General English and IELTS Preparation

Glasgow School of English

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Course description

The General English course is a full-time programme that runs all year. The course has a strong focus on the practical needs of both short and long term visitors to the UK. It is ideal for anyone who wants to improve their all-round communication skills. There are 15 hours of classes each week. You can study from as little as one week to one year or more.

Every morning, you will study a balanced mix of the four skills (speaking, listening, reading & writing) and the four systems (grammar, vocabulary, functions & pronunciation) with a strong emphasis on practical, everyday communication.

If you are planning to study at a college or university, you will be required to demonstrate your English language ability prior to acceptance. The IELTS qualification is the recognised standard used by academic institutions in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand and is also accepted in the USA and Canada.

This is a 7.5 hour course that covers on the language skills and exam techniques to prepare students for the IELTS exam. Each class focuses on a different skill (listening, speaking, reading & writing) and incorporates special examination techniques. You will also be expected to complete homework tasks and study outside the class. The teachers of this course typically hold IELTS Marker or Examiner status or have similar qualifications and experience appropriate to teach English for Academic Purposes and IELTS Preparation

The course can be joined every 4 weeks and must be a minimum of 4 weeks in duration.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary and Grammar

Class schedule

Course duration
4-44 weeks
Classes per week
30 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 45 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday

Class times

Morning session
09:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Afternoon session
01:45 PM - 03:15 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

Pre-intermediate
Intermediate
You will take a placement test before your arrival in Glasgow to determine your class level.

Class size

Average 12 students
Maximum 16 students

Student age

Age range 18 years old and older
Average 26 years old
(24 in the summer)

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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school
photos

Photos

  • Building of Glasgow School of English 1/8
  • Classroom at Glasgow School of English 2/8
  • Classroom at Glasgow School of English 3/8
  • Reception of Glasgow School of English 4/8
  • Common room at Glasgow School of English 5/8
  • Computer room at Glasgow School of English 6/8
  • Computer room at Glasgow School of English 7/8
  • Students of Glasgow School of English 8/8
reviews

Reviews

91% recommend

based on 22 reviews
5 stars
7
4 stars
12
3 stars
2
2 stars
1
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"Great experience... I will return as soon I can"

Jesus Alberto Fernandez, student from Spain

The School was what I was looking for... Good teachers, good classmates, small groups, all time speeking english, practical lessons, extracurricular activities were great, acomodation not very clean, near school, very simple but with all things I needed...

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
23 Sep 2019 - 18 Oct 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Nice experience"

Emilio D'angeli, student from Italy

I was at school two weeks, the last of July and the first of August. I found bright and clean classrooms, well-prepared professors with good pronunciation. The school is located in the center of Glasgow, easy to reach by bus but also for those who use the train.

I didn’t use school residences because I was host in a guest house in Paisley.

My only regret, due to my work, was the little time to attend school. From my experience I deduce that it is a few two weeks to get clear improvements.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
22 Jul 2019 - 2 Aug 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Meeting good people but eating bad food"

Marcos de Miguel García, student from Spain

The classes were funny and entertained and every theacher I had were really nice. The location was not really good, the first day I spent 15 minutes finding It, because It is linda hide but It was not far from muy apartment and that was good, finally, the House was ok, but my room was just next to the kitchen and It was really noisy.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
8 Jul 2019 - 26 Jul 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Definitely I will be back!"

Inês Alves, student from Portugal

My experience was great, I met fantastic colleagues, teachers and I improved my english.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
1 Apr 2019 - 5 Apr 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Incredible experience!"

Eduardo López , student from Spain

Located in the center of Glasgow the School of English provide to the students the chance of improving their English, meet new people and get in touch with different cultures. Most of teachers are good doing their jobs and friendly.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
7 weeks
Date of study
27 Aug 2018 - 19 Oct 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was a very interesting experience."

Vanessa Gisele Pasqualotto Severino, student from Brazil

I liked the classes and teacher. I did classes with two teachers and both are very good professional. The school was near from the apartment that I rented. So, everything was good for me.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
23 Jul 2018 - 3 Aug 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Good experience"

Maria Lucia Teixeira Garcia, student from Brazil

This is a small, but good English school in Scotland. In 6 weeks I had 3 teachers with differents styles. Each of them focus in specific skill.
I would like to talk about Mr. Brian. He was a good teacher, but in some situation he was not polite with us. We complained with him. In one class a classmate said about exercise: "it look like a lottery. You [Mr. Brian] did not explain as much as we needed". After that, did not changed in our class. I were upset when I saw classmate did not arrive on Friday (because they feel afraid about test).
I filled the evaluation form all weeks, but I really don't know if the school read. I wrote about Mr. Brian behaviour. I wrote about I wanted more homework, but if I did not require each day, my requirement did not considered.
I recognize that Mr. Brian focus is grammar. And I appreciated because it was important. But he needs to recognize as well, what his class needed.
Finally, for 2 weeks we have no social activities and in one day, we waited for the person who proposed a tour and he/she didn't appeared.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
5 weeks
Date of study
23 Apr 2018 - 1 Jun 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"A wonderful experience!"

Giulia Maria Basso, student from Brazil

For me to take this 6 week course at the Glasgow School of English was wonderful, an amazing experience, great school and excellent teachers and the location helps a lot as well being in the center of Glasgow very close to Central Station, where you can decide if you want to go by bus or train.The classes were very explanatory and the teachers always charged participation thus always encouraging the students' performance and in fact improving their English. I specifically did not stay in the accommodation offered by the school, because I stayed at the house of a friend who lives in Glasgow, her house was near the school (20 minutes by bus) which made my trips to school much easier. Particularly I liked everything that the school offered me, the classes the great teachers, the walks and the friendships that I made in this period in which I was there, for sure I will indicate the school to other friends who wanted to experience this experience and for sure I I'm going back to Glasgow, and in the future I'm going back to study English at the Glasgow School of English.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
5 weeks
Date of study
15 Jan 2018 - 23 Feb 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was awesome and really worth it."

Jessica Kremnitzer, student from Austria

I really loved it. It's easy to get there and not too hard to find. The classes were perfectly mixed with different people from different places. Not only talking, grammar and vocabulary but also the listening skills and the skill to understand different accents get improved. The teachers were motivated, good to understand and made me feel free to ask any questions. I loved the class and the work between the students in school, but also outside of it when we made little trips to cool places. The activities were inviting and really interesting and even with some complications anything is done to let interested people do these activities. In the end also the accommodation was perfect. Carol was really welcoming and open to me and also my room was beautiful. I liked my whole stay in Glasgow the only improvement for me is to stay longer the next time because one week is really too short to really learn something. But still it was a beautiful experience. Thank you :)

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
30 Oct 2017 - 3 Nov 2017
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Nice experience"

Livia Martins de Oliveira, student from France

Glasgow: Very amazing city, dynamic, not expensive, with a lot of things to do and to see, friendly people, easy to go to the others destinations in Scotland!! I've really appreciated it.

The housing : Excellent ! Good and comfortable room, safe, clean, big kitchen, all the facilities...

School: The location is excellent, in the city center. Very kind and helpful staff. I think it's a good school ( not excellent but good). Unfortunately, one of my teachers ( I've had 2 teachers) is not good at all, not motivated and dynamic and her classes weren't very useful. My classmates have thought the same about her. But , the others teachers are appreciated from the others students. So, I think it depends on the teacher . In general, I've appreciated the school and the staff, the social activities, but i'm not sure about really recommend it for my friends.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
11 Sep 2017 - 22 Sep 2017
Would you recommend this school?
No
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was an unforgettable experience in an amazing place!"

Rodolfo Rodrigo Pereira Santos, student from Afghanistan

It was my first experience in a course abroad. Actually, I contracted the Language International's services to study English in Toronto (CA) too. Specifically, my experience in Glasgow was amazing. I liked so much of the classes, teachers, structure (simple, small and organized), of the people mixture with different accents. The residence is great and very clean, but the kitchen does not so clean. Doesn't have the staff to organize the kitchen three times per week, for example. Are lots of students using the kitchen, so could be interesting have anybody to help and keep the kitchen clean, beyond the own students does it.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
21 Aug 2017 - 8 Sep 2017
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Wonderful!"

Elsa Paladino, student from UK

I really liked my experience. The teachers and the students were incredible. I improved my English. Thank you Glasgow school of English. I would also like to say thank you to my favorite teacher Beth!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
4 Apr 2016 - 29 Apr 2016
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Very useful and unforgettable experience"

eleonora bonazzi, student from Italy

I'm really satisfied about this experience. All the teachers in the school were very friendly and available. The class lessons were very interesting and useful in learning English. The school had a perfect location, because it was in the city center, very close to the public transportation. All the furniture were totally new.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
7 Sep 2015 - 2 Oct 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Very good experience"

Cristina Guglielmi, student from Italy

I'm very happy to have done this experience; the teachers were very good, I liked the variety of activities and the skills taught.

The staff was very friendly and helpful.

I liked studying with people from other country; it was very exciting and interesting.

I didn't have time for the trips because my course only lasted one month.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
24 Aug 2015 - 18 Sep 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Very instructive and new for me"

Vincent Katchavenda, student from France

My experience in Glasgow School of English was very instructive, the courses weren't like 'normal' courses in high school. It was much more relaxed, but we could learn very well with Brian, who I think was a very good teacher. I didn't do any activities with the school but I heard much feedback from friends who were enjoying the trips.

The facilities are very well situated in the center of Glasgow so it's really easy to reach the school every morning and to have lunch.

It was a good experience!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
10 Aug 2015 - 21 Aug 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"I had a good experience."

Edson Marchetti da Silva, student from Brazil

The Glasgow School of English is very international. There are students from all over the Europe and Asia. Brazilians haven't discovered Glasgow yet. Nobody speaks Portuguese there. Definitely, Glasgow is a very good place for Brazilians to study English. The city is beautiful, safe, and a little bit less expense than London. About the school. It's nice, mainly because the localization. It is in the heart of Glasgow.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
7 weeks
Date of study
25 Jun 2012 - 17 Aug 2012
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"I managed to make good progress."

Anzhela Boldina, student from Russia

I liked that the classes in the school are clearly divided into different levels; it helps students to advance step by step. For the first 4 weeks, I studied General English, which helped me to adapt to the language. Then I moved up to the IELTS class, where the education program was more intense, but I was already prepared for that and have done quite well with the program. I would like to note the high level of teachers and express to them my deepest recognition.
The location was very convenient.
Also I liked that there was a lot of school trips and excursions organized. It was very interesting.
My accommodation was just gorgeous. It was very convenient to get to school. I had a private room with a bathroom; everything was very clean and comfortable. The food was also excellent. But most importantly, I felt more a family member rather than a student renting a room. My host mother and me became friends and still keep in touch with each other.
From what I did not like: there is a required on-line test. But sometimes it is done several months before the start of the course and the real level of language knowledge is not always corresponding to the results of the on-line test. I think it is more expedient to conduct testing on arrival of students in the school.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
13 weeks
Date of study
19 Nov 2012 - 22 Feb 2013
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was a good experience for me only a week but it gave me the opportunity to improve my English."

Marco Mencacci, student from France

Good teachers. Too many classes. We had two professors in the conversation course. One would have been better to learn better. In my case in a week we have not been able to learn some of the most important basics.
The school is very small so the classrooms are small. Good quality but price is the most economical in England.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
5 Aug 2013 - 9 Aug 2013
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Different"

Tõnu Kirves, student from Estonia

The location was very good. I lived in hotel and it was near the school (about 10minutes walk). It was different from the LSI in Cambridge, smaller. But materials I got was good and liked being in Glasgow.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
27 Aug 2012 - 31 Aug 2012
Age group
50 - 64
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Unnecessary"

LE SCOUEZEC, student from France

The organization of the course was not suited to my expectations. In fact, I didn't have much time (just a week). I had to follow the same course as other people taking over several months. The pedagogy of the school didn't suit me. The Professor in the morning was very nice. He tried to give me what I need (vocabulary, grammar), but there were many students in the group and he had no time to dig up my difficulties. The Professor of the afternoon was really incompetent. He didn't prepare his lessons and we watched movies most of the time. I felt like wasting my time and my money. I learned more in the street with the people we met. I don't keep a good memory of this experience.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
29 Oct 2012 - 2 Nov 2012
Age group
35 - 49
Would you recommend this school?
No
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"So good"

Pablo Lillo Mierzejewski, student from Spain

It was very nice to stay there. In fact, I'm going back to Glasgow next March to learn at the same school and stay at the same home...

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
15 Oct 2012 - 26 Oct 2012
Age group
35 - 49
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Special"

Ermelindo Brunetti, student from Italy

I think that it was a wonderful experience... I liked all, the teachers, Glasgow, Scottish people, the school... all! I hope to come back soon!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
12 Nov 2012 - 16 Nov 2012
Age group
50 - 64
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
housing

Housing

Glasgow School of English offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner ZONE 2

S$ 294
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Location: Outside the city center of Glasgow
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, telephone, wireless internet, tV room, carpet, heating, and garden
Distance to school: 31 - 60 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 03:00 PM
Check-out: Sunday, before 11:00 AM
S$ 294
Live with an English speaking host who will introduce you
to Glasgow and allow you to practise your English with the
locals. Our hosts are carefully chosen and we have excellent
relationships with them all.

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner ZONE 1

S$ 339
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Location: Outside the city center of Glasgow
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, telephone, wireless internet, tV room, carpet, heating, and garden
Distance to school: 20 - 30 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 03:00 PM
Check-out: Sunday, before 11:00 AM
S$ 339
Live with an English speaking host who will introduce you
to Glasgow and allow you to practise your English with the
locals. Our hosts are carefully chosen and we have excellent
relationships with them all.
student-residence

Kyle Park House Glasgow - Single-person room - No meals

S$ 294
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Address: 171 Kyle Street, Glasgow G4 0DS, Scotland , United Kingdom
Location: In the city center of Glasgow
Housing type: Student residence (off-campus)
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Private bathroom, kitchen, laundry, telephone, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, and carpet
Distance to school: 15 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 03:00 PM
Check-out: Sunday, before 10:00 AM
S$ 294
KYLE PARK HOUSE provides clean, comfortable, modern accommodation at a budget price just outside the city centre. It is a modern housing block with 24 hour security. Each flat is fully furnished and contains five en-suite bedrooms.

Kyle Park House Glasgow- 2-person shared room - No meals - 2 students must book together (Summer Only) Prices are per room

S$ 321
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Address: 171 Kyle Street, Glasgow G4 0DS, Scotland , United Kingdom
Location: In the city center of Glasgow
Housing type: Student residence (off-campus)
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Private bathroom, kitchen, laundry, telephone, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, carpet, heating, and 24/7 supervision
Distance to school: 15 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: 30 Jun 2019 - 31 Aug 2019, 27 Jun 2020 - 30 Aug 2020, 27 Jun 2021 - 29 Aug 2021
Check-in: Sunday, after 03:00 PM
Check-out: Sunday, before 10:00 AM
Restriction: 2 students must book together
S$ 321
KYLE PARK HOUSE provides clean, comfortable, modern accommodation at a budget price just in the city centre. It is a modern housing block with 24 hour security. Each flat is fully furnished and contains five en-suite bedrooms.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

If you are studying in the UK for over 11 months, you will receive a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that you need to submit to the UK embassy along with your General Student Visa application. Students who have successfully booked a language course and have paid their fees will receive a CAS from . Please note that UK law states that a CAS can only be issued to students who intend to pursue English language studies for over 11 months.

If you are studying in the UK for 11 months or less, you have to apply for a special visitor visa called a Student Visitor Visa. As a student visitor, you will not be able to work part-time while studying. If you plan to study in the UK for 11 months or less, a letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you. If you wish to receive your paperwork by express mail, you will be charged £ 60 when you register.

Learn more about how to get a UK visa »

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Glasgow based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Glasgow School of English staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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