Our partner FLS just announced two great fall promotions: Flat rate discounts and Family and Friends.

The flat rate discount is as simple as it sounds: you get a flat rate discounts depending on how many weeks you stay:

• 6+ weeks: $300 USD
• 8+ weeks: $400 USD
• 12+ weeks: $500 USD
• 16+ weeks: $600 USD
• 20+ weeks: $800 USD
• 24+ weeks: $1,000 USD
• 32+ weeks: $1,200 USD

The friends and family promotion works as follows: book your twelve week program at FLS, add a friend and you’ll each get 10% off the program price.

Both promotions are for students starting from August 30 – December 17 and are only valid for the Super Intensive and Intensive programs at the FLS locations in Glendora (near Los Angeles), Las Vegas, Boston, and Lock Haven and cannot be combined with any other offers from FLS.

For more information on these promotions, please feel free to contact us.

Do you want your child to grow up bilingual? Most parents would immediately say yes but feel at a loss for where to start. This week we discovered Little Pim!

Little Pim is an award-winning foreign language immersion DVD series for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. The series was created by French-speaker and mom, Julia Pimsleur, the daughter of Dr. Paul Pimsleur of the Pimsleur foreign language education method.

They currently offer three theme-based DVDs that use the unique Entertainment Immersion Method™, which combines animation and real kids, teaching simple words and phrases for everyday activities. The star of the DVDs is an animated panda, Little Pim, who is also the teacher! Each program is available individually or in a discounted three-disc set. Currently they offer Spanish, French, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Hebrew, English (ESL), German, Arabic, and Russian (6 DVDs are available in French, Spanish, and Chinese).

Research has proven that young children who learn a language before birth and six years of age tend to have superior reading, writing, analytical and social skills, as well as more extensive vocabularies than their monolingual peers. Early foreign language acquisition is no longer considered a luxury. It materially contributes to a young child’s cognitive development and also gives him an advantage in the future of our increasingly global marketplace.

Testimonial: Isabelle highly recommends Little Pim to other parents. “I chose Little Pim because the total immersion approach used in the series is unlike any other language program available for children. These DVDs are second to none when it comes to fully introducing your child to another language.”

They’re on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mylittlepim

Order your DVD and get your child’s language journey started!
http://www.LittlePim.com

English Time Language Schools in Las Vegas and in San Diego offer a special promotion to students: book a course for 8 months or longer and get a free Apple iPad!

Free Apple iPad promotion in Las Vegas

8-month Semi Intensive Program: $5,100

Free iPad

1-year Semi Intensive Program $6,750.00

Free iPad + free 1-month tuition

8 month Intensive Program $7,200.00

Free iPad + free 1-month tuition

1-year Intensive Program or 6-month Intensive + 6-month TOEFL Program $9,400.00

Free iPad + 1-month free TOEFL class+ free university placement

6-month TOEFL Program $5,380.00

Free university placement

Free Apple iPad promotion in San Diego

8-month Semi Intensive Program $5,100

1st month free at Las Vegas campus

1-year Intensive Program or 6-month Intensive + 6 month TOEFL Program $9,400.00

Free iPad + 1-month free at Las Vegas campus + free university placement

iPad: Students will receive the iPad within the first two weeks of starting class at Las Vegas Campus. This promotion cannot be used in exchange for cash or paying for tuition. College Placement: We help students who have finished our TOEFL program in placement into American Colleges/Universities. Free Course: All free classes are only available at the Las Vegas Campus and cannot be taken at the San Diego Campus.

A few days ago, we wrote a post announcing the English level requirement change for those applying for a UK Tier 4 GSV. Unfortunately, the UK Border Agency has today released the following statement in a newsletter:

Level of English language study

Following the judgment made in the Judicial Review case brought by English UK, which challenged the method by which the change to the minimum level of study from A2 on the CEFR to B2 was made earlier this year, we have today made a further amendment to the Immigration Rules setting out the minimum levels of study permitted for different course types under Tier 4.

With effect from 23 July 2010, the minimum level of English language course that will be permitted under Tier 4 will be CEFR level B2, restoring the position in place before the judgment was handed down.  Please note that the exemptions on the minimum level which applied previously to Government-sponsored language students and those undertaking a pre-sessional English language course before pursuing a degree course remain, and further information is available in the revised guidance.

What does this mean in practice?

What this means in practice is that the English language sector will continue to operate as it has been since March of this year, whereby General Student Visa applicants must be able to follow a course of study at level B2.

Whilst this is obviously disappointing news, we expect that EnglishUK will be considering its options regarding further challenges to this ruling, and we will keep you informed of developments on a regular basis.

If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

UPDATE on July 22, 2010: Following the judgment made in the Judicial Review case brought by English UK, the UK Border Agency has today released a statement restoring B2 as the minimum level. Read more details about this change in UK immigration rules for the UK Tier 4 GSV.

We have good news to share for international students interested in studying English in the UK for over 6 months and therefore need to apply for the UK Tier 4 General Student Visa (GSV).

After last week’s win in the High Court judicial review case on English language courses under the points based visa system, the required language level for General Student Visas has been dropped to A1 for A2 courses.

The change has taken effect as of last Monday (12^th July 2010) and now we are able to accept and issue CAS numbers for students who wish to travel on a General Student Visa as long as they can prove to be A1 level. The change on the General Student Visa application relates only to the level part, the other rules remain the same.

For students who wish to travel on a General Student Visa, all schools in the UK are able to accept a completion of A1 level certificate from other institutions, but we may require you to submit extra information such as syllabus etc depending on the certificate. Students who can produce a recognised exam result such as TOEFL, IELTS etc or a certificate from a recognised language school taken in the last two years will not be required to submit extra information.

Students who can not prove their level are advised to take a recognised exam. As a last resort, some of our partner language schools are also happy to send a written test  followed by a Skype or MSB interview to establish their level. For tests, we kindly ask you to contact our student advisors so that we can check with the school.

For students who wish to study in the UK for less than 6 months, there are no changes on student visitor visas  — the requirements have remained the same.

Due to the high demand for English courses this summer, we regret to inform you that most of our English courses are already fully booked for the month of July, particularly in the following locations:

English courses in USA

English courses in New York

English courses in Boston

If you are interested in studying English in these cities in the month of July, please contact your student advisor at Language International to confirm course availability before making any travel arrangements.

For parents who want enroll their children in junior English courses, please note that English courses for juniors are available only until the end of August. Beyond August, most junior courses are not available any longer.

MLS International College celebrates one-year partnership with US booking agency Language International.

MLS International College in Bournemouth, Britain, has now for more than a year been a partner of Language International, a leading provider of language study abroad programs.

Trish Sergeant at MLS International College explains the importance of this partnership with Language International: “Language International offers students outstanding customer service, which students from all over the world has discovered very quickly. We are therefore thrilled to have Language International as our partners since Language International’s outstanding reach and expertise in making the perfect match between student and school helps us receive more quality students who are ready to experience Britain’s culture and language.”

Since its foundation in 1987, MLS International College has been committed to delivering quality English programmes to adult students from all over the world. They offer a wide range of courses, including Certificate, Diploma and University Pathway Programs. Approximately 1700 students per year choose their programmes – most of these students come based on the strong recommendation from previous students.

Language International has high expectations for the future. The two companies are very alike in terms of emphasizing high quality and outstanding customer service. Language International has dedicated and experienced advisors, who each speak several languages, making it easy for students to enquire in their native language. By teaming up with Language International, MLS International College becomes more visible to students from all over the world, leading to more bookings and making the school even more international. If interested, you can see MLS’ school profile at Language International here: http://www.languageinternational.com/school/mls-international-college-309/

 “Language International is excited by the amount of inquiries we receive every day from students who wish to experience foreign cultures, interesting cities, beautiful nature and improve their language skills all at the same time. Taking a language course is an amazing chance to get unique experiences, meet new friends from all over the world and prepare for today’s increasingly global world. By collaborating with MLS International College, we can offer a high quality school to our students, which we are very excited about” said Karen Ong, CEO and founder of Language International.

We would like to inform you of further developments regarding the UK Visa and Testing Policy. As many of you are aware, there have been significant changes to the visa application process for students going to the UK.

For the September intake, while we continue to wait for the UKBA to clarify which third party tests will form part of the Tier 4 General Student Visa (GSV) system, we have taken the decision to recognize Password as an accepted third-party English language test, as we anticipate that this will become a UKBA-approved test.

For those who are not familiar with the Password English language test, Password tests are securely delivered and assessed online, and test-takers receive instant test results. Here’s an overview of the Password test:

• 12 “Can Do” questions (not timed)
• 72 questions (timed)
• 90 minutes
• 5 sections + written test

If you intend to take the Password test and would like to prepare for it, take a practice test.

Who has to take a third party test?

All students from countries who are currently required to provide evidence of their English proficiency by way of a formal English test.

Who does not have to take a third party test?

Anyone who can provide the following documentation:

• A secondary school attendance record or leaving certificate showing the student has had English classes for 3-5 years
• A secondary school examination certificate showing a level of English achievement
• An attendance certificate from evening classes in English language
• College or University certificate showing attendance and achievement in an English course
• Previous IELTS test score
• University of Cambridge ESOL certificate
• TOEFL certificate
• TOEIC certificate
• A reference from an appropriately qualified person to state that the student has previously studied English, citing course name and dates. The referee must also give their contact details on headed paper and interview the student to confirm their level of English is sufficient for the course.

How will students take the Password test?

The test can be taken online at home. For more information, please visit the Password website.

Further questions?

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

Alternatively, you can contact your student advisor directly.

Please note that the UKBA guidelines and regulations remain unclear in several areas. Language Intenrational will monitor the situation closely and will advise of any changes to the above procedures.

Our partners at International House Cape Town are offering a great deal on their Standard English course during the World Cup in Cape Town South Africa. The reduced price is for all 20 hour/week Standard English courses that begin between June 1^st and July 31^st 2010. Minimum duration is 6 weeks, but 8 and 12 weeks are also possible. 6 week costs $2299, 8 weeks is $2899 and 12 weeks are $3999 with savings between $250 and $750 on tuition. Accommodation is Economy with either double or triple rooms. The prices include:

• Free registration
• Free accommodation placement
• Free entrance test, course material and certificate
• Access to free online courses whilst at IH Cape Town
• Free city tour
• Free arrival and departure transfer
• Free transport to FIFA Fan Parks on match days

Cape Town is considered the Mother Town of South Africa and will be the center of the action surrounding the World Cup in football/soccer in June and July 2010. Besides the chance to see some of the best football in the world, Cape Town is a fascinating city. Cape Town has some of the best beaches in the world and is surrounded by the beautiful national park with the world-famous Table Mountain. There is amble opportunity to surf and swim in the sea and to explore the rugged terrain of the National Park on foot or on mountain bike. The city itself also offers numerous activities including a vibrant cultural scene.

If you are thinking about learning or improving your English, don’t miss this great opportunity at International House Cape Town! To find out more about studying English in Cape Town, please contact us.

Language International initiates partnership with International House Cape Town.

Language International, a leading provider of language study abroad programs, is delighted to announce our new partnership with International House Cape Town. The partnership will expand Language International’s presence in South Africa. This will benefit students from all over the world who wish to learn English and experience South Africa.

Cape Town is one of the most fascinating cities in all of Africa and fondly known as the Mother City of South Africa. The city offers both some of the world’s finest beaches, hilly vineyards as well as the rugged terrain of the world famous Table Mountain. Table Mountain is today a national park with ample opportunity for hiking, mountaineering and biking. The city itself is also full of contrasts with beautiful mansions and poor townships. But throughout, there is an energy and willingness to make tomorrow better. The energy is also apparent through a vibrant cultural life with music, sports and art. The city’s violent past is just a memory today.

“Language International is delighted by the amount of inquiries we receive every day from students who wish to go to South Africa to improve their language skills. Under this partnership with International House Cape Town, Language International students will have access to a wider array of language learning schools,” said Karen Ong, CEO and founder of Language International.

Gavin Eyre, Managing Director of International House Cape Town, explains the importance of this partnership with Language International: “Language International offers students outstanding customer service, which students from all over the world have discovered very quickly. We look forward to the collaboration and to extend our reach by being one of Language International’s partner schools.

Lauren Altmann, Marketing Coordinator for IH Cape Town: “I believe that working together with Language International will help put IH Cape Town in the foreground of the international market and highlight it as a school standing for nothing less than the highest of qualities.”

About Language International

Language International is a language travel agency that represents hundreds of accredited language schools from all around the world. Our student advisors will help you compare schools and prices and will book the right course for you. We do not charge you any fees to use our service.

About International House Cape Town

International House Cape Town is one of the newest additions to the International House community having opened its doors in 2009. The International House World Organization has more than 50 years of experience. IH Cape Towns teachers are experienced with teaching English to foreigners. So if you come to South Africa to see the World Cup, we can guarantee that your English will have improved if you take some classes with IH Cape Town at the same time.

IH Cape Town is accredited both nationally as well as internationally. Internationally it is accredited by the International House World Organization which enforces its rigorous quality standards to all its members. South African accreditations include the local governing body Education SA (EDU SA) as well as the South African Youth Travel Confederation (SAYTC). This allows the school to be represented at many fairs and shows across South Africa as well as globally and gives IH Cape Town a stamp of high quality.