English Language School, Oxford

Founded in 1973, OISE began in Oxford. Immersive English language tuition in a multicultural environment sees learners meeting and working alongside like-minded peers from around the world. This interaction develops learner's abilities to perceive cultural differences among English speakers. The acquisition of English and focus on communicative skills allows students to feel at ease using English in the global environment. Immersive English language programmes allow the student to achieve presence in English. OISE Oxford specialises in delivering tailored programmes which reflect the intellectual rigour of the University and, in the true spirit of academic pursuit, challenge learners to exceed their expectations. The English language tuition goes beyond the mechanics of the language as students learn through English to unlock their own skills. The Oxford school has pioneered the methods of all OISE schools and has been delivering English language programmes in Oxford to ambitious business professionals, dedicated academics and motivated students for over 45 years.

Students learn English in Oxford to develop confidence, improve accuracy, grow written and oral fluency, develop their ability to think in English and express ideas clearly. Tuition at OISE Oxford hones learners’ communicability as a whole, including linguistic aspects, such as grammar and pronunciation, and non-linguistic skills such as assertiveness and intercultural awareness. Tutors design programmes around the student to propel their language acquisition skills. This is achieved by tutors investigating students recognised and unrecognised needs, and negotiating individual plans for development. English is situated in the practical context in which the students need to perform. Use of authentic and up to the minute material guarantees relevance to today’s world and allows the application of the knowledge acquired. The goal is to reduce the barrier between the classroom and the real world. Reducing this means that students can retain and apply their knowledge more effectively. Students learn through English, rather than just the mechanics of the language. Lessons meet the students’ intellectual level by promoting engagement with cognitively stimulating topics and using higher order thinking skills to develop eloquent and persuasive use of the language. The school aims to develop students’ communicative abilities for everyday interactions, and for extended discourse.

Programmes are designed to be suitable for business and academic language progress across a wide variety of subject areas. The course components (further information here) have been designed to encompass the broad skills of communication in English, to allow students to display and develop their abilities through the language. Programmes are available in either of the following formats, or a blend of both for the broadest acquisition of language and skills.

Tutorial™ - individual classes for development in English
Individual tuition forms the basis of the  school's teaching. Inspired by the University, these one-on-one classes offer the most intensive tuition. Tutorials™ act as a catalyst for growth by allowing students to focus on precisely the language, skills and abilities they need. Learner and tutor identify areas for progress, set ambitious goals and work collaboratively to achieve this personal development. Tutorials offer the most efficient way to drive progress, whether the learner is a complete beginner or an advanced speaker needing focus on only certain skill areas. 

Quatorial™ - a fully interactive environment stimulating communicative competence in English
Quatorial groups of up to 4 students of similar needs and objectives develop skills and confidence for effective interaction in English. Students are led to overcome language barriers by tutors using authentic, up-to-the minute materials. Learning is situated in a practical context designed to mirror the international world students need to excel in. Tutors enable scholars to think in English by stimulating higher-order thinking skills and growing confidence.

OISE Oxford can prepare students with English for specialisations including: law; engineering; medicine; aviation; media; marketing; accountancy and many more. Please visit the course page for more information on available programmes and classes.

Preparation for exams goes beyond language learning. As well as offering courses for language development, OISE Oxford tutors assist in developing the exam skills necessary to succeed. Students can prepare for an exam and sit it during their time in school, or develop their broader language abilities and exam study-skills to excel in an exam after more individual practice. Learners achieve the greatest success by preparing for exams in Tutorials, and growing broader communicative skills in group classes. Students can participate in multiple practice tests, whilst developing with their tutors a toolkit of skills and strategies to optimise performance in the exam.

Programmes can be used to prepare for many exams, such as TOEFL, BULATS, TOEIC, University of Cambridge Examinations, TOLES and GMAT. The BULATS test can be taken in school. OISE Oxford has special programmes for IELTS and Abitur preparation. OISE Oxford can assist with booking various exams for additional fees.

Oxford combines the advantages of a big city with a tranquil and studious atmosphere. OISE Oxford enhances classroom content with a cultural programme exposing students to the English language and British culture in an informal setting. 5 cultural activities per week are offered, all of which are included in the course price. Activities vary from week to week depending on which events are happening in Oxford. An Oxford local leads the activity to offer information, answer questions and promote a welcoming atmosphere. Oxford is a popular tourist destination and the school tries to expose its students to the best of the city. Typical activities include: traditional afternoon tea; punting; walking tours; museum and college visits; trips to historic Oxford pubs; theatre and cinema trips. There is a welcome party on Monday and a farewell lunch on Friday. Click here to see a sample of available activities in the leisure programme.