General English

Before international students begin academic study in New Zealand, they are strongly advised to undertake 3 - 6 months of intensive English Language studies at our College. Shortly after arrival in Christchurch, our students are given a week-long orientation programme and tested to ascertain their English language proficiency.

Based on their test results students are then placed in one of three General English language streams:

• Beginner and Elementary English
• Pre-Intermediate English
• Intermediate English

Each General English programme covers the following modules:

• Speaking for both fluency and accuracy
• Reading a variety of texts
• Writing for different formats
• Researching unfamiliar language in specialist content areas

Academic English

Depending on the English level reached, students can advance to IELTS Preparation or other academic courses at CIC. At CIC the role of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in ensuring student progress is a pivotal one. All new entrants to the college are given an initial English placement test to assess their English language proficiency and it may be necessary for some students to undertake the full-time General English programme before starting academic study.

However, EFL support is also crucial for students in their academic work - particularly subject specific vocabulary. Many subjects such as Economics and Accounting are language-and concept-rich; our Academic English programme provides targeted tuition in Business subjects, so that the concepts and terminology that students learn in these academic subjects are reinforced in their EFL and tutorial classes as well.

Entry Requirements

Open Entry

Courses start

Courses are best started at the beginning of each term; however, students can start on most Mondays each week.