Offers a structured, taught programme consisting of evening classes (usually 6-8pm) for those who want to learn a new language.
We offer modules at beginner and post-beginner level. It gives you the opportunity to:
- take up a new language in a very focused, purpose-driven way, concentrating on communication skills
- increase your language skills so that you can cope with living, studying or working abroad for a short time (while English is still the predominant language).
How you learn
Language Express is taught through two hours of evening classes per week (usually 6-8pm, with a small number of classes from 4-6pm) which will not conflict with your studies.
Classes are designed to be accompanied by a course book and are communicative in nature. This means that there will be group activities and pair work, as well as games, listening exercises, speaking role-plays, reading, writing and grammar exercises.
Classes are held either on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. When you register you’ll be allocated to a group randomly and will only be allowed to change groups in exceptional circumstances.
What you learn
The lessons are specifically tailored to help you study or live in another country, with the aim that:
- after one year you would be able to cope with a short stay in the country (for a conference, short course or summer school)
- after two years you would be able to cope with living in the country (for a study abroad year, for example) but studying or working in English.
If you have studied an A Level in the language, or have lived in the country for a period of time, these courses will be too basic for you and you may be removed from the course. If you’re too advanced for these courses, you could learn something new instead.
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed through class tests of your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. If you successfully complete a module, you can request a certification letter with details of your achievement. Your completion can also contribute to the Big Essex Award.
Fees
All students are entitled to one fully-subsidised Languages for All module alongside their degree course regardless of their year of study. If you would like to learn more than one language on your first year with LfA or continue learning in subsequent years then a fee is payable, the fee for the 2021-22 academic year is £280.