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Frequently Asked Questions

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Welcome to Edinburgh Language Academy

Why study with us?

• Study in a private, friendly school accredited by the British Council
• Enjoy the opportunity to live and study in Edinburgh – home to the largest art festivals in the world
• Study in the beautiful city centre close to Edinburgh Castle and the main shopping area of Princes Street.
• Study on carefully designed English courses at affordable prices
• Benefit from regular evaluation of your progress
• Receive personal support and feedback from your tutors
• Have access to self-study resources and the Internet
• Work with friendly and experienced teachers and staff who are always ready to help
• Enjoy the chance to make new friends and experience new cultures

Frequently Asked Questions

Enrolment

When do the classes start?

You can start any Monday any time of the year. After you enrol online, we will send you all the information regarding your next steps.

How can I enrol?

Complete the online enrolment form
Send us an email to confirm your enrolment
We will send a reply with all your course and payment details
To reserve your place full payment must be received 30 days before the course starts
We will then send the grammar placement, writing test, needs analysis and your Letter of Enrolment

You can also visit ELA during office hours (9am - 5pm) at:

49 Melville Street, Edinburgh
EH3 7HL, Scotland, UK

How can I pay?

You may pay by bank transfer, Western Union, credit card (add 2%), debit card, cash or by cheque (sterling account).

Account Name: Edinburgh Langage Academy
Bank Transfer:
Our Bank Details are as follows:
Bank: Lloyds TSB
Bank Address: 28 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2DS

Sort Code: 30-25-81
Account Number :01263792
BIC: TSBSGB21274
IBAN: GB43 TSBS 3025 8101 2637 92

ALL BANK CHARGES MUST BE PAID BY THE STUDENTS

CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS WILL BE SUBJECT TO AN ADDITIONAL 2% CHARGE

How long will it take for me to receive your letter confirming my application?

Normally within a day or two by email and/or within a week after a payment is received by post.

Student Visa

How can you help us with the student visas?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

From Monday 22 February 2010

Visa letters are no longer required for General Student Visa applications after 22 February 2010.

Instead, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number and CAS Statement will be issued for all students applying from inside or outside the United Kingdom. Visa letters will continue to be issued for Student Visitor Visa, these letters must be the original and will be sent by courier to the students home country.

All students coming from non-EU countries have to apply for a Visa.

For students who need visas, the Immigration authorities will want to know if they are genuine students and whether they have a real interest and commitment to the course. They expect you to know about your future course (information about course, school and location). As well as that, they want to see that you will follow the course. They will want to know where you are going to live, if you have enough money to live for accommodation and food, be able to take care of yourself in the UK, if you have paid the school fees in full.

It's important that you show the authorities your intention to follow the course as well as showing them that you are a genuine student. For this reason you have to show the immigration authorities your Visa Letter/CAS number from Edinburgh Language Academy and proof of your finances. If they are not satisfied by something, they may call Edinburgh Language Academy.

You will find more details under the following links:

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/

www.ukcisa.org.uk

Edinburgh Language Academy is Accredited by the British Council and holds a UK Border Agency Sponsor Licence No. VDF5MK2U4.

When enrolment is complete and 100% of fees have been received by Edinburgh Language Academy the Visa Letter OR CAS number will be sent to you (visa letters must be sent by courier).

What documents do I have to show the UK Embassy?

• Edinburgh Language Academy Visa Letter OR CAS number and CAS statement
• Proof that you have enough money to support yourself in the UK
• Valid passport
• Return air ticket (please check with the UK Embassy in your country, usually they would advise to wait until the visa is issued)
• Any other relevant documents to support your application as requested by the UK Embassy in your country

PLEASE NOTE: For GSV application we will need confirmation of your level of English, minimal level is B1. For example, a copy of your university diploma, certificate of English course you have completed before or any other proof you have studied English.

Can ELA guarantee that I receive a visa?

Unfortunately we can't. Permission to enter the UK is issued by the UK Border Agency, Immigration Authorities or the UK Authorities abroad.

ELA cannot influence their decision in any way.

Location

Where is the Edinburgh Language Academy located?

We are located in the west of the city, near Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle. Our address is 49 Melville Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7HL. Most local buses will take you to Princes Street, from there the school is a few minutes walk. Around the school are many cafes, pubs and restaurants. Perfect for breakfast or lunch.

Courses

What is the minimum course length?

1 Week

How many students are in each class?

No more than 12

Is there a diploma awarded after successful completion of the course?

Yes, the "Edinburgh Language Academy Certificate of Completion" is awarded to every student who successfully completes a course of study and maintains satisfactory attendance.

Do you offer exam preparation courses?

Yes, we have students preparing for IELTS, TOEFL, FCE, CAE and CPE. This is on a 1to1 tuition basis or in small groups.

How are these courses structured?

Courses will include:

- Reading comprehension

- Written compositions

- Use of Language

- Listening comprehension

- Preparation and practice for oral interview

- Examination practice and technique.

Which Language Levels does Edinburgh Language Academy offer?

Our levels include Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Advanced. You can enrol on an exam preparation course (IELTS, TOEFL, FCE, CAE and CPE) or a Business English course on a 1to1 basis as an addition to your General English course or on its own. English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses are also available.

What times are available to study?

Depending on your level and preferences, we offer morning, afternoon and evening (part-time only) classes. Please note, VISA STUDENTS must undertake a full-time course (minimum 15 hours a week).

What does a full-time course mean?

A full-time course is 15 hours a week, 3 hours daily Monday to Friday, 09.00-12.30 (add 30 minute break) or 20, 25 hours a week, mornings and afternoons.

I need a specific language training. Can you offer anything besides standard courses?

At ELA you can always choose Private Tuition on a 1to1 and 1to2 basis, where the course is based on your needs, time of day, availability, etc.

Are there any further charges other than the tuition fees?

Your enrolment with ELA a one-off administrative/registration fee of £50 and is charged to all students. The fee includes the course textbook.

Free Internet Access is provided for our students.

Are books and other materials included in the tuition fees?

Students get photocopiable materials for every lesson free of charge. General English course textbooks are included in the administration fee.

Welfare

How can you help me to open a bank account?

We provide our students with all the necessary documents in order to open a bank account with any of the UK banks.

How can you help me with a Work Permit?

Full-time students on GSV are allowed to work 10 hours per week without the need to apply for a work permit.

Please visit the UK Border Agency website for more information.

How can you help me to find a Job in the UK?

We try our best to help our students by providing them with all the necessary information to search for a job, but we cannot guarantee you will get a job..