Learning English in Cape Town FAQ

To read answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about Cape Town, Learning English and Eurocentres, please scroll down this page. To skip to the following topics, please click:

Cape Town | The Language School | Language Courses | Activities | Accommodation

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Cape Town FAQ

How is the weather?

Cape Town has a sunny, Mediterranean climate. There are clear days throughout the year, although winter is wetter than summer. You can find more information and see today's weather on the iafrica.com weather site (external link).

What is the cost of living?

Cape Town is one of the cheapest cities in the world. A loaf of bread costs about US $0.80, a beer in a restaurant about US $1.50, and a minibus ride from Eurocentres to the beach is less than US $1.00!

Do I need a visa to travel to Cape Town?

Switzerland, Brazil, Germany, France, Japan, Spain and Portugal are amongst a number of countries whose passport holders do not require visas to travel to South Africa for less than 3 months. Find more information on our visas page.

What happens when I arrive and I have booked Eurocentres free airport transfer option?

You will be met by our friendly transfer agent (who will have a sign with your name on it) and taken to your host family or hotel.

What is the crime level?

Cape Town's safety level is about the same as most other medium sized cities around the world. 24-hour surveillance cameras, extra police and mounted police (on horses) have resulted in a sharp decrease in crime in the city.

I am a woman traveling alone. Is it safe for me?

Yes. It is no problem for you to travel alone, provided you take care. This would include not walking alone in the city at night and taking care when withdrawing money at an ATM.

Do I need any vaccination if I travel around in South Africa?

If you are traveling to Cape Town only, you do not need any vaccinations. However, medication to prevent malaria is recommended for travel to some northern parts of the country.

Do you also offer flights?

No. We recommend that you phone several travel agents and airlines in your home country in order to find the best offer before making a booking.


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The Language School FAQ

Where are you situated?

The school is situated in the centre of the city, close to all of the main tourist attractions. We are close to the Cape Town Tourism bureau (external link). Have a look at the How to Find Us page to see a map.

How many teachers are teaching at Eurocentres?

The number of teachers varies between 7 and 12, according to the number of students enrolled for courses. Eurocentres is small enough to be friendly and intimate, but is large enough to be able to offer you high class standands and facilities!

Is there a language-training lab?

We have a self-study centre for specialised listening courses with many computers for student use, and we use audio visual aids in the classrooms.

Do you have access to the Internet for students?

Yes, Eurocentres has six computers set aside for the use of students with broadband Internet access. These can be used free of charge during breaks and after school. There is also an Internet cafe round the corner from the Eurocentres building.

To which organisations does Eurocentres belong?

Eurocentres is a member of the English Language Travel Association of South Africa (ELTASA) (external link); South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) (external link) the Chamber of Commerce (external link), and Cape Town Tourism (external link). Eurocentres is also the only school in South Africa to be accredited by the ETDP SETA (Education, Training and Development Practices- Sector Education and Training Authority).

The Director of Eurocentres is a member of the South African Council of Educators, and currently the vice-chairperson of the English Language Travel Association of South Africa (ELTASA).


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English Courses FAQ

From which countries do most of the students come?

Eurocentres draws its students from many different parts of the world. The most students come from Germany, Angola, Switzerland, Korea, China, Brazil and Japan. Other countries include Argentina, Gabon, Cameroon, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Austria, Italy, Spain, Reunion, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, Hungary, Chile, Bolivia and more.

How old are the students on average?

The average age of students currently attending Eurocentres is between 23 and 38 years. Everyone from age 17 to age 70 will enjoy and learn from Eurocentres courses!

Do the course prices include educational materials?

Yes! Eurocentres study fees include a course book and a course folder. Although all first material is free of charge, students must buy their new course books when they change from one level to the next.

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

An official Eurocentres certificate and full progress report will be given to you when you leave Eurocentres.

Do the teachers have qualifications?

All teachers at Eurocentres have a university degree or teacher's diploma. They also have a TEFL qualification or the Cambridge/ Trinity CELTA (Certificate in English Language Training for Adults) qualification. In addition, the teachers also undergo a Eurocentres in-service Teachers Training Programme.

Some teachers also have a teachers' diploma to instruct young learners.

When will my course start on the first day?

Your first day will begin at 8:30 am. You will be given a written and oral test to determine your level of English, so that you may be placed in an appropriate class.

Can I take the Cambridge First Certificate Examination at Eurocentres after I have done the preparation course?

The TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge tests are administered externally, but they can be written in the city. TOEFL tests take place at the American Centre and the Cambridge tests are administered at the British Council.

 

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Activities FAQ

Do the courses include outings?

Yes. You will be taught at some of the wonderful attractions in the vicinity of Eurocentres. These include museums, the Castle (the oldest building in the country), the Company Gardens, and the Southern Hemisphere's biggest aquarium.

Who pays for outings and excursions?

Students are expected to pay for expenses such as entrance fees to museums and refreshments, but these generally total no more than US$2 or $3 per outing. There are usually no transport fees as most of the outings are to places of interest within walking distance of Eurocentres.

What activities and tours are available after school hours?

Eurocentres has an extensive social programme, which includes everything from Table Mountain walks and visits to the beach to eating in restaurants and dancing. Eurocentres will also show you the best the "Mother City" has to offer on our many tours of the city and surrounding areas.

 

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Accommodation FAQ

Are the Homestay families close to the school?

Yes. All Homestays are either within easy walking distance of Eurocentres or just a few minutes ride on an inexpensive (US $0.50) mini-bus taxi.

I am 43 years old. Will Homestay be a good choice for me?

Yes. The Homestay families are friendly people who will provide you with comfortable and pleasant accommodation, whatever your age.

Are any meals included in Homestay accommodation?

Yes. The Homestay rates are for Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

May I stay in the Homestay for a few days before or after my course at Eurocentres?

Yes. The nightly charge is the same as the weekly rate, divided by seven. Click here for more information.


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Learn English in Cape Town