Frequently Asked Questions

General questions about SA/Somerset West

Do I need to apply for a study visa?
If you are coming for less than 3 months you can study on a visitors visa.
For a Visa Service please ask us - we can help with a TRP, PR, etc.

What should I bring with me?
Warm clothes in winter and cool clothes in summer. A dictionary, cell phone, drivers license and a smile.

Surfers What is the weather like in South Africa?
Autumn - great days with chilly nights
Winter – mild winter, rainy days with beautiful sunny days in between
Spring - beautiful days and chilly nights
Summer – Windy or hot

What is the cost of living?
To rent a private one room flat about R1900 per month, for food add R1000 per month

What is accommodation like?
Homes are large and luxurious; gardens are big some with swimming pools

Can you help me find accommodation?
Accommodation booking – B&B, Hotel, Guest House link to: www.westerncapeaccommodation.co.za
For "homestay" accommodation, please contact us: ties@english.za.net

Where can I find more information about Somerset West?
Go to: www.swest.info

What is the crime level in the town?
SW is a small town and it is as safe as anywhere can be.

Do I need any vaccinations if I travel around in SA?
If you travel north you will need to take anti malaria tablets. Nothing for the Western Cape

Can I hire a car with my foreign driving license?
Yes but it is better to have an international licence. If you have an international drivers license you don’t need apply for a South African one.
If you need a South African license please contact – Helderberg Driving School 0768325650 (Michelle)
Most hire companies require you to be at least 24 and to pay by credit card.

From where can I hire cars?
 ♦ Budget Car hire www.budget.co.za
 ♦ Avis Car hire www.avis.co.za
 ♦ Jean Bulucer email: carhire@iafrica.com +27 21 853 2425
 ♦ Carbookers, email: michelle@carbookers.co.za

Who else can help me with transport?
Phone Tim: 072 715 7096

Can I travel alone as a single woman?
Yes but it is always better to travel in groups.

Do I need medical insurance?
Yes! For student insurance please link to
 ♦ www.ingwehealth.co.za – Ingwe health or
 ♦ www.proteamas.co.za – Protea health

Where and how can I open a bank account?
Open a Bank Account with
 ♦ ABSA www.absa.co.za
 ♦ Nedbank www.nedbank.co.za
 ♦ First National Bank www.fnb.co.za or
 ♦ Standard Bank www.standardbank.co.za

About the English course?

When can I start and finish my English lessons with your school?
Anytime that suits you.

Can I have a free trial lesson?
Yes! You can have a free lesson with trainee teachers – email: ties@english.za.net for more info.

How many students are there in each class?
We have a maximum of 6 students per class.

How do I know my level of English?
We will test you on the day you arrive and put you in a suitable class

Are the teachers fully qualified?
Yes they are all qualified AND most have been teaching here for many years so they are very experienced.

What can I expect from my host family?
A lovely friendly home, well prepared food & a lot of more

Where are most students from?
Our students come from ALL over the world

Can I take any exams at the school?
We can register you for international exams in Cape Town. Either at the American Embassy or the British Council.

Can the school help me to apply for High School, college & University?
Yes we have many students who have continued their studies here in SA after their English has reached a good level. We also assist with your change of visa.

What is the average age of the students?
Mid 20s. But we have students from 16 to 65!!!!

Do you have a social programme?
Yes but this also depends on the students and what they would like. We are quite a sporty school (so outdoor activities feature high on the list) but as a small school we are always willing to do something that a student suggests.

What makes your school different from others?
We are a small well established school and we care about our school and our students. Come see what our students say about us on facebook......

Do you have Internet facilities?
We have 2 Internet cafes immediately outside the school.

Are the outings included in the price?
The school does pay for some outings but most are optional. The price is usually under R100.

About TEFL?

What is TEFL?
Teaching English as a Foreign Language

What about the work opportunities?
We have several agents who recruit successful candidates and we will assist in your job placements too.

After I complete the course where can I go and teach?
Anywhere in the world, that will accept your qualification.

I am a qualified primary/secondary teacher. Do I need to do the TEFL course to be able to teach overseas?
Yes, you need to be able to teach children who cannot speak English...it is very different to teaching 1st language students.

What preparation should I do before I start this course?
Complete a pre course assignment, pre course reading, apply for police clearance and start looking for jobs

Where is the course held?
In Somerset West

Can you help with accommodation?
Yes we have private and family accommodation options available.

I have never taught before how can I prepare myself for this course?
Pre course reading. Attend the course - we will prepare you.

I am not a native English speaker, can I do this course & what kind of benefit will I get?
As long as your English is fairly fluent we will accept you. However we may change the criteria for you so that you only teach elementary levels

How are participants assessed?
By teachers and peers. Marks breakdown as in the TEFL info.

Do I get practiced teaching experience?
Yes, you will be required to teach at least 6 hours of lessons to foreigners who are learning English.