Frequently Asked Questions about Studying at ECS
Courses
How do I know my level?
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If you have studied English in the past you should have some idea of your level. On the application form we ask you to approximately grade yourself on a scale of 1 – 8. 1 = beginner level and 8 = advanced level. On the first morning of your course we will give you a short test to ascertain your level and put you into an appropriate level of class. |
How many levels are there at ECS Scotland?
| ECS Scotland provides courses from beginner to advanced levels. |
Can I change my course once I have started?
| If you decide you would like to change your course from Group Tuition to Group Plus Tuition or 1-to-1 this is usually possible. You are free to discuss all the alternatives with the Principal or Head Teacher. |
What time to classes start and finish?
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Classes start at 9.15am from September to June and finish at different times depending on the number of hours you choose to study. Find an example timetable here. In July and August classes start at 9am due to the increased number of groups. 15 hours per week courses finish at 12.15 and 20 hours per week courses finish at 14.45. |
How many students are there in each group?
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ECS Scotland guarantees there is only a maximum of 5 students in a group. |
Which course is best for me?
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This depends on your needs and what you would like to achieve during your course. ‘Group Tuition’ for 15 or 20 hours per week provides you with the opportunity to work together with other students of a similar level and practise General English skills, especially speaking and listening ‘Group Tuition Plus’ gives you the opportunity to practise General English skills in a small group in the mornings and then 1-to-1 tuition in the afternoon, focusing on your specific needs. For example; Business, Financial, Legal, Medical, Aviation, Tourism and many other specific areas. ‘One-to-One Tuition’ focuses entirely on your specific needs. You tell us what you would like to cover and we will design a course specifically for you. |
How many weeks is each course?
| You can choose how many weeks you would like to study. One week is the minimum length of course. There is no maximum length. |
When can I start a course?
| You can start a course any Monday and finish any Friday. You can choose the most convenient start date for you. |
Enrolment, Payment and Cancellation
What happens if I need to cancel or postpone my course?
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If you cancel your course or accommodation more than 30 days before the start of your course, your money will be returned minus a 50 GBP handling charge. If you cancel your course or accommodation less than 30 days before your course, your deposit will not be returned. If you need to postpone your course to a later date this is usually possible, please contact us to discuss availability of alternative dates. Please read our Terms & Conditions |
What is included in the course price?
| All teaching, learning materials, one afternoon excursion to a place of cultural interest per week, tea/coffee at morning break time, progress report and certificate of attendance, Wi-Fi internet access. |
How and when do I pay for my course?
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A) By bank transfer. This must be done at least two weeks before the start of your course. B) By Credit Card. This can be done in advance or immediately on the first day of your course. C) In cash (Pounds Sterling) immediately on the first day of your course. |
How can I pay my deposit?
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How do I enrol in a course at ECS Scotland?
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Complete the application form on our website, click ‘Apply’. When we receive your application we will send you an email to verify your dates and chosen course. We will then ask you to pay a deposit of 100 GBP to confirm your course and accommodation. Once we receive your deposit we will send you a letter of confirmation and your invoice. Please note that we will not organise your accommodation or send you a letter of confirmation without receiving your deposit. |
Visa
What happens if my visa is denied or I cannot enter the UK?
| If you are denied a visa or entry to the UK we will return your money, minus a 50 GBP handling charge. Please show us a copy of the rejected application. If you enter the UK with a letter of confirmation from ECS Scotland and you do not come to the school we are obliged by law to inform the UK immigration office. |
Will ECS Scotland help me with obtaining my visa?
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Students from outside the European Union need a visa to study in the UK. Once we receive your deposit, we will send you a letter of confirmation and your accommodation details which you can take to the British Embassy in your country to help obtain your visa. Please contact the British Embassy in your country to find out your specific requirements. You can also find more information at UK Border Agency website: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/ |
Accommodation
What is included in ‘Standard’ and ‘Executive’ homestay?
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‘Standard’ accommodation includes Bed & Breakfast every day and dinner 6 evenings per week. You have access to a shared bathroom. ‘Executive’ accommodation includes Bed & Breakfast every day and dinner 6 evenings per week. You have your own bathroom. PLEASE NOTE For July and August it is essential to book accommodation as early as possible. |
Can you organise my accommodation?
| ECS Scotland will organise homestay accommodation for you at ‘standard’ or ‘executive’ level. On request we can provide you with information about local B&Bs, Guesthouses, hotels or hostels close to the school. |
The School
Does the school close on Public Holidays?
| ECS Scotland does not close on Public Holidays or at Easter. We are usually closed for an annual holiday at Christmas/New Year. |
Where do the classes take place?
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ECS Scotland is located in a restored 18th Century building in the centre of Edinburgh. 17 Young Street is located just off Charlotte Square, on a narrow street which runs parallel to George Street and Queen Street. The school is very convenient for bus stops, shops, cafes/bars, restaurants, banks, post offices, parks etc. Please note: In July and August some classes may take place in another building close to the school. |
Why is ECS Scotland different?
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ECS Scotland is a small, independent, family-run school which has been accredited by the British Council since 1995. We pride ourselves on our flexibility and personal service. We enjoy getting to know our students and helping them to learn English in a safe, friendly and comfortable environment. |
Scotland and Edinburgh
Which Scots are famous?
| There are many famous Scots, including; William Wallace (freedom fighter), Robert Louis Stevenson (writer of Treasure Island and other novels), Sir Sean Connery (actor), Sir Alexander Flemming (Discovered penicillin)…Find more famous Scots: www.rampantscotland.com/famous/famous.htm |
Can I work in Edinburgh?
| Students from the EU can work without acquiring a work permit. For more information about working in the UK: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/ |
Is Edinburgh a safe city?
| In general Edinburgh is a safe city. However, as in all major cities you should always be aware, take care if walking alone at night and carry a note of your accommodation address and telephone number. Remember to look to the RIGHT when you cross the road. |
Will I be able to understand the Scottish accent?
| Like all countries and regions in the world, Scottish people can have a particular accent. Contrary to popular belief, the ‘Scottish’ accent is not any more difficult to understand than other regional accents. Accents reflect people’s upbringing, education, work, social circles and a variety of other factors. |
What is the weather like?
| It does not always rain in Scotland, but as an island with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the North Sea on the other, Scottish weather is variable. It can be common to experience the 4 seasons in one day. The average temperature in winter is 5 - 7°C and the average temperature in summer is 14 - 16°C. For more information about weather in the UK you can visit www.met-office.gov.uk |
When is the best time to come to Edinburgh?
| Edinburgh is popular destination year-round. During the autumn and winter seasons, the days are shorter and the locals tend to do more activities indoors; visit galleries and museums, shops, cinema, sport centres, pubs and cafes. During the spring and summer seasons, the days are a lot longer and more activities take place outside. |
Why should I choose to study English in Edinburgh?
| Edinburgh is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with many attractions to keep you occupied when you are not in the classroom. Its people are friendly and helpful and it is an easy city to travel around. |
Where is Edinburgh?
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Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is located in the North East of the United Kingdom. Map. |
