General English

Kaplan International: Bournemouth

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Course description

The General English course consists of 20 lessons each week and is the least intensive option offered at Kaplan. This course allows students to improve their English while still leaving time for sightseeing and leisure during their stay.

Course topics

Lessons focus on practical English, including reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

Class schedule

Course duration
1-52 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
20 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 45 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
01 Jan 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 21 Apr 2025, 05 May 2025, 26 May 2025, 25 Aug 2025, 25 Dec 2025, 26 Dec 2025

Kaplan International does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Class times

Morning session
08:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Lesson
12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Afternoon session
01:45 PM - 05:00 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

Elementary
Pre-intermediate
Intermediate
High intermediate
Advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Bournemouth.

Class size

Average 12 students
Maximum 15 students

Student age

Age range 16 years old and older

Certificate

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

Photos

  • Entrance to Kaplan International: Bournemouth 1/19
  • Reception of Kaplan International: Bournemouth 2/19
  • Classes at Kaplan International: Bournemouth 3/19
  • Computer room at Kaplan International: Bournemouth 4/19
  • 1-on-1 classes at Kaplan International: Bournemouth 5/19
  • City of Bournemouth 6/19
  • Teachers and Staff at Kaplan International: Bournemouth 7/19
  • Activities offered at Kaplan International: Bournemouth 8/19
  • Common room at Kaplan International: Bournemouth 9/19
  • Student residence offered by Kaplan International: Bournemouth 10/19
  • Student residence offered by Kaplan International: Bournemouth 11/19
  • Student residence offered by Kaplan International: Bournemouth 12/19
  • Student residence offered by Kaplan International: Bournemouth 13/19
  • Student residence offered by Kaplan International: Bournemouth 14/19
  • Kaplan International: Bournemouth 15/19
  • Kaplan International: Bournemouth 16/19
  • Kaplan International: Bournemouth 17/19
  • Kaplan International: Bournemouth 18/19
  • Kaplan International: Bournemouth 19/19
reviews

Reviews

83% recommend

based on 6 reviews
5 stars
0
4 stars
5
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"It was utterly disappointing."

Luca Zürcher, student from Switzerland

I was staying in the Kaplan living Residence. The location was quite good, very central. Sadly, the school was quite far away from the residence. The infrastructure at the residence was very bad. There were 3 dryers and washing machines for over 1000 students. The Kitchen was dirty, one of the worst kitchen I'd ever seen. I spoke to the reception and was told that was the problem of the residents, even though I had just arrived and never used the kitchen. There was one vacuum cleaner available, again, for all the 1000 students. Everything I needed to clean the Kitchen, what I had to do myself, was bought by me. The next week the kitchen was dirty again, and I complained, and they didn't do anything to address the issue.

Over my whole stay, 2 months, there were construction works ongoing. I wasn't informed when I booked my room. The workers were very noisy, drilling and hammering until 6 pm at least. You couldn't get a quiet second to safe your life. They also worked in front the windows, so you didn't have any privacy either.

On one occasion I was sent an email telling me that I had to leave the residence tomorrow at 10 am, although I had paid for 3 more weeks. I was told they had double booked some rooms and it was the schools fault, and I should see where I could stay. It was a pain to figure out what was happening. I talked to someone at the school to solve the issue, Weiwei, and she was playing a game on her phone when talking to me. I finally had to change my room after being left without any information for over 72 hours. In my new room there was no electricity on any plug.

On an other occasion, the laundry room was renovated. It took them 5 days, planned was 1. We did not get informed in advance and were forced to hand wash our clothes or using them dirty.

The school on the other hand was very boring. It came to no surprise when I noticed that every book they used was over 9 years old. It wasn't the teachers fault, they just tried to make the best out of it.
I was in the C1/C2 class, but the level was fluctuating between the students so that I got very bored because I often had to wait for lower level students who took way longer to understand or finish a topic/exercise. I talked to multiple teachers about the issue and they said they couldn't do anything because I was at the highest level already and the school was not willing to open new classes.

I also asked to do a C2 Cambridge proficiency exam, and it took the school 2 months to tell me there wasn't one available until November. I also did mock exams which I was asked to do, and handed them in, but never got them back with corrections even though I was told I would.

I payed over 5000 CHF for my 2 month stay. Absolutely wasted money. Unprofessional and overpriced.

Would not recommend at all. Save your money please.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
8 weeks
Date of study
11 Jul 2022 - 9 Sep 2022
Would you recommend this school?
No
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"I will go back to Kaplan again"

Ibrahim Alissa, student from Saudi Arabia

Everything was beautiful, though the Institute needs some development in learning, recreational facilities, and restoration of furniture.

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My ratings for this school

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

"Great to learn great to have parties"

Karina Szűcs-Tassy, student from Hungary

First I was in an afternoon class but after a week I changed. I just couldn't listen to the lessons. The morning classes' teachers (the first two) was a bit bad. I learnt present perfect for two weeks, that was really boring. The best teacher was the entensive's. I really liked it. I've never bored. Inshort it was a great holiday for me and I happy with it.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
4 weeks
Date of study
28 Jun 2010 - 23 Jul 2010
Age group
25 - 34
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"ENGLAND"

Piroli Lorenzo, student from Italy

I've been learning english since I was 6. I learned almost everthing about the grammar, butIi couldn't speak. I've never spoken with someone in english. But once I arrived here I started to speak it, well I was forced to do it, and now I can keep a good conversation with someone. I've met many friends and it's incredible and really funny going out with school mates from different countries. What about teachers? They are very very funny as well! I've improved and at the same time enjoyed a lot! Bournemouth is a very beautiful city (or town, even now I can't understand what the difference is), and the school is not so far from my homestay...every day I can choose if catch the bus or go on foot! Well not really every day because as you know here it is always raining.
I've been here during the period of winter, that's why they didn't promote lots of activities, they should do more things, they might promote inside sports. Fortunately I've been staying in the most beautiful homestay ever! I've improved a lot also with them.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
6 weeks
Date of study
5 Oct 2009 - 13 Nov 2009
Age group
25 - 34
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."

Marco Chiozzi, student from Italy

I had a good experience and I have certainly improved my English.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
6 weeks
Date of study
19 Oct 2009 - 27 Nov 2009
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 useful."

Khamit Igubayev, student from Kazakhstan

My name is Khamit. I have been studying for 3 months at Kaplan Aspect (Pre-master course). So, within this period I have gotten some knowledge about Business and IELTS skills. Also, I was obtaining some language support lessons.
It is quite difficult to reach a conclusion about this college however I am tempted to say that during the time which I have been in College, I achieved almost everything that I planned. So I want to emphasize here that there was a huge number of foreign students who helped me to achieve a great improvement in speaking skills. Additionally, there are many qualified teachers who are always ready to help you. However, there are some rules that you have to mainly follow after. The biggest advantage in Bournemouth is location because it is situated next to the ocean. It has remarkable appearance!
On the other hand, there are some weaknesses in facilities. In fact, it is too small a city and there is a huge quantity of elderly people, hence, industry of entertainment has a medium level. Also, it is quite expensive to rent some accommodation in comparison with other parts of the UK.
To sum up, if you come here to obtain just some knowledge, it would be the right place. But, if you want to get social experience, it would be a little bit boring. However, it is just my point of view.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
10 weeks
Date of study
12 Oct 2009 - 18 Dec 2009
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.
housing

Housing

Kaplan International offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay (14 meals/week) Min. age 18 (Twin)

S$ 330
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
S$ 330
A homestay is the perfect way to immerse yourself in your new culture. Usually sharing breakfast and dinner with your hosts every day, you’ll benefit immeasurably from conversing in relaxed, natural situations. All our homestays are carefully selected to provide you with a safe and welcoming home environment. In the UK, homestays will host no more than four students at the same time, but larger homes which can welcome more students may be offered as Private Home accommodation.

Homestay (14 meals/week) Min. age 18 (Single)

S$ 367
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
S$ 367
A homestay is the perfect way to immerse yourself in your new culture. Usually sharing breakfast and dinner with your hosts every day, you’ll benefit immeasurably from conversing in relaxed, natural situations. All our homestays are carefully selected to provide you with a safe and welcoming home environment. In the UK, homestays will host no more than four students at the same time, but larger homes which can welcome more students may be offered as Private Home accommodation.

Homestay (14 meals/week) Under 18 (Twin)

S$ 367
weekly
Age range: 16 - 17 years old
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
S$ 367
A homestay is the perfect way to immerse yourself in your new culture. Usually sharing breakfast and dinner with your hosts every day, you’ll benefit immeasurably from conversing in relaxed, natural situations. All our homestays are carefully selected to provide you with a safe and welcoming home environment. In the UK, homestays will host no more than four students at the same time, but larger homes which can welcome more students may be offered as Private Home accommodation.

Homestay (14 meals/week) Under 18 (Single)

S$ 404
weekly
Age range: 16 - 17 years old
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
S$ 404
A homestay is the perfect way to immerse yourself in your new culture. Usually sharing breakfast and dinner with your hosts every day, you’ll benefit immeasurably from conversing in relaxed, natural situations. All our homestays are carefully selected to provide you with a safe and welcoming home environment. In the UK, homestays will host no more than four students at the same time, but larger homes which can welcome more students may be offered as Private Home accommodation.

Homestay with private bathroom (14 meals/week) Min. age 18 (Single)

S$ 468
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
S$ 468
A homestay is the perfect way to immerse yourself in your new culture. Usually sharing breakfast and dinner with your hosts every day, you’ll benefit immeasurably from conversing in relaxed, natural situations. All our homestays are carefully selected to provide you with a safe and welcoming home environment. In the UK, homestays will host no more than four students at the same time, but larger homes which can welcome more students may be offered as Private Home accommodation.

Homestay with private bathroom (14 meals/week) Under 18 (Single)

S$ 505
weekly
Age range: 16 - 17 years old
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
S$ 505
A homestay is the perfect way to immerse yourself in your new culture. Usually sharing breakfast and dinner with your hosts every day, you’ll benefit immeasurably from conversing in relaxed, natural situations. All our homestays are carefully selected to provide you with a safe and welcoming home environment. In the UK, homestays will host no more than four students at the same time, but larger homes which can welcome more students may be offered as Private Home accommodation.
student-residence

Lansdowne Point Residence (No meals) Min. age 18 (Single)

S$ 560
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Address: 51 Holdenhurst Rd, Bournemouth BH8 8EP, UK
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Private bathroom
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
S$ 560

Oxford Point Residence (No meals) Min. age 18 (Single)

S$ 578
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Address: 13-17 Oxford Road, Bournemouth BH8 8GS, UK
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Private bathroom
Distance to school: 23 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
S$ 578
Just a short walk from the city center, Now Students Accommodation offers a vibrant living experience at Oxford Point. This modern residence features en-suite rooms with shared kitchens, including a fridge-freezer, hob, oven, microwave, and dining area. Each room is equipped with a bed with storage, a study desk and chair, a wardrobe, and an en-suite bathroom. Students can enjoy on-site social spaces like study rooms, a social kitchen, a gym, and a roof terrace. With 24-hour security and room cleaning available on arrival, Oxford Point provides a welcoming and supportive community for students.

Lansdowne Point Residence (No meals) Under 18 (Single)

S$ 615
weekly
Age range: 16 - 17 years old
Address: 51 Holdenhurst Rd, Bournemouth BH8 8EP, UK
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Private bathroom
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
S$ 615
These shared apartments within the campus of Bournemouth University International College come with en-suite bathrooms, communal kitchens and high-speed internet. The rooms offer excellent views of the town with many offering a sea view. The local area offers a wide range of shops and restaurants and Bournemouth’s nightlife is close at hand.

Landsdowne Point has two common rooms with games facilities. There’s even a roof terrace to take in the views of your new city from!
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 Kaplan International . 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 £ 40 when you register.

Learn more about how to get a UK visa »

Flights and airport transfer

The school offers airport pickup services. If you wish to be picked up, just give us your flight details and arrival date. The price of a one-way airport transfer from London Heathrow Airport is £ 125. You must book your airport transfer in advance when you register.

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 Bournemouth 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 Kaplan International: Bournemouth staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

Ask a question
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