For one-to-one tuition, yes. For group tuition, we normally only accept enrolments for the start date of each two-week course. This is because you will not get the full benefit of a group which you join in the second week: you may find it difficult to break into the established rapport, and some important work may have been covered in the first five days.

Question My level is very low. What is the best course for me?

If you are from beginner to pre-intermediate level, then we can only accept you in the Centre as a one-to-one client. One option here is to do a group course in the General English school, with some one-to-one lessons in the Executive Centre in the afternoon. If your English is intermediate (equal to about 500 hours of tuition), then the full range of group courses in General and Business English is open to you.

Question Isn't six hours per day too intensive?

Within each day there is a balance of activities and the various skills (i.e. speaking listening, reading and writing) are covered. However, on most of the courses, the greatest emphasis is on speaking and understanding. The courses ARE intensive but manageable, as we feel you don't want to waste time here.

Question Don't you waste the first morning with testing?

Clients are sent tests prior to their course and placed in classes according to the results. Work starts on Monday Day One at 9.00, although the first hour does take the form of a speaking/listening activity designed to check whether everyone in the group is indeed at the right level.

Question Will there be anyone else from (Italy) 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.

Question What about my pronunciation and grammar?

Pronunciation work and the revision of grammar are included by the teacher as and when needed.

Question 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.

Question 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.

Question I need my course to be flexible

We are very flexible. We design courses to suit you and realize that your needs may change. Thus after two weeks of intensive study in a group you may wish to change to a one-to-one course. With sufficient notice, this is possible. Or, you may wish to have a group course in the morning, lunch with a teacher, followed by one-to-one tuition in the afternoon, and directed self-study after that. Design your perfect language learning programme, and we will deliver it!

Question Can I do a one week group course?

Yes, if you start on the first Monday of a two-week module. Also, we do not book clients for a one-week group course in August (or a three week group course at the end of July).

Question Can I choose my teacher?

This is not usually possible, because timetabling of teachers is very complicated. However, if you decide to have one-to-one tuition, we will match you with the best teacher for your individual needs.

Question Do all your teachers have business experience?

Remember you are booking a course for business English, not business studies. We believe it is the teacher's ability to teach the language that is most important, not the fact that they know something about finance because he or she worked in a bank. Our teachers know a lot about the language used in business, and many of them have direct experience in business at every level. We also have teachers who are qualified lawyers.

Question Will I get any idea of my progress?

Teachers will regularly inform you of your progress. Soon after your arrival, you will begin to feel more confident using your English in the immediate environment of London. Reports on client's progress can be issued on request, and will usually be received around three weeks after the end of the course.

Question Are there any exams I can do at the Centre?

We can organise the London Chamber of Commerce exam in Spoken English for Industry and Commerce (SEFIC) with four weeks notice. In addition, clients can take the LCCI written exams (with six weeks' notice) and the TOEIC exam (every month except August).

Question Can you organise special accommodation for me?

We offer you the choice of a superior standard host family, booked through the school, or hotel or studio accommodation, which you have to book yourself. Several good hotels near the school are able to offer reduced rates to clients from the Executive Centre.

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