Language and cultural support
There are a large number of organisations which arrange English classes for people whose native language is not English.
Two main types of course exist:
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
- English as a Foreign Language (EFL).
ESOL courses are often run by adult education colleges and colleges of further education, but also by community projects and voluntary groups. Sometimes you can do ESOL as part of vocational (work-related) training. ESOL is aimed at people living permanently in Britain, usually with settlement rights or as refugees and asylum seekers.
If you wish to study ESOL, the college may ask you to show that you are staying permanently in the UK. If you are an asylum seeker, you can show your passport, visa stamp or leave to remain certificate from the Home Office.
ESOL students often work towards a certificate of proficiency in English. There are different types of qualification - some ESOL courses include 'life skills', or dealing with day-to-day situations in Britain, such as job seeking or filling in forms.
You can also study for various certificates includng the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) in English language. These qualifications can help when applying for jobs and further study.
EFL courses are aimed at temporary visitors to the UK who wish to improve their language skills. These courses are not usually funded by local authorities, although they are sometimes available (at a price) from adult education colleges. Most often, they are organised by private colleges, which means that the student must pay a fee. Fees for EFL courses are sometimes high.
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