UCT English Language Centre
32-37 Orange Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town,, Cape Town, Western Cape 8001, South Africa
UCT English Language Centre
This course combines the standard English in the morning with afternoon electives twice a week. You can choose between the following options, Speaking and Listening, or Reading and Writing.
Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities
ELC 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 schedule may change depending on availability and season.
Average | 10 students |
Maximum | 14 students |
Age range | 16 years old and older |
Average | 23 years old (25 in the summer) |
The UCT English Language Centre (ELC) is a language school within the University of Cape Town. ELC offers a wide range of English Language courses: General English including conversational English, Business English, English for Academic purposes and IELTS preparation. You can start your course any Monday and study for any number of weeks.
ELC also offers you an experiential learning programme called Language Excursions. The course is combining General English in the morning with out of the classroom conversation classes in the afternoon. During these Language Excursions you will have the opportunity to practice the English language while encountering interesting and diverse people in and around Cape Town.
At ELC we use a student-centred approach to teaching and learning, putting the student's individual language learning needs at the heart of what we do. We believe students learn English best when engaged in real-life communication activities, which help them develop strategies for communicative competence.
The nationality and age mix at UCT English Language Centre varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 23. In the summer, the average age is 25.
ELC teaches students from all over the world, including:
ELC does not hold classes on the holiday dates below. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.
The UCT English Language Centre is located at the historic Hiddingh Campus in the heart of the city. It is a short walk from Cape Town’s vibrant cultural and historic centre, and has easy access to the beaches and local attractions.
Teachers: absolutely NO negative comment about Nicollata. However, I got one afternoon class with Ms. Caval on my first, and regardless of the content, I felt there is a gap in communication between us as students and her. I mean no offense here, I think she has hearing issues and that should be checked.
Location: perfect!
Facilities: I was upset that I paid all that money and there weren't hot drinks for free in the kitchen! I do think that is a basic thing to be offered by the school for the students.
Activities: Lovely and John is a funny guy! However, I wished if the indulging class, where we go to learn English in a certain place outside of school, where more cheaper so I can join them.
Housing: I liked the location, as well as the working lady there, Kudzai, she was helpful on so many levels regarding safety, transportation, etc. On the contrary, the house was quite expensive comparing with the other university housing. I think if it is cheaper I would have stayed there till the end of my course. As a final note, Charine was helpful and responsive when it comes to the logistics and was relieving for me to have someone to complain or ask for suggestions.
Thank you very much, Kamilia, for your feedback. We will continue to improve our service to our students. Thanks for helping us pointing out the areas that we should focus on.
It was a good time at UCT.
Teachers was nice and interesting.
It was a good experience to study in Cape Town.
The university is in the center so it's easy to have lunch and to go there.
Lovely, ELoise! I am glad you had a good time at ELC and in Cape Town. All the best!
The first time I met all stuff I felt in my country because were all stuff helpful and friendly. Also I learned many things from teachers not just English. If I have had another opportunity I would like to study again at UCT English Language Center.
Show details » Read more...Thanks so much for your review, Mohammed. I am glad you had a great time in Cape Town and at ELC. Take care!
I really enjoyed my studies at UCT English Language Centre. The methodology the school uses is really great and helps students to develop their writing, reading, speaking and listening skills, as they are all covered during the training every week. As a Portuguese speaker student, in the beginning, it was a bit difficult for me to listen to the ´´Capetownian´´ accent, however, soon I was used to it as I was deeply merged in the Cape Town environment and the social activities developed at ELC helped a lot to improve my vocabulary for different situation.
The student residence and the ELC facilities are set in the heart of the city within a walking distance, which makes life easier as we could talk with other classmates while walking to school or the way round to the residence. The teachers are really highly rated, as they develop a level of confidence in the student and are always available for conversation, which is great.
Thank you very much, Cezar, for your review. We are glad you had a great time with us. Take care. Your ELC Team
Homestays are carefully selected and offer students the opportunity to learn more about the local culture in a comfortable setting while studying English in Cape Town. These homes are often between 25 - 50 minutes away from the school by public transport. Families usually offer affordable meal plans that allow you to sample the local cuisine. If you have special requests or diet restrictions (because of religion or health reasons), please let us know in advance. Your housing starts on the Sunday before your first day of class and ends on the Saturday after your last day of class, unless otherwise noted. Learn more about homestay housing
Student residences are more suitable for an independent student, who is looking for clean, basic accommodation at an economic price. All students must be 18 - 40. Your housing starts on the Sunday before your first day of class and ends on the Saturday after your last day of class, unless otherwise noted. Student residences often do not include any meal plan. Learn more about student residence accommodation
It is possible to live in a rented apartment during your study in Cape Town, but this tends to be more expensive. ELC provides some assistance with apartment rentals or you can rent an apartment on your own. Learn more about apartment housing
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.
Your letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you.
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 Cape Town based on your budget, schedule and preferences.
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.
Have questions? Get answers from UCT English Language Centre staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.
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