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FAQs - English Courses

English Courses

Studying abroad is a big decision to make, and it’s important that you have all the information you want before you start your journey with us. Our FAQs are divided into categories, and should provide you will answers to all your queries.

If you cannot find an answer to your question, please contact a student advisor.

In class

How will my progress be monitored?

During the course, you will be given an Individual Student Record to assess your progress on a daily basis. Your teacher will record your class work, spoken participation in class, homework and scores on the level tests, which take place every 10 weeks and are followed by a one-on-one with your teacher.* Projects, student portfolios and formal examinations such as IELTS, TOEFL® and Cambridge examinations also form an important part of your overall assessment.

*In Australia testing takes place every 5 weeks.

Last updated: 09 April 2018
Will there be teachers who speak my native language?

We teach our courses purely in English. However we will find a translator for any serious issues if necessary.

Last updated: 27 September 2017
How many students are there per class?

On average there are 12 students in a class, with a maximum of 15.

Last updated: 20 December 2017
Are there evening and weekend classes?

We offer evening classes with our Intensive English program in Perth and Sydney, Australia.

Last updated: 08 September 2017
How many lessons per week will I take in my course?

It depends on the course. For instance:

Vacation English: 20 lessons of general English

General English: 20 lessons of general English + 7 sessions of Supplementary Structured Study

Intensive English: Same as General English + 8 Elective lessons

Business English: Same as General English + 8 English for Business lessons

Last updated: 08 September 2017
Will I have a chance to practice my speaking?

Yes of course! Teachers encourage you to speak in all classes. The schools have an English-only policy, and outside the school you will speak English with your host family, new friends, and around town.

Last updated: 08 September 2017
Do you have private tutors?

Yes, we offer one-to-one lessons in all our schools.

Last updated: 08 September 2017
How long is one lesson?

A standard lesson is 45 minutes.

Last updated: 08 September 2017
What will I do in Elective Classes?

Elective options on the Intensive English course will depend upon your school and English level, but may include Vocabulary, Current Affairs, Local Culture or English for Business.
English for Business electives include subjects such as Communication in the Workplace, Participation in Meetings, Writing Skills in Business Situations and Interview Techniques.

Last updated: 08 September 2017
What is Structured Study?

Structured Study is additional lesson time in which students can customize their own study program. There is a choice between many study options including online and offline language activities, study clubs, talks, lectures and project work. Structured Study also includes guidance and monitoring from our teachers.

Last updated: 08 September 2017

After booking

How will my progress be monitored?

During the course, you will be given an Individual Student Record to assess your progress on a daily basis. Your teacher will record your class work, spoken participation in class, homework and scores on the level tests, which take place every 10 weeks and are followed by a one-on-one with your teacher.* Projects, student portfolios and formal examinations such as IELTS, TOEFL® and Cambridge examinations also form an important part of your overall assessment.

*In Australia testing takes place every 5 weeks.

Last updated: 09 April 2018
What do I need to know for my first day?

When you arrive at your accommodation, you will receive a package with all the information you need for your English course. On your first day, you must bring in your Kaplan International documents, your passport, proof of insurance and a pen. Your information package will tell you what time you need to be at school.

On Day One, all students take an English placement test, meet the school staff and get an introduction to the school, facilities, courses and the local area. You will receive an individual timetable later in the day and your classes begin on the following day. If you have questions feel free to ask! The school staff is there to help.

Last updated: 08 September 2017
What time will I have my lessons?

This depends on your school and the time of year – many of the schools run classes both in the morning and afternoon. Once we have set your lesson schedule, we will try to keep it the same.

Last updated: 08 September 2017
Can I extend my course?

Yes, if your visa allows and there is availability at your school. You should also pay your course fees in advance.

Last updated: 08 September 2017
Can I change my course once I've booked?

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.

Last updated: 08 September 2017
Can I take vacation time?

Personal breaks will depend on your visa regulations, and you must give the school at least one month’s notice if you want to take days off.

The long term English and University Preparation Programs (Academic Year or Academic Semester, Foundation Certificate, Pre-Master’s or CHEBM) have set holiday dates which must be followed.

All schools are closed on public holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Day, though they differ depending on the country.

Last updated: 08 September 2017

Before booking

What teaching method does Kaplan International use?

Kaplan International students learn through the communicative method of teaching. This means that classroom time is spent on using real-life, practical situations to focus on the four key language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Classroom activities reflect real situations, and are structured so students communicate as much as possible.

Students are tested every 10 weeks and move up to the next level depending on how well they do on the exam.* Read more about our exclusive K+ English language learning system.

*In Australia testing is every 5 weeks

Last updated: 17 March 2018
If I have questions about anything, who can I ask?

Each school has a Director of Studies, an Academic Manager and a team of teachers. You will also have a teacher or tutor assigned to your course and class to answer questions throughout your studies.

Last updated: 06 October 2017
Do you offer courses for students of all English levels?

All of our schools have beginner to upper intermediate classes, and we also have basic elementary courses in some of our UK and Ireland schools. Please contact us or download a brochure for the special beginner start dates.

Last updated: 28 March 2018
How many weeks are your courses?

You can study for a minimum of 2 weeks with us and the maximum depends only on your visa. You can choose the length of your study program according to your needs and what you wish to achieve.

Last updated: 06 October 2017
When do courses start?

Courses start on Mondays. If the Monday is a public holiday, the course will start on Tuesday.

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.

Last updated: 28 March 2018
Can I choose my start date?

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.

Last updated: 06 October 2017
Are Kaplan courses accredited?

Yes, all Kaplan International English schools are accredited or approved to operate by government or government-recognized organizations. See a full list of Kaplan International accreditors.

Last updated: 06 October 2017
Do I get a certificate or diploma after the course?

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.

Last updated: 06 October 2017
How does Kaplan confirm my English level?

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.

Last updated: 06 October 2017
How much can I expect to learn after a 2-week, 4-week or 12-week course?

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.

Last updated: 06 October 2017
Will Kaplan prepare me to take any official exams?

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.

Last updated: 16 March 2018
How old do I have to be to take a Kaplan language course?

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 young learner programs.

Last updated: 26 March 2018
How far in advance should I book my program?

In order to have the widest choice of course and accommodation, we recommend you book as far in advance as possible. If you book fewer than 4 weeks in advance you might incur a late booking fee. For the USA we recommend that you book at least 2 months in advance to allow enough time for visa processing.

Last updated: 06 October 2017
Do you offer discounted prices or promotions?

Yes. The more weeks you study with us, the bigger your discount will be. The tuition discount is already included in the price list. Also, check our promotions page for our latest offers.

Last updated: 26 March 2018
If your question is not answered here, please contact a student advisor.

Browse by topic

FAQ - Top 10

  1. How many students are there per class?
  2. What do I need to know for my first day?
  3. Do I get a certificate or diploma after the course?
  4. How many weeks are your courses?
  5. What teaching method does Kaplan International use?
  6. How many students are there per class?
  7. What do I need to know for my first day?
  8. When do courses start?
  9. Do you offer courses for students of all English levels?
  10. Can I take vacation time?

How can we help?

Our advisors will help you choose the right course to suit your academic and professional goals.

  •       Accommodation
  •       Visa information
  •       Travel arrangements

If you would like to speak with an advisor, please call: 

UK: +44 (0)20 7045 5000

USA:1-888-744-3046