The questions a prospective student needs to ask as follows:
1. What sort of course is needed: general, level-based classes; classes preparing students for an examination; specialised course (business English, tourism, secretarial etc.); a young learner's course?
2. What sort of group size do you want: under 10, one-to-one, 10 - 15?
3. What percentage of any one nationality do you expect to find at the study centre?
4. What period is likely to offer the best atmosphere for study? (Remember that the summer months attract large numbers of young learners who may be more interested in a holiday than in studying.)
5. What sort of environment are you comfortable in: capital city, country town, seaside resort, rural area?
6. What sort of accommodation is available: homestay, student hostel, hotel, residential within the organisation? How is the accommodation selected?
7. What sort of social and activities programme is provided?
8. Are the teaching staff properly qualified?
9. Has the centre got a good range of educational and leisure of resources: books, audio-cassettes, video-cassettes, multi-media, self-access centre, restaurant, sports facilities, common room?
10. What external accreditation system can vouch for the organisation as a bone fide, fully inspected, legally established educational establishment?
11. What system exists for dealing fairly with any complaints you may have?
This may seem like a long list but is in the interests of the prospective student to make a well informed choice. In the UK, for example, there are more than 1500 organisations offering courses in the private sector but only 350 of these are accredited by the British Council. This means that the majority of organisations can give no guarantee that they operate to acceptable standards. The British Council scheme of accreditation ensures that member schools are regularly inspected and have to comply to minimum standards in administration and management, academic planning, teaching, the qualifications of teaching staff and the welfare provision for students.
As a first step to choosing a course you should obtain a list of schools available in the country of your choice and send for brochures from those that seem to meet your initial criteria for course type and location. The brochures should give clear information about all the other points listed. If you have any doubts, then contact the organisation directly with your questions.
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