having you in their home and you to enjoy being with them.

You will have a single room. There may be other students staying in the same house, but we aim not to put two students who speak the same language in the same home unless this is requested.

We will try to meet your requirements if you have any special needs such as allergies or particular diets.

Cambridge is a small city, so your travel from the homestay will not be very far. Many students hire bicycles while in Cambridge and cycle to school every day.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

If you are studying in the UK for over 11 months, you will receive a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that you need to submit to the UK embassy along with your General Student Visa application. Students who have successfully booked a language course and have paid their fees will receive a CAS from CLS. Please note that UK law states that a CAS can only be issued to students who intend to pursue English language studies for over 11 months.

If you are studying in the UK for 11 months or less, you have to apply for a special visitor visa called a Student Visitor Visa. As a student visitor, you will not be able to work part-time while studying. If you plan to study in the UK for 11 months or less, a letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you.

Learn more about how to get a UK visa »

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Cambridge based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Central Language School Cambridge staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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