Frequently Asked Questions – General Information
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Is taking an English course abroad better for my career options?
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What type of English course should I choose?
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What destination should I choose?
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What does my English level need to be to study with Kaplan?
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Can I change my course once I've booked?
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Are Kaplan courses accredited?
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Can I change my school before I arrive? Can I change after I arrive?
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Can I extend my course?
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Do I get a certificate or diploma after the course?
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How will Kaplan confirm my English language level?
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How much can I expect to learn after a 2-week, 4-week, or 12-week course?
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Will there be teachers who speak my native language?
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Will Kaplan prepare me to take any official exams?
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How many students are there per class?
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How old do I have to be to take a language course?
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When do courses start?
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Should I be covered by insurance?
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Does Kaplan accept group bookings?
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What is Kaplan's Admissions Process?
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What provisions exist for students with learning/other disabilities or illness?
Yes! You will benefit from an educational and networking experience in a foreign culture. You will also meet people from different backgrounds and improve your conversation skills.
A long-term program is the best choice if you have a lower English level. We offer Academic Semester or Academic Year courses which cover 2 or 3 language levels.
If you do not have much time or want to study quickly, consider an Intensive English course.
Take a Vacation English course if you do not have time to apply for a student visa to the USA or UK, or would like a light workload.
If you have 6+ months to study and are intermediate level or higher, you can take a long-term Work and Study program in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Learn English faster by taking a work placement.
For a more academics-focused course, take a long term Certificate or Diploma course in Business English in Australia.
For those interested in enrolling for college credit in the USA, we offer university foundation courses in Seattle and Irvine, California. After taking a 12-week foundation course, you have the opportunity to transfer into the school.
The destination is up to you! Think about how much money you have to spend while you live abroad and what type of visa you can get. Click here to see our destinations.
If you want more guidance, please contact an education advisor to discuss different locations with you.
For most of our courses, you can be any level of English. The only ones that require a specific level are Business English courses (intermediate), Work and Study (intermediate) and test preparation (upper intermediate).
This depends on your visa and the availability at a school.
Australia – Yes you can. If you change before your arrival, you will need new confirmation documents, which you must show upon your arrival to the country. After your arrival, you can also change your course.
Canada – Yes, unless you are taking a Work and Study course, which requires a work permit.
USA – Once your I20 has been issued, you cannot change your course. After arrival, you can extend your course or change to another program.
UK, Ireland & New Zealand – Yes you can, before your arrival. You will need new confirmation documents, which must show upon your arrival to the country.
Tourist Visa, USA – You cannot change your course.
Tourist Visa, UK – You cannot study in the UK on a tourist visa.
Yes, all Kaplan International Colleges schools are accredited by local government organizations. See a full list of Kaplan International Colleges accreditors.
USA – Yes, but you will need to request a new I20 and pay a fee.
UK – If you are on a Student Visitor visa, yes. If you are on a Tier 4 visa, you cannot.
Canada – Yes. However, after arrival you cannot enter a course that requires a work permit.
All other countries – Yes, but you will need to pay any fees. Your education advisor can give you a complete explanation.
Yes, if your visa allows and there is availability at your school. You should also pay your course fees in advance.
You will receive a Certificate of Attendance at the end of your course, which will show your level of English, the dates on which you have studied and your attendance.
On your first day of class, you will take an English test on your grammar, writing, listening and speaking skills. Your class level will be based on your test results. If you want an idea of your English level right now, you can take our free online English test.
Every student learns at different speeds, however, on average, a student needs 10 weeks to move from one level to the next. See our progression chart for more information.
We teach our courses purely in English. However we will find a translator for any serious issues if necessary.
We offer exam preparation courses such as IELTS, TOEFL ® or Cambridge exams (FCE, CAE and CPE), which you can take at your school. We also offer preparation for SAT, GMAT® or GRE ® in some U.S. schools. Please note that the exam fee is not included in the tuition price and needs to be paid separately.
On average there are 12 students in a class, with a maximum of 15.
For most of our programs you must be at least 16 years old. However, there are summer programs for younger students. For more details please contact us; or you can read about our Junior programs here.
Courses start on Mondays. If the Monday is a public holiday, the course will start on Tuesday.
Yes, most courses are offered year-round, though there are some with a limited number of start dates. Contact us for course availability on your desired date.
You should have valid medical insurance for your entire stay. If you need insurance, we can provide it but please tell your education advisor in advance.
Yes, Kaplan does take full groups of students for courses. For more information, please read our brochure for more information or e-mail groups@kaplaninternational.com.
Applications can be done either by filling out our application form, or by booking online. For more information about our admissions process, please see the relevant section of the Terms and Conditions. If you want to know more about online applications, view the online application Terms and Conditions.
Students must report on their application any mental or physical illness, allergy, disability or condition that may interfere with their ability to successfully complete their programme, that may impact the health and well-being of any other student, host or staff member, that may require monitoring, treatment or emergency intervention of any kind during the student’s anticipated period of enrolment, or that may require special accommodations. Kaplan reserves the right to reject an applicant or terminate a student’s enrolment in the programme if the student’s continued participation represents a risk to their health and safety or to the health and safety of other students or staff, or if, notwithstanding reasonable accommodations, in the opinion of Kaplan, the student’s physical or mental condition makes the student unable or unlikely to successfully complete their programme. Refunds in such circumstances are at the discretion of Kaplan
USA: Some schools located on university campuses require students to provide a Health Declaration and Immunization form.
