Quality is essential at City School of Languages. We are one of the few schools in the UK to hold accreditation by both Accreditation UK and the Accreditation Board for Language Services (ABLS). In addition to this, we are also members of English UK and the Association of British Language Schools. As of March 2011, we are also classed as a Highly Trusted Sponsor by the UK Border Agency, a level of accreditation otherwise automatically held by Universities.  

Accreditation

Accreditation UK

Accreditation UK is a quality assurance scheme for providers of English language teaching, and operates as a partnership between the British Council and English UK. City School of Languages is accredited by Accreditation UK, so you can be assured management, teaching, resources, welfare and accommodation all meet the highest standards.

ABLS Accreditation

City School of Languages is also accredited by the Accreditation Board for Language Services, a UKBA approved accreditation body.  It is an independent limited company which undertakes initial and repeat inspections to ensure that stringent quality assurance criteria and UK legal requirements are adhered to.

Professional Memberships

English UK

English UK is the association for accredited English language providers. As a member of this association CSL undertakes to follow English UK’s code of conduct and to adhere to its regulations which are designed to ensure excellent standards of teaching and welfare for foreign learners of English in the UK. 

Association of British Language Schools (ABLS)

Through membership of ABLS we set out to promote quality, professionalism and expertise in the field of English language tuition.  

Visa Sponsorship

CSL is licensed by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) to enrol international students under Tier 4 of the Points Based System. Our UKBA Sponsor Licence Number is 50987M5C2 and we feature on the UKBA website as a ‘Highly Trusted Sponsor’ registered education provider.

Our accommodation is all carefully selected and inspected by our accommodation agents, who have specific experience in providing accommodation for overseas students and visitors to Swansea.  We work hard to ensure that all the accommodation we offer is clean, comfortable and friendly so that you can study well and make the most of your stay in Swansea.

STUDENT APPLICATION FORM FOR HOMESTAY

Check the Social Life menu on the right of this page to get all the information you need to plan your free time and make the most of your stay. Use the links to:

• Find out about Swansea and the beautiful area in which it is located
• Get ideas for visits to other parts of Wales
• Check out our What’s On in Swansea guide or alternatively the official Swansea City and County website.

Price List

You are probably visiting this site as you want to improve your English and possibly pass a formal examination. You almost certainly want to learn more about living and studying in the UK and why our school can help you to achieve your aims. My role as the Principal and owner of CSL is to provide you with an excellent learning environment and supportive teaching from dedicated professional teachers. My team and I will work hard to give you the care and support to make sure your every aspect of your stay is the same high quality as the teaching on which we pride ourselves. We believe in quality and in innovation and I hope you will discover that our courses are at the cutting edge of good language learning and teaching.

In these pages you can find out about our facilities and courses, our location in Swansea, a vibrant and safe university city, and the different accommodation options we offer.

All of us at the school look forward to welcoming you. If you would like to talk to us or ask any questions, please contact us and we will be happy to help you

Ismara Antunes
Principal

FULL IMMERSION ENGLISH AT CSL

Learn English in a full-immersion environment from native English speakers, in an English-speaking country. 

At a CSL (City School of Languages) Summer School, you will quickly improve your English, gain confidence when using English, and experience a unique British culture. All this at the same time as having fun and gaining insight into the British way-of-life! 

Why Immersion English? 

There are many benefits to learning English in an immersion environment. By combining classroom-based learning with social, practical and fun activities that require the use of English at all times, students can expect to:

Experience lasting results - Acquire the language faster- Learn to speak more naturally -See immediate and quantifiable progress - Build the confidence to use what they have learnt- Develop a genuine ability to communicate in English - Be able to understand spoken English in real-life situations - Learn and use English in a real-life environment - Develop good pronunciation - Gain a cultural insight - Have fun! 

Learning/Teaching Style

Each classroom session is topic-based. 

Students will first be introduced tothe lesson content and aims.  During the lesson, funand interesting communicative activities are used, so students canlearn and develop their language skills. This will be in allfour areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking. 

At the end of the lesson, thelanguage skills that have been learned will be highlighted through a ‘results’session. 

Structure

The course is designed to run over one to four weeks, with classes fromMonday to Friday. Lessons are held in well-equipped classrooms in themornings, and there are 15 hours of class time each week.  

On the first morning of the course, you will be welcomed to the schoolthen asked to sit a placement test. Following testing, students will be groupedinto one of two or three levels (depending on the number of students). 

In the afternoon, students will participate in a range of activities inand around Swansea -from sports competitions, to trips and excursions.

If you need any more detailed information about the Summer School or have questions about the teaching or social activites then please get in touch with the school. 

This course is aimed at people who have one (or more) foreign languages in their background, one of which would usually be referred to as their native language (the one they grew up with), as well as English, and who would like to use their language skills in the workplace.

This would apply to people wanting to work, or already working in the following roles: Teaching Assistants; Support Workers, Interpreters for Social Services, the NHS, Appeals Services, Courts of Law, Prison Services, the Police, Solicitors or Voluntary Sector workers.

The course content focuses on the following:

• Interpreter/Translator’s code of ethics
• Confidentiality, what it means and how it is practiced
• Interpreting & Translating practices
• Language accuracy and the importance of constant research and awareness of specialised vocabulary
• Glossary building

It is a very useful training opportunity for recruiting bodies and individuals who need language communication in the work place.

No specific previous qualifications or previous experience are necessary for enrolment although potential students must have both written and spoken knowledge of both the languages that they will be working with.

CSL hopes to be able to follow this course up next year with fully accredited IOL (Institute of Linguists) courses such as CBS (Certificate of Bilingual Skills) at Foundation A level; and eventually the DPSI (Diploma In Public Service Interpreting) at First degree level.

Courses will only run with a minimum of 6 participants, for 20 hours over one week -the final timetable still to be decided.

The Taliesin Centre is situated in the grounds of Swansea University and includes a theatre, cinema, book shop, a gift shop, cafe and bar along with the Egypt Centre.

Throughout the year the Centre plays host to a wide selection of films, theatrical productions, live musical performances, recitals and readings. With a wide selection of choice and prices to match (often special deals for students) there is likely to be something for everyone. 

Close to the sea and next to Singleton Park, it is worth dropping by to have a look at upcoming events, enjoy a coffee or just browse for gifts. 

Looking for a higher salary?

From February 2011, City School of Languages (CSL) will be running a Trinity Dip TESOL course validated by Trinity College London: www.trinitycollege.co.uk.

For later course dates, please contact the school directly. 

Developed and run at CSL by qualified teacher trainers with extensive experience of designing, delivering, moderating and examining, the DipTESOL programme is a positive step forward in professional development and the path to a successful career.

The course is spread over one year from 14 February 2011, and is made up of: 

•         32 weeks’ online distance learning
•         Three weeks’ face-to-face study at CSL in Swansea

The course is designed for practicing teachers of English who wish to further develop their career in ELT through a full internationally recognised qualification. Successful completion of the course will enable participants to apply for positions of academic responsibility in the UK and abroad.

The Trinity DipTESOL is at Level 7 in the British National Qualifications Framework, the same level as a Masters degree. It is equivalent to other ELT qualifications such as the DELTA.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To register for the Trinity DipTESOL course you must have:

A degree or equivalent                                AND

Two years’ recent full time teaching experience in English Language teaching

You also need to be teaching regularly, as a lot of the input and coursework assignments are directly related to your teaching practice.

COURSE COMPONENTS AND ASSESSMENT

There are four main components to the course, each containing three sections, and all of which are assessed by Trinity:

Unit 1    Language, Teaching and Learning

Unit 2    The teacher as a developmental, reflective practitioner

Unit 3    Phonological theory in classroom practice

Unit 4    Teaching, to include learner analysis, preparation, delivery and self-evaluation

BY THE END OF COURSE, TEACHERS WILL HAVE ACQUIRED SKILLS IN:

Language: An in-depth understanding of contemporary English systems; an identification of others’ learning backgrounds; an understanding of the changing roles of English around the world

Learning & Teaching: Developments in language learning theory and methodology; motivation & second language acquisition; planning, developing & delivering appropriate lessons & language programmes; assessing learners’ knowledge & skills; understanding the main methods & forms of assessment

Personal & Professional Development: Assess & develop one’s own effectiveness; provide support to those less experienced; appreciate the principles of teamwork and classroom-based investigation; be more aware of teaching observation and feedback

Further details on the Trinity DipTESOL

Download the application form  

The course will cost a student £1850.

THe student must also pay the cost for sitting the exam of £283. In the case of faliure, the student must also pay for the cost of any re-sits. 

Our homestays are organised for us by a specialist agency with many years of experience placing students with local people. The families are personally known and their homes are regularly visited and inspected to make sure your stay will be comfortable and enjoyable. You really will feel as if you are home from home.

Our homestays live within a 30 minute journey to the school and no more than one bus ride away.

We offer the following options:

FULL-BOARD HOMESTAY

Full-board homestay gives you three meals per day: breakfast and dinner with your host and a packed lunch which you can eat at school. At weekends you can have a packed lunch or a light lunch at home.

HALF-BOARD HOMESTAY

Half-board homestay gives you two meals per day: breakfast and dinner with your host.

You can buy a sandwich or a hot meal and something to drink from one of the cafes and sandwich shops on Walter Road, a two minute walk from the school

SELF-CATERING HOMESTAY

Self-catering homestay does not include food.

It gives you the freedom to eat what you want when you want, either eating out in Swansea’s wide choice of restaurants and cafes or to preparing your own food in your host’s kitchen. Your host provider will allow you to use the kitchen equipment you need to cook.

EXECUTIVE HOMESTAY

We also have a limited supply of Executive Homestays where you have your own bathroom. Please contact us if you are interested in executive homestay, telling us the intended dates of your stay.

Please follow the link below for further Homestay Information:

HOMESTAY INFORMATION

Self-catering accommodation is ideal if complete freedom is important to you. It means you can come and go when you please, cook and eat what you want when you want, and spend time with other students and friends in your own home.  

Self-catering accommodation is situated close to the school, mainly in the Uplands and Marina areas of Swansea, meaning you can walk to school.  

Because self-catering accommodation is popular, we will need to start the process of helping you to find the right accommodation for you a month before you arrive.

We can help you with:

• Rooms in shared flats and houses
• Rooms in family homes
• Studios
• 1 bedroom apartments
• 2 bedroom apartments
• 3 bedroom apartments and houses

If you are interested in self-catering accommodation which is not on this list, please contact us as we have access to many different types of accommodation.

General English is ideal if you want to combine studying English with enjoying your free time, exploring Swansea and the surrounding area, or just relaxing with friends. At the end of your course you can expect to feel much more confident using natural English for personal, work or academic purposes. The course is flexible with part or more full time rates of study.

At Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate levels (A2-B1 CEFR), this course also includes preparation for the internationally recognised Cambridge KET (A2 CEFR) and PET (B1 CEFR) exams.This gives you an excellent opportunity to practise and develop you reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in more depth than is usually found on General English courses.

If you would like a more intensive course, Semi-Intensive 21 and Intensive 25 English courses which combine General English 15 with 6 or 10 hours of Afternoon Options are also availaible.

Key Information

CEFR: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

CITYSIGHTSEEING CARDIFF

We think the best way for you to see Cardiff is by taking one of the hop on-hop off sightseeing buses which leave from outside Cardiff Castle every hour (every 30 minutes in peak season). From an open-top double decker bus, you will visit all the main attractions of the city and once you have paid for your ticket, you can get on and get off the bus as many times as you like.

The CitySightseeing Cardiff bus has 10 stops including Cardiff Castle, Mermaid Quay, Techniquest, the Millennium Stadium and Wales Millennium Centre.

For timetables and more information visit the CitySightseeing Cardiff website.

CARDIFF CASTLE

Located in the heart of the city centre, Cardiff Castle has a history of over 2000 years. The castle has been home to Romans, Normans and wealthy business men. Every month Cardiff Castle also organises visitor events. More details are available here.

CARDIFF MILLENNIUM STADIUM

Built in 1999 to host the Rugby World Cup, Cardiff Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales and home to the Welsh national rugby union and football teams. It is the second largest stadium in the world with a roof and has a capacity of 74,500 people. The stadium is also host to many other large sporting and music events. International stars like Madonna, U2 and Robbie Williams have all appeared here.

In the London 2012 Olympics the stadium will host at least eight football matches. We recommend that you take a tour of the stadium and walk in the footsteps of the greats of rugby, football and music. Find out more about these stadium tours here.

CARDIFF BAY AND MERMAID QUAY

Close to the city centre is Cardiff Bay, Europe’s most exciting waterfront development. You can get there by the Citysightseeing bus or by water taxi.

Cardiff Bay is home to many exciting visitor attractions, including Techniquest Science Discovery Centre, the Wales Millennium Centre (a stunning international arts centre) and the Senedd, home of the Welsh government, the Welsh Assembly. If you are a fan of science-fiction, you’ll love the Dr Who exhibition – many recent Dr. Who TV episodes have been filmed in Cardiff and around Cardiff Bay. The Dr. Who exhibition is located inside the Red Dragon Centre, a leisure and entertainment centre where you can eat, drink, watch films at the multi-screen cinema or go ten-pin bowling.

Mermaid Quay is an enjoyable destination for shopping, eating and relaxing on the waterfront. It’s the perfect place to relax and have lunch or dinner. The cuisine is truly international with Indian, Oriental, Turkish, Italian, American, and French food on offer. Bon appetit!

You can find out more about the above attractions at Cardiff Bay and Mermaid Quay websites.

SHOPPING ST. DAVID’S SHOPPING CENTRE AND THE CARDIFF ARCADES

The popularity of the huge indoor mall of St. David’s Shopping Centre has made Cardiff one of the top five shopping destinations in the UK. From brand chains like Marks and Spencer to designer stores and boutiques, you will have plenty to spend your money on!

Cardiff is also famous for its beautiful Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades. These are covered shopping passages, often with a glass roof, where you can find smaller, independent shops. The arcades are one of Cardiff’s special features and are well worth a visit.

For more information about Cardiff, we recommend you visit the Visit Cardiff website.

Mumbles

Mumbles is great for frequent visits. Relax in one of the many cafes and browse the wonderful assortment of independent shops, selling everything from hand-made toys to exotic clothes, pottery to paintings. Follow the seafront till you reach the Victorian Pier, a rare structure every seaside town once had. Eat icecream or buy from the monthly farmers market, stocked with local produce.

There is a frequent bus service from Swansea to Mumbles. For more information, visit the Swansea Bay website.

The Gower Peninsula

The Gower Peninsula, known simply as Gower, was the UK’s first designated “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” (1956). Today the area is popular with walkers, watersports lovers and anyone who enjoys nature. The stunning countryside and beaches which make up the Gower include 34 miles of coastline, 19 sandy beaches, 83 ancient monuments, 67 ancient woodlands and 6 nature reserves.

Here are some Gower facts:

• Three Cliff’s Bay reached the finals of Britain’s Best View, a TV programme on one of the UK’s major networks
• Worm’s Head ( a peninsular reached on foot only at low tide ) was voted the “most romantic place to see a sunset in the UK” by readers of Country Living Magazine
• Oxwich Bay was voted by travel writers as their favourite UK beach.
• Gower has also received 14 beach awards, including four Blue Flag Beach Awards.
• Gower is one of the best places to surf in the United Kingdom The area has the second greatest tidal range in the world and some of the finest surfing beaches in the UK. You can learn to surf at a number of the accredited surf schools in the area and experienced surfers come here for the secret spots and reef breaks.
• Other water sports are available including windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing and waterskiing
• Horse riding, fishing, walking, golf, sailing and mountain biking are all offered and more information is available from the Swansea Bay Activities Guide.

There is a frequent bus service from Swansea to the Gower. For more information, have a look at the Gower Transport Map and interactive timetable

More information about Gower is available from the Gower page of the Visit Swansea Bay website