Topic 1

You are interested in attending a language course in England next summer. Find an advertisement on the Internet. Write a 500 word text describing the school program, the school itself and its location, your travel and accommodation plans and the benefits of attending that particular program or school.

As an English language student, I hope to improve my English skills through a language course in England. Proper research is crucial to making sure this experience will be enjoyable. The trip, accommodation, fees and place are just as important as selecting the proper program.  For these reasons, I have decided on The University College London Summer English Course which I believe covers all necessary aspects for a fun and successful experience.

The first stop of this journey is getting to London. Since this course starts on the 9th of August and lasts until the 27th of August, I have to arrive a few days earlier. After taking the train from my hometown of Zenica to Sarajevo, I plan on taking a taxi to the Butmir airport in Sarajevo.  The most affordable return plane ticket I could find was £181 with a layover stop in Istanbul. My flight takes off at 14:15 and lands at Heathrow airport in London at 22:15.At Heathrow, my cousins will meet me and I will be spending my first night in England at their house but in the morning I plan on settling into the room I have rented. This would conclude my first step of this exciting journey. 

 The next step is getting accustomed to my quarters for the next three weeks. The room I have booked is in the "Helen Graham House" which I will be sharing with a roommate. I find that this place suits all the needs of a student. It has the necessary facilities with a rent of £171 per week (bills included). The „Helen Graham House“ includes: Wi-Fi, a communal laundry room, a mini library/study area, a cinema room, an onsite manager, a night guard and everything is fully furnished. Nevertheless, the biggest reason why I chose this accommodation is because of its proximity to the ULC – a nine minute walk. As a foreigner, I do not want to get lost or be late so location was the biggest factor in my decision making process. Having a pleasant place like this is sure to make my time in London even more mirthful.

As mentioned, our surroundings affect us and I believe that the UCL will have a positive effect on me. Its rich history and prestige motivate students to succeed. Located in Bloomsbury, the institution was established in1826 with its founders being inspired by John Bentham's ideas. John Bentham was a social reformer who advocated for secularism, gender equality, animal rights, freedom of expression and much more! With such liberal views, the UCL was set on a promising path. Thus, the UCL became the first university in England to welcome female students and students of any religion or social background. Another remarkable fact is that the UCL is one of the top ranking universities in the world. Approximately, 44000 students and 15000 staff members work hard to ensure this ranking. So, it should be no surprise that this institution has 30 Nobel laureates. A paramount status and an incredible past truly will inspire anyone wanting to study here.  

Finally, the most important factor of this experience is the course itself. This three-week program costs £1,725 and it won me over as a result of its superb structure and program. Students are organized into smaller groups of 14 to 16, meaning it is easier for everyone to get personal feedback and to be more concentrated during classes. Classes start at 11:00 and end at 14:00 which is an ideal time meaning it is not too early nor too late. With an average of about 21 hours per week, these classes include English language lessons, preparations classes for our trips, research projects, presentation skills development and report writing. Most likely, we will also have the opportunity to visit academic lectures! After classes, our afternoons will be spent on exploring museums, galleries and theaters!  Since we will be having preparation classes, it means that we will be familiar with the history and structure of these institutions as well as what attractions they offer.  During our free hours in the afternoon, we can individually explore the city which offers endless opportunities and exciting places to see. The well-organized course and its 'educational expeditions' are something to very much look forward to.

From arranging my trip to my place of stay to the fact that I will be learning at such an esteemed university as the UCL, I think I can safely say that I will be having an unforgettable and educational time. Having properly prepared myself for this upcoming experience, I think my immersion into the English language and culture will deepen. London here I come!

Author: Ajla Karajkić