Ideal for students who are between the ages 18-25, who are vibrant and want to experience a more traditional ‘high school’ learning environment.
Not ideal for mature students or students who want a more intimate community-focused school, the school is large with a large intake and can therefore feel a little impersonal.
The good
- Excellent location, only an 8-minute walk to Waterloo Station (a key transportation hub in London)
- The school is large, with bright spacious classrooms, secured within a gated campus.
- Several self-study and communal areas and a prayer room.
- Several courses for different age groups, including General English courses, Business English courses, CPE, FCE, CAE and IELTS Exam Preparation.
The bad
- There is a maximum of 17 students per classroom which is more than the average number of students per classroom of other schools in London.
- Students have shorter lesson times (40 minutes).
- More expensive than many other language schools by an average of at least £10 per lesson.
Date of my inspection visit at EF International Language Center London: April 10, 2024
My overall take
EF International Language Center London (EF) is a great school for generally younger students seeking a young, vibrant environment to learn English whilst exploring London.
There are numerous communal areas away from the classrooms, meaning there are no noise restrictions within those areas. These communal areas include a cafeteria serving in-house food, a games room (which they are updating this summer), a library with several PCs, and study areas on different floors.
One downside is that some of the classrooms are small, with a maximum capacity of 17 students, meaning, with no air conditioning, it may be very uncomfortable in the classrooms during the summer months.
Additionally, several students complained that the activities are a little repetitive, which can become tedious over time. Lastly, a few students mentioned that many of the students stick to other students from their native country. One student even phrased it as “cliquey”. This is something to consider.
Regarding teaching, the teachers use a communicative approach but with a heavy emphasis on real-world/real-life interaction and being able to carry out life skills outside the classroom. I believe this is the most helpful teaching method, not merely grammar and fundamentals, but conversational English used in everyday life. I recommend this school to students looking to improve their English and who want to explore the hustle and bustle of London.
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EF International Language Center London at a glance
| Rating of former students | Insufficient number of student ratings |
| Class size | Lingo Traveller rating: Very large Max. 17 students in Standard English course |
| Diversity of nationalities | Top nationality: Not Disclosed |
| Learning intensity | Students receive 2 pieces equating to 1-2 hours of homework weekly |
| Number of students | 650 adults + 350 juniors in July 520 adults + 30 juniors in January |
| Minimum student age | 16 years |
| Accreditations | British Council |
| Course range | General English, Business Course, 50+ Course, Intensive course, CPE, FCE, CAE and IELTS Exam Preparation |
| Accommodation types | Homestay |
| Price | |
| Standard Group course 26 lessons/week: 40min/lesson | 1 week: €670 3 weeks: €2010 |
| Additional fees | Inscription fee: €150 Course material fee: €55 |
| Price level – Standard Group Course (based on 3 weeks incl. all fees) | €41.50 / (£35.95) per 60 minute tuition |
My tour of the school & video review
Student voices
Comments from randomly selected students I met at the school and asked about their experience.
“Nice atmosphere and nice ambience. I’ve been here for 9 months, when I started my level was A2.1, but now my level is C1.1.”
Anola
18 years from France
“I chose this school because of the special ability to communicate, not just in English. I think confident students will fit this college”
Sam
19 years from France
“If you’re scared to try EF, just do it, don’t be scared, the teachers are very encouraging and classes are very humorous. Also the school is very mixed with a lot of cultures”
Julie
24 years from France
Questions to school director
Excerpts below from my conversation with Jonathan Schoobridge, Director of Studies at EF International Language Centre.
Me: “What sets your school apart from others in the city?“
Jonathan Schoobridge: “The passion of our teachers is a massive plus, they really care about your development and they have the experience to help you improve”
Me: “Is there a particular type of student for whom your school is especially suitable?
Jonathan Schoobridge: “You have to be driven to meet and speak to new people. You also have to be outgoing; London is a massive city, if you don’t engage in your lessons it can be a lonely place“
School inspection report
Classrooms
Every classroom is clean, and well-lit, with interactive whiteboards, but some classrooms are quite small.
Facilities
The communal areas are modern, clean and mostly spacious. There is a great outdoor courtyard for socialising, eating, and even studying in the summer.
There are many communal areas for the number of students in the building. On the 3rd floor, there is a library and designated study areas.
Surrounding area
There is a cafe on-site, but the school is also within walking distance of Waterloo Station, which has many restaurants in the surrounding area. In addition to the station, there are two supermarkets opposite the station: Sainsbury’s and Tesco. The school itself is enclosed by residential buildings.
Social activities
The range of social activities is slightly limited. There were also complaints that the activities were repeated every two weeks, meaning students would have to take the initiative to find activities outside of the school’s offered activities. On the other hand, I will point out that some activities were exciting and unique, i.e. the EF Boat Party.
Trusted student ratings of EF International Language Center London on the web
| Total | Insufficient number of student ratings |
|---|
Ratings as of June 18, 2024
Why no Google or Facebook ratings? Schools may have requested Facebook, Google or Trustpilot reviews only from those students that previously gave positive after-course evaluations. I only trust ratings from independent booking platforms/agencies, that allow exclusively clients who booked via their platform to rate the schools.
