General language courses
Our general language group courses are designed for those who want to learn a new language or develop their present knowledge for private, educational or professional reasons. We provide courses at all levels, from beginner to advanced.
Standard 20
- 20 lessons per week
- Beginner* to advanced levels
- Course length: 1-50 weeks
- 1 lesson: 50 minutes
If you want to combine your language studies with other activities, the Standard 20 Course is the ideal programme for you. During the lessons you will learn communication skills in a variety of everyday situations. The lessons cover grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and skills practice in speaking, listening, reading and writing. We use a wide variety of materials and exercises including role-plays, authentic recorded material, newspapers and magazines. This course is offered in the mornings at all LSI centres.
(All schools)
* No beginners in London Hampstead, Cambridge, Brighton, San Francisco/Berkeley, Boston and Toronto.
Standard 18
- 18 lessons per week
- Intermediate to advanced levels
- Course length: 1-50 weeks
- 1 lesson: 50 minutes
Covering the same range as skills as the Standard 20 but with a greater emphasis on speaking practice, this course is ideal for students wishing to study in the afternoon. Whilst the primary focus will be on communicative skills, you will receive daily lessons targeting grammar, reading and writing. In addition, students wishing to prepare for English language exams can choose to take our academic skills class as part of this programme. Read more about this course.
Available all UK schools except for LSI Cambridge.
Intensive 30
- 30 Lessons per week #
- Beginner* to advanced levels
- Course length: 1-50 weeks
- 1 lesson: 50 minutes
The LSI Intensive 30 course concentrates on all the areas that you need to achieve a much greater fluency in a short period of time. This course is suitable for students who wish to study intensively and get a well rounded insight into the language and country. Students on the LSI Intensive 30 course study the same lessons as described for Standard 20 in the morning. The afternoon classes further intensify the tuition and consolidate what you have learnt, through fluency practice and a comprehensive review of the culture and customs of your host country. For those studying English who work in, or are planning a career in business, we offer the English for Business Course, which can be incorporated into your Intensive 30 course as an afternoon option. Students may also follow examination preparation courses as part of this course.
(All schools)
* No beginners in London Hampstead, Cambridge, Brighton, San Francisco/Berkeley, Boston and Toronto.
# 24 lessons per week option available at LSI New Zealand and LSI Brisbane.
Afternoon Course
- 10 lessons per week
- 1 lesson: 50 minutes
- 14 Students maximum per class
- Intermediate to advanced levels *
- Course length: 1-50 weeks
This course would be suitable for students who wish to improve their fluency, vocabulary and pronunciation in a language. There is an emphasis on language for everyday situations and classes may involve discussing topics such as film and theatre, current events, politics, local culture and the internet
(Available: all schools in the UK , LSI Auckland, LSI Paris and LSI Zurich)
* In Auckland and Paris this course is available for beginners through to advanced. In LSI London Hampstead and LSI Cambridge this course is available for elementary to advanced levels.
International School Year Programme (ISY)
- 18, 20, 24 or 30 lessons per week
- Beginner* to upper intermediate levels
- Course length: 24,30, 36 weeks or 48 weeks
- 1 lesson: 50 minutes
The LSI International School Year programme is an excellent opportunity to learn a new language, immerse yourself in a new culture and make friends from all over the world. We design an individual course plan for you, based on your needs, current language level and the duration of your course. In most centres it will be possible to study examination courses and every ISY student receives regular academic counselling, and help with study skills and university placement. Students of English considering a career in business, may choose to study the English for Business Course as part of their ISY programme. For more details see our ISY brochure
(ISY Intensive 30 – all schools. ISY Standard 20 - LSI UK, LSI USA, LSI Canada, LSI Paris and LSI Zurich. ISY Standard 18 - all LSI UK schools except LSI Cambridge. ISY Intensive 24 - LSI Brisbane LSI New Zealand)
* No beginners in London Hampstead, Cambridge, Brighton, San Francisco/Berkeley, Boston and Toronto.
English for Business Courses
- 10 lessons a week
- Afternoon option on our LSI Intensive 30 course
- Course length: 1-12 weeks
- Intermediate to Advanced Level
- Each module is separate and lasts for one week
- Module cycles begin: Jan 3*, Mar 28, Jun 20, Sep 12
- Can be part of the ISY programme
- Students can join every Monday
English is the international language of business. This is why we have developed a special modular course carefully designed to improve your business communication skills. In the mornings you will study on our LSI 30 Course. In the afternoons you will study business modules, covering topics such as Banking and Stock Markets, Marketing and Advertising, Recruitment, Sales and Negotiating. You may choose the particular modules that are of interest to you, or follow the complete course to attain an advanced knowledge of business English.
(All schools in UK , Canada, USA, LSI Australia, LSI Malta and LSI Auckland)
* Or next working day if a public holiday.
Family Course
The LSI Family Course is designed for parents who wish to combine a family holiday with their English studies.
While parents and older children follow the course of their choice, younger children (5-12) attend a summer camp. The camp has a fantastic range of activities, including arts and crafts, drama, sports, dancing and indoor activities. For more information click here.
(LSI Brighton,UK)
Young Learner's Programme
Specialised language courses for Young Learners aged 11-17 run at some of our centres . Find out more about our Young Learner's course in London Hampstead, in London Kingston, in Chichester, in Toronto, in San Francisco/Berkeley, in New York and in San Diego.
In centres where we run YL courses, it is possible to offer our Parent and Child Study Options.
Club 50+
At LSI we welcome mature students of all ages, who are “young at heart” on all our courses throughout the year. In addition at specific locations, we organise social activities which suit the more mature student’s interests.
- 20 lessons (50 minutes each) + afternoon activities
- Course length: 2 weeks (1 week available in New Zealand)
- Minimum age: 50
- Elementary to Intermediate levels
Example activities include: winery visits, rain forest excursions, Maori weaving, flower arranging, boat trips, theatre visits. Activities vary according to school location.Read more about the Club 50+ course in Australia, USA, Canada, Auckland, France and London Hampstead
(Available at LSI Auckland, LSI Brisbane, LSI San Diego, LSI Boston, LSI Berkeley, LSI New York, LSI Vancouver, LSI Toronto, LSI Paris and LSI London Hampstead )
Study & Work Programmes
Due to new visa regulation LSI UK can no longer offer work placements to non EU Nationals.
An excellent opportunity to practise and develop your language skills in a business environment and gain valuable work experience. The programme combines an LSI course to develop your communication skills and attain a high enough level in the language and a period of work placement. LSI offers both unpaid work experience placements and paid positions.
ENGLAND
WORK EXPERIENCE (UNPAID)
- LSI Intensive 30 course for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to work experience
- Work Experience Placement for 1-6 months
- Select 3 industry/ professional areas that you would like to work in and we will then search for a suitable placement
- Applications must be received at least 12 weeks in advance
- Minimum age: 18+
WORK PLACEMENT (PAID)
- LSI Intensive 30 or Standard 20 course for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to work placement
- Full or part-time work placement in an unskilled job for 3-6 months earning at least the minimum wage hourly rate
- Placements are available in hotels but may be based anywhere in the UKApplications must be received at least 12 weeks in advance
- Minimum age: 18
CANADA
UNPAID INTERNSHIP
- LSI Intensive 30 course for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to work experience
- Short term placement of 4-12 weeks (12 weeks recommended)
- The length of the placement cannot exceed the length of the course
PAID HOSPITALITY INTERNSHIP
- Opportunities to train and work short-term (for entry level salary) in the hospitality industry after completion of at least 12 weeks of an LSI Intensive 30 course
- The length of the placement cannot exceed the length of the course
WORKING HOLIDAY
- Opportunities to train as a Banquet Server and to work short-term (for entry level salary)
- LSI Intensive 30 Course for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to work experience
- Minimum placement length is 4 weeks (12 weeks recommended)
- Placement can exceed study length if student obtains Working Holiday Visa
- Countries which offer Working Holiday Visa: Scandinavia, Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Japan, Czech Republic, Latvia, Korea, Mexico, Germany, Spain, Switzerland
SELF-PLACEMENT OPTION
-
Students locate their own jobs. LSI will provide assistance in resume and interview preparation.
EARN AND LEARN AUSTRALIA
Students from a number of countries are able to travel to Australia on Working Holiday Visas. This means that students can
- Study up to 17 weeks
- Work for 6 months for one employer and then move to another job
- Live in Australia for 1 year
-
LSI Brisbane offers help to Working Holiday Visa holders
- English language courses to help you to improve your English
- Accommodation in homestay or shared accommodation in Brisbane
- Job Club once a week to help with CVs, interviews and job search websites
NEW ZEALAND
UNPAID INTERNSHIP
Please note that in NZ it is possible to work legally for 20 hours /week with a 6 month Student Visa, and an IELTS score of 5.0
- LSI Intensive 30 course for 4-12 weeks prior to work placement
- Placements are for 3-6 months and are located mainly in Auckland but some may be based in other cities
- Ages 18-30
- Minimum English level: upper-intermediate
- Internships offered in various areas such as Administration, Advertising, Marketing & Sales, Media & PR, Retail, Travel & Tourism, Web Development
- Also available to Working Holiday Visa holders where the internship forms part of the holder's University study requirements
Read the LSI information sheets on working in New Zealand and Australia
LSI University Preparation
LSI University preparation focuses on preparing you for university. It is available to students enrolled on an LSI Intensive or ISY 30 course (UK, Australia & NZ) .The course length is based upon your individual aims and ability. In addition to intensive training for IELTS or TOEFL examinations, you will receive assistance in designing a study plan to help you achieve your goals. To qualify for the University Pathway you must have successfully graduated from high school. LSI University Preparation is also available in USA and Canada and in addition to what is offered in the UK, Australia and NZ, conditional letters of admission to university courses are available . Download our University Pathway brochure.
English for Special Purposes
English for Pilots
This course covers all the ground theory required to gain a private or commercial pilot’s licence. Practical flying sessions can also be arranged with a partner flying school at extra cost.
- Standard 20 plus 5 or 10 individual lessons per week*
- Course length: 4 weeks (20+10)* / 8 weeks (20 +5)*
- Intermediate to advanced levels
- ICAO compliant
- Students can join every Monday
Subjects covered: Aviation law, Licensing for Flight/Radio/Telephone Operators, Human Factors, Navigation, Meteorology and Aircraft Technology.
(LSI Auckland only)
English for Nursing
This course is ideal for students who wish to study for a Bachelor of Nursing degree, or for nurses who wish to gain valuable work experience in an English speaking environment. In addition to lessons, you will have the opportunity to work part time in the Health Care industry.
- 30 lessons per week for 24 or 36 weeks
- IELTS score of 5.5 + required
- General English/ English for Nursing (mornings)
- Academic English (afternoons)
- Up to 20 hours a week paid work experience (weekends & evenings)
Nursing English modules include: Language of the Hospitals, the Healthcare System, Health and Disease, Medical and Anatomical Terminology, Patient Assessment, Diet, Elderly Care, Alternative Treatments, and Medication.
* Starting dates: First Monday of month
(LSI Auckland only )
English for Teaching
Aimed at speakers of other languages, this courseequips students with the basic tools required to teach English as a Foreign language.
Option 1 : Closed Group Tuition
- Afternoon option on an LSI Intensive 30 course3 modules taken over 4 weeks
- Intermediate to advanced levels
- Minimum class size : 10
- TKT(Teaching Knowlegde test) exam preparation offered covering 3 TKT modules over 4 weeks
Option 1 : For Individuals
- Standard 20 plus 5 or 10 individual lessons per week
- Intermediate to advanced levels
- Tailored to the individual
Topics covered: Language analysis, lesson planning, teaching the skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening, classroom activities, using resources and materials, looking at learner's needs; dealing with learner's mistakes.
TKT Modules covered: Language and Background to Language Learning and Teaching, Lesson Planning and Use of Resources for Language Teaching, Managing the Teaching and Learning Process. Students will be required to keep a portfolio.
Students will be required to keep a portfolio. For more information read our English for teaching information sheet.
(LSI Auckland,,Vancouver, Toronto, Brisbane, Cambridge, New York and San Diego)
Cambridge Examination Courses
In many countries around the world the Cambridge examinations are accepted by companies and academic institutions as proof of competence in English, and are highly regarded by employers.
Over the years LSI students have enjoyed a high success rate in these examinations. You can prepare for these examinations, which are offered at three different levels, in most of our LSI Language Centres. Our staff members and teachers will be happy to advise you which examination is most suitable for you.
Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
- 30* lessons per week
- Intermediate level
- Course length: 10/12 weeks
- 1 lesson: 50 minutes
First Certificate is the most popular of the Cambridge examinations, and can lead to new opportunities professionally and in further education. Our courses are designed to prepare you for all 5 parts of the exam (reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar), and to let you sit the exam with confidence.
(All schools in the UK, Canada, Australia, LSI Auckland and LSI San Diego, LSI New York, LSI Berkeley and Sliema)
*A 20 lesson per week option is available at LSI London Central, Cambridge and Brighton and a 24 lesson per week option available at Brisbane.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)
- 30 lessons per week
- Upper-Intermediate to Advanced levels
- Course length: 9/10/12 weeks
- 1 lesson: 50 minutes
This examination is intended for people who have a good knowledge of English and who need to use the language at work. In this examination, practical use of language is stressed, such as skim reading reports for important information, writing memos for colleagues, or more formal business correspondence. The CAE is the Cambridge Certificate which has developed the fastest, and is already accepted in many countries as proof of an advanced level of competence in English.
All schools in the UK (except LSI Brighton), Canada, Australia, LSI USA (except LSI Boston), LSI Auckland and Sliema
*A 20 lesson per week option is available at LSI London Central, Cambridge and Brighton and a 24 lesson per week option available at Brisbane.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
- 30 lessons per week
- Advanced level
- Course length: 9/10/12 weeks
- 1 lesson: 50 minutes
This examination is the most famous, the oldest, and also the most demanding. This course is meant for students who already have a high level of proficiency in English. The CPE meets the admission requirements of many British universities and is highly regarded by companies and institutions.
(LSI London Hampstead, San Diego, Auckland and Sliema)
Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET)
- 30* lessons per week
- Lower Intermediate level
- Course length: 10 weeks
- 1 lesson: 50 minutes
PET covers reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as assessing grammar and vocabulary. Studying for PET is a popular way to improve your language skills and use them in a wide range of contexts. PET is recognised by many employers and educational institutions as proof of intermediate level in English.
(Sliema, Brisbane and Auckland)
Cambridge Business English Certificate (BEC)
- 30 lessons per week
- Intermediate to Advanced levels
- Course length: 10 weeks
- 1 lesson: 50 minutes
The Business English Certificates are a suite of three examinations (Preliminary, Vantage and Higher) designed to test English language ability used in the context of business. They are suitable for students who are either preparing for a career in business or already in work.
(LSI San Diego, Sliema, Brisbane and Auckland)
For the Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT ) click here
Other English Language Examinations
The IELTS, TOEFL and TOEIC tests are internationally recognised in the English speaking world, highly regarded by companies and a requirement for enrolment at colleges and universities. We offer preparation courses for these examinations as part of an LSI Intensive 30 course. Courses last 4/8/12 weeks.
20 lessons per week concentrate on active grammar input and language skills and 10 lessons per week focus on study skills and exam practice. In these courses you will study:
- Accuracy with grammatical structures
- Communicative skills and ability
- Functional structures
- Vocabulary extension
- Active study skills
- Exam skills needed to obtain a high IELTS, TOEFL or TOEIC score
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Preparation
This test is a requirement for enrolment at universities and colleges in many English speaking countries, except North America (where TOEFL is required).
(LSI UK, Brisbane, LSI New Zealand, Brisbane and Sliema)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Preparation
The TOEFL iBT exam is the English examination required for admission to universities and colleges in the USA and Canada.
(LSI schools in the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and LSI Auckland and Sliema)
TOEIC (Test of English in International Communication) Preparation
The TOEIC test is accepted by thousands of companies as evidence of proficiency in English in a business situation.
(LSI schools in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand)
Examinations in French
Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française (DELF)
- 24 lessons per week
- 8 week course
This certificate is recognised by the French Ministry for Education and demonstrates your skills in the French language. You will develop your knowledge and confidence with French and prepare for the exam using exercises similar to those which you will encounter in the test. School level French is the minimum requirement for participation in this LSI examination course.
(LSI Paris)
Test d’Evaluation de Français (TEF)
The TEF is an examination designed to test the fluency of non-native speakers of French. It is recognised by French speaking universities and companies. You study on an Intensive 30 or Standard 20 course for a minimum of two weeks to increase your confidence and command of the language and we offer advice and support to help you succeed. Intermediate level French is required to join this course
(LSI Paris)
Diplomes de la Chambre de Commerce et d'industrie de Paris (CCIP)
These are Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris examination courses.Students study 8 weeks of Intensive french classes partaking in the Standard 20 classes in the morning and following specific exam classes for their chosen CCIP course in the afternoon. These courses are for those who want to validate their French with an official diploma for a university or a future employer or for professionals who need to use French as a professional requirement and certify their aptitude in communication in a working situation.
-
CFP1: Certificate of professional French 1st degree
The CFP1 validates basic French skills to level A2 in the Common European Reference framework, it corresponds to approximately 150-200 hours learning. It certifies basic skills in French, it corresponds to a minimum level of linguistic skills necessary to allow elementary communication in the world of work, the holder of this certificate can communicate professionally using simple language in a known or planned context. -
CFP2: Professional Certificate 2nd degree
The CFP 2nd degree validates French skills to level B1 A2 in the Common European Reference framework, it corresponds to approximately 250-300 hours learning. The holder of this certificate shows comprehension and expression in day to day situations in social and professional life. -
DFA1: Diplome of Business French 1st dergree.
Minimum level required B2 The candidate must be sensitive to the realities, practices and working rules in contemporary companies without having specialist knowledge on the different aspect of the world of the company. He must be able to deal with a company document (the organisation and its working, the company and its personnel, the company and its accounts and finances), the company and its partners, the company and its socio-economic environment. -
DFM: Diploma of Medical French
The DFM is aimed at students, trainees and everyone in the medical or paramedical profession who work or could be called to work with french speaking health professionals and/or with medical documents in French. The DFM validates skill in French to a B2 level in the frame of the European common reference for languages. It corresponds to approximately 450-500 hours of learning. This level gives the user a certain degree of independence in executing French in daily tasks, without too much difficulty , in medical activity. -
CFSC: Certificate of Secretarial French
The CFSC validates skill in French to a B1+ level, degree higher than the minimum level in the frame of the European common reference for languages. It corresponds to approximately 360 hours of learning. This certificate attests a working competence in working French, limited to situations specific to the secretarial profession (secretaries, assistants, hostesses/telephonists, office workers) -
CFTH: Certificate of Tourism and Hotels
The CFTH validates skill in French to a B1+ level (degree higher than the minimum level) in the frame of the European common reference for languages. It corresponds to approximately 360 hours of learning. This exam certifies a working competence in French, limited to relevant situations in the domains of tourism, hotels and restoration (restaurants, hotels, tourism offices, travel agencies, leisure parks etc.)
(LSI Paris)
Examinations in Spanish
Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE)
- 30 lessons per week
- 4 or 5 week course
The DELE, accepted by the Spanish Ministry for Education, is subdivided into three levels: Inicial, Basico and Superior. These diplomas are highly regarded in the Spanish speaking world and are often a prerequisite for employment, further education or enrolment at a university. LSI offers carefully planned examination courses for the Basico and Superior courses, to prepare you for the examination. Sample papers are available to help you practice your exam technique. To join the Diploma Basico course an intermediate level is required, upper intermediate is needed for the Diploma Superior course.
(LSI Spain and San José / Coronado)
Examinations in German
Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD)
- 30 lessons per week
- 12 week course
The Zertifikat Deutsch is awarded to students who demonstrate a solid grasp of day-to-day German and are able to overcome the difficulties presented by daily communication in the German language. Zertifikat Deutsch is the German intermediate level examination that tests your basic knowledge of grammatical structures and your ability to communicate in all 4 skills (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking)
For enrolment at a German university or a Polytechnic, or as proof of proficiency in German for professional reasons, this well-known certificate is accepted almost universally. The LSI course carefully prepares you for the examination and improves all areas of your German. The entry requirement for the course is school level German.
(LSI Zurich)
Goethe Zertifikat (GZ)
- 30 lessons per week
- 12 week course
TheGoethe Zertifikat (GZ) is the first advanced level examination in German. Passing this examination shows you have a very good understanding of the German language are able to tackle standard German as well as a variety of dialects. Your written skills are as good as your spoken skills, which is why many universities and vocational colleges set this examination as an official entrance requirement.
The GZ tests the candidate’s ability to use German in a wide variety of work and social situations. The LSI preparation course will give you a broad knowledge of the language, and help you develop the specific exam techniques required.
(LSI Zurich)
- Standard 20 plus 5 or 10 individual lessons per week
- Intermediate to advanced levels
- Tailored to the individual