International Study Centres are perfect for non-English speaking students who would like to prepare for life in a traditional boarding school. The centres offer a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for international students as well as an excellent education. The study centres offer one or two year courses for the students and are often linked with established British boarding schools.
Studying at an International Study Centre
International Study Centres follow the same curriculum as traditional boarding schools, with students studying subjects such as mathematics, science and technology. There is a significant emphasis on developing and improving English Language skills, with a particular focus on pronunciation. Class sizes are small, with around six students per teacher, and teachers are experienced in teaching English as a second language.
Study centres can also prepare international students for British examinations, such as GCSEs, IB and A-Levels. Many centres enter their pupils for English language exams, such as the Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) exams. These are useful if students wish to go on to study at a British University, as they might need to prove their fluency in English.
Study Centres don’t just prepare the students for education; they also prepare them for boarding life. All students live at the centre in traditional boarding accommodation. They are assigned house parents, who are aware of any potential problems that the students might have with coping with a new culture and are able to provide care and support.
Next Steps
Lots of students then go on to study at a British boarding school. Sometimes this is the boarding school that runs the centre, but this is not always the case. Entry is dependent on the student achieving the necessary standard required. Students usually need between one term and one year to pass the entrance exams for traditional UK boarding schools, but some stay longer if necessary.