Is CCEL in a good location
Are the teachers at CCEL good?
How quickly will my level of English improve?
What happens on my first day?
If my English is not good, who will help me?
Will I get a certificate and report at the end of my course?
How many students study at CCEL?
How many students are in each class?
Can CCEL help me prepare for unversity study?
Where will I live while I’m studying?
Who will meet me at the airport?
What is homestay like and how will I get to school each day?
What can I do in my free time and at the weekends?
Can I study for a longer time if I want to?
How can I enrol?

Is CCEL in a good location?
CCEL works in partnership with the University of Canterbury (UC) and is located on the UC campus. The campus is 20 minutes from the city centre and students have access to good quality homestays within easy travelling distance of CCEL. Because of its location, CCEL has modern purpose-built premises:

• 20 modern classrooms 
• a self-study centre where students can study in a group or independently, with teachers available for assistance if required
• a digital language laboratory where students improve their listening and speaking skills
• a computer room with free email and internet access
• free wireless internet access

CCEL's location also gives students the use of UC facilities such as the university libraries, cafeterias, restaurants, bank, shops, student residences and sports facilities.

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Are the teachers at CCEL good?
CCEL's teaching staff are professional and experienced. All CCEL teachers are qualified to teach English:

• Teachers have an average of 5 years' experience
• IELTS and Cambridge examiners give students expert advice about exam courses
• Academic counsellors help students achieve their study goals

How quickly will my level of English improve?
You will be given a placement test on the first day of your course and placed in a class with other students at the same level. Assessment is continuous throughout the course and you will have a test every 6 weeks and receive individual progress reports. Each student is different but a general guideline on the time it takes to progress through the levels (based on 25 hours of tuition per week) is:

Beginner to Elementary (Level 1-2) - 2 months
Elementary to Pre Intermediate (Level 2-3) - 3 to 4 months
Pre intermediate to Intermediate (Level 3-4) - 3 to 4 months
Intermediate to Upper Intermediate (Level 4-5) - 6 months
Upper Intermediate to Advanced (Level 6) - 6 months

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What happens on my first day?
On your first day please come to CCEL Reception at 8.45 am. You will take a placement test to assess your level of English. At 11.00am you will have a campus tour followed by a student orientation meeting. After the 1-hour lunch break you will learn about CCEL classes and be given your timetable.

If you have enrolled for a Cambridge course you will be placed in your class directly and you will have an orientation sometime during your first day.

Bring your passport and your certificate of medical and travel insurance (English translation)  so we can take a copy for your student record.

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If my English is not good, who will help me?
At CCEL you will find plenty of people to help you including your teacher, the administration staff, and the Accommodation and Welfare Co-ordinator. We also have some people who can give you specialised help:

• Student counsellors can help you in your own language. They visit CCEL regularly and are also available by appointment. The counsellors have been selected because they have lived in New Zealand for a long period of time, and have an excellent understanding of the New Zealand culture and how students will adapt to it.
• A nurse visits CCEL regularly and is available to discuss any health issues with you. Men and women are welcome and the service is free and completely confidential.
• An Academic Counsellor is available to discuss your study plans and to advise you on entry requirements to university and other tertiary level study options in New Zealand. You can also get advice about extra study you can do to help improve your level of English.

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Will I get a certificate and report at the end of my course?
At the end of your course, you will receive a Certificate of Studies and a Report of Studies if your attendance is above 80%.

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How many students study at CCEL?
Students from all over the world study at CCEL and the total number of students depends on the season and the timing of examination courses.  Usually the average is about 250.

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How many students are in each class?
Class numbers are kept small so you can receive individual attention from your teachers and so you can enjoy pair and group work. The maximum class size at CCEL is 14.

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Can CCEL help me prepare for university study?
An Academic Counsellor is available to discuss your study plans and to advise you on university entry requirements. CCEL's partnership with the University of Canterbury (UC) means you can enter UC courses such as EAP and the Foundation Programme without requiring IELTS, provided you meet the academic requirements.

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Where will I live while I’m studying?
You can choose to live in a homestay, in campus accommodation or go flatting with other students. Our Accommodation and Welfare Co-ordinator can give you more information on accommodation options if you don't want to live in homestay. There is a noticeboard on campus advertising flats in Christchurch.

Living with a homestay family is a great way to practise your English in everyday situations while becoming more confident about living in a new country. We recommend this when you first come to Christchurch and if you require homestay you need to send CCEL your enrolment form at least 2 weeks before your starting date.

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Who will meet me at the airport?
When you arrive at Christchurch Airport your homestay family will be waiting for you in the Arrival Hall. They will be holding a board with your name on it and showing the CCEL logo.

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What is homestay like and how will I get to school each day?
At your homestay you will have a single room with a bed, a desk, a wardrobe, and a heater. Your host family will provide you with dinner and breakfast each day, and three meals at the weekends and during New Zealand holidays. 

CCEL's host families are carefully chosen for their comfortable homes and their caring attitude towards students. Your student handbook will give you more information about homestay and adapting to life in New Zealand.

CCEL's location means it has access to good quality homestays. Some are within walking distance of CCEL and some are in the bus zone so students take a short bus ride to and from CCEL each day. Travelling in Christchurch is easy and convenient, and the bus service is regular.

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What can I do in my free time and at the weekends?
There are a lot of things you can do in and around Christchurch. You can enjoy movie theatres, beaches, sports facilities, shopping malls, parks and gardens, art galleries and tourist activities. CCEL has organised weekend activities and Christchurch is close to ski fields and many of New Zealand's beautiful scenic attractions.   

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Can I study for a longer time if I want to?
Many students decide to stay at CCEL longer than they had originally planned. Some also upgrade their course to exam preparation during their stay. If you want to extend your course it is very easy and our Sales Executive will help you with all the information you need.

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How can I enrol?
The simple way to enrol is using our online enrolment form.  It will automatically be emailed to our Sales Team.  You can also download the Enrolment Guide and fax or post the completed form to CCEL.

You can also visit an educational agency in your own country and ask to enrol at CCEL.

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