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UCT English Language Centre

Why choose UCT English Language Centre?

The English Language Centre in the University of Cape Town offers a wide range of English Language courses. Besides the General English programs, we offer you specialised programs including conversational English, Business English, online lessons, Language Excursions, and exam preparation courses. You can start your course on any Monday and study for any number of weeks.

Located in the vibrant, academically diverse Faculty of Humanities at UCT, the English Language Centre is at the hub of creativity and excitement. As a UCT student, you will be able to participate in university life and culture and to take part in social activities, sports clubs, and other societies.

At ELC we use a student-centred approach to teaching and learning, putting the student's individual language learning needs at the heart of what we do. We believe students learn English best when engaged in real-life communication activities, which help them develop strategies for communicative competence.

Reviews

Default avatar
Robert
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My wonderful road to the English proficiency

Hi!
It’s Tshilumba Kapajika Robert here.

I’d like to tell you wonders I experienced while learning English at UCT English Language centre.
I completed four weeks of English as a foreign language - continuing education program - Intermediate B1 on August 2020.
During my path at this school, I had best and worst moments. I’m sure you’re wondering « which ones ? ».

Calm down, of course the worst moment was to announce the end of my adventure at Elc (where I was attending virtually the English course during lockdown) in order to book a face to face course locally, from Kinshasa (DRC).
Let’s mind our business.
I loved my wonderful teachers (Judith and Mark), very kind and attentive to my growing. They’ve always been there to help me improve my skills. I also met wonderful classmates, and I loved when we had to work together, practicing, while teachers kept quiet to see how we dealt with the work, essay..., and I hope to meet them one day to try to remake passionate moments shared together.
I loved the way the administration was organized, with a highly professional staff. I can’t forget the help received the first day of studies from one member of the staff while facing difficulties to connect on Google classroom.

There isn’t enough time to share all about Elc and their way of teaching, but what I can do to allow you to know more than this, is to recommend you to apply to this school to see it by yourself. You can also book for a visit, and you won’t be disappointed.

With UCT-ELC, you’ll reach your purpose, passionately.

Warm regards !

What was your funniest moment?
It was funny when my classmates friendly teased me or each other when doing dialogues or other activities on group.
Default avatar
Abdullah
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Review

It was an amazing experience, I was lucky enough to have it. The whole stuff in UCT were kind and treated me gently.

My classmates were from different countries which made my experience even more excited and that the point of traveling, meet people from different places with different cultures, languages and believes was healthy for me to think about things were taken for granted and some stereotypes.

As I said I was lucky enough to choose UCT and I fell in love with Cape Town .

For sure I'll visit it again and again.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Skydiving was unforgettable experience and it will stuck in my mind for ever.

Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Annaelle More

Job Title
Teacher
Annaelle M. working at UCT English Language Centre

What is your favorite travel memory?

It was the first time I boarded a plane - heading to Kenya. I was 12 years old, traveling with my 9-year-old brother, and the excitement was hard to contain. We spent three weeks in this beautiful place. We encountered wild animals for the first time, and it was there that I fell in love with the leopard and giraffe. I remember how small I felt looking up at this giraffe munching leaves off the acacia tree. That same night, I saw animals gathering at the water hole at our campsite. I was both petrified and mesmerized by them. It was so special and an unforgettable experience.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I started working at UCT English Language Centre in 2018 and thanks to their regular observations, internal CPDs and support, I have grown into a much better teacher. I have become more aware of my students' needs, the different teaching styles I can use and how to be more adaptive in class.

I have learned that mistakes are OK as long as we learn from them. Being surrounded by a team of professionals, who aren't afraid to share ideas and work together, means that we are able to explore multiple avenues and come up with great ideas.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

South Africa was not on my list of places to study English but after my visa got denied for Canada, I decided to come here. I was afraid at first because everyone always says that it is dangerous but once I settled in my residence, I discovered that it was no different to any other big city. Cape Town is so beautiful - it has the ocean and the mountains. The weather conditions are mild and the people are so friendly. When my course came to an end, I decided to extend it for 2 more months. Eventually, I had to go back home but this decision was the best decision I have made in my entire life! It is a moment that I will never forget!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Without a doubt the Language Excursions Course. I love learning about different cultures and food. The best way for me to learn about a country is to have an authentic experience and that's exactly what this course offers. Students interact with local artisans, try local flavours and dishes, learn about history, art and culture.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

We pride ourselves on the service that we render to our clients. We are leaders in this industry, and we are constantly adapting to our environment. We have an excellent team of dedicated, experienced, and qualified professionals working together towards the same goals.

I am particularly proud of how quickly we made a plan to survive COVID and amazed at how the school kept every single member of staff employed during this turbulent time.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

A successful company needs to have a clear vision of where it is headed and believe in the values that their staff members bring to the table. There needs to be clear and open lines of communication between managers and their employees as well as the opportunity to learn and grow. A company that truly listens and engages with its employees and customers is heading towards gold.