Whether for business, study or travel, we offer language courses designed to meet your needs. Small group classes and dynamic teachers ensure that learning is always student-centred, highly communicative and above all, fun! The internationally renowned “Cutting Edge” and “Headway” textbook series form the core of our classroom teaching materials, often supplemented with materials from the Internet, newspapers, magazines and other relevant textbooks. We cater to all language levels from Beginner to Advanced and bi-monthly progress tests help us to monitor students’ progress within their language level. Students are administered a placement test on arrival, and are then placed in level-appropriate classes. On completion of their studies, all students receive a certificate and performance review.

English Courses and Programs for Foreign Students…

General English

This course is suitable for all foreign students who need English for everyday communication. It focuses on training the four linguistic skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Applicable grammar is taught in context. Out-of-class activities form an intrinsic part of this course, allowing maximum exposure to the English language, thereby also stimulating greater awareness of South African culture.

Examination Preparation / English for Academic Purposes

Our intensive examination preparation courses provide students with all the skills and test-taking strategies needed for success on the various international Standard English proficiency examinations. We offer training geared towards the TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC and Cambridge exams. Students who wish to study English for academic purposes need to be at an upper-intermediate level of English.

Business English

This specialized course provides students with English language skills specific to their careers. Students may study for 1-8 weeks. Students who register for a minimum of 4 weeks may intern at a local company for an additional 4-8 weeks to gain some valuable practical training. This course is open to upper-intermediate and advanced learners only.

Private Tuition

Private tuition affords students intensive one-to-one sessions with a qualified tutor. The course is designed entirely around the specific needs of the learner in both content and schedule.

Bridging Course

This is an induction course to help prepare foreign school-goers (primary and high school) for entry into South African schools. Our bridging course exposes students to various aspects of South African culture and facilitates their socialization within the South African context. Students are taught English for everyday communication as well as the terminologies of the various schools subjects they will encounter.

Short-Term Program

This intensive course is aimed at students aged 9-28 years (primary, high school and university students) who will be visiting South Africa for a limited time period (3-6 weeks). Our short-term program actively combines academic instruction with educational excursions, adventure camps and tours and includes hostel accommodation. Minimum of 10 students per group.

Study Plus Work and Travel Program

We offer this exciting program in association with Work Experience International (Pty) Ltd (WEI), Southern Africa’s leading volunteer work placement organization. Students study for a minimum period of four weeks with the Academy of English. WEI will then place students in volunteer positions in luxury hospitality and tourism establishments around South Africa. Applicants have to commit to a 3-month work period.

Courses for local people…

Language Improvement

The AOECT Language Improvement course is specifically designed for local people who wish to improve their written and spoken competence in the English Language. The course takes learners through an incremental process of learning, focusing on the four skills: Listening and Speaking (pronunciation, vocabulary building and oral presentations) and Reading and Writing (text organization and development in various written genres). The course is modular-based over a period of three months.

Other Languages …

Second Language Program

We offer introductory courses in Xhosa, Spanish, Afrikaans, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, etc. If you are intending to travel to foreign country, would like to communicate with foreigners in their own language, or are having difficulty with a second language at school, then this course is for you.