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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Intensive and Standard Courses?

We employ a variety of teaching techniques, but we favour a Communicative Approach to teaching and only English is permitted in the classroom. The Standard course runs until 13:00 pm and focuses on Grammar, Listening, Reading and Writing. Students who particularly need to work on their Communicative Skills (speaking, listening and pronunciation) are recommended to take the Intensive course for at least part of their course. This runs until 15:45pm and includes afternoon Conversation English Classes.

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Do you offer specialised programs?

Yes. We offer preparation courses for Cambridge Examinations three times a year. Apart from our afternoon Conversational English classes, we also run afternoon Academic English classes which prepare students for the TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTS exams and Business English courses. LSI is a recognised TOEIC Test Centre, so you can also take the TOEIC exam with us in familiar surroundings.

From time to time we are able to provide 1 or 2-week-long special options depending on the needs of the students and the number of those involved.

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What is the average class size?

The maximum class size is 14. Our average class size is 8.

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Is there Internet access?

Yes, we have 10 computers connected to broadband as well as high-speed wireless Internet access which is available free to all our students. It can be accessed from all areas of the school including the garden!

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Are there Social Activities?

Yes, we provide a variety of weekly activities, which vary from week to week. We also organise weekend excursions to various cities around the UK and Europe.

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What facilities does the school have?

We have a computer room/language laboratory, wireless internet connection, so students can connect their own laptops anywhere in the building - even in the garden, a library with CD-ROMs, audio-books and readers for students to borrow, vending machines, a student lounge with TV and microwave, a table-tennis room, a pay-phone and a large, enclosed garden where we hold barbeques, parties and various sporting events.

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Can I take holiday during my course?

Yes! If you enroll on an ISY course you will be entitled to take 1-4 weeks holiday depending on the length of your course.

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How can I pay?

Course fees must be paid before your course starts. Payment can be made in cash, by bank transfer or by providing us with your credit card/debit card details. Once payment is received, we will send you a letter of acceptance.

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Can I prepare my own food in my homestay accommodation?

B&B homestay is not self-catering accommodation. For students who wish to cook their own meals every day, we offer flat-share accommodation with a choice of single room or shared twin room. This kind of accommodation may also be better suited to students who prefer to live a more independent lifestyle during their stay in London.

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How far will my homestay be from the school?

This depends. You can book a family within walking distance of the school (in Zone 2). This is £20 extra per week. Otherwise most journeys take an average of 30 minutes. This is normal commuting time in London.

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What is the difference between Standard and Executive Homestay?

In Standard Homestay, students share a bathroom. The quality of our Executive Homestay is higher and has the option of private bathroom facilities.

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What happens if I get sick?

LSI Hampstead is close to several doctor surgeries and the Royal Free Hospital. Upon arrival you will get an information pack that includes information for all your needs in London.

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Will I get a certificate at the end of my course?

Yes, as long as you have attended at least 80% of the course.

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Are you open all year round?

Yes, except two weeks over Christmas and New Year (the last week of December and the first week of January) and National Bank Holidays.

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