General English

General English classes are separated into six levels: Starter (for students who have only a few words of English), Elementary (for students who have enough English to manage in simple daily activities), Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, and Advanced. UEC uses an online test to assess students' English level before they arrive to start their course, so you can start class on your first day at UEC in the appropriate level.

You can start General English any week you like — just choose the Monday that suits your plans. You can enrol in General English for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of 60 weeks. There are no weekend lessons, and you can choose to have lessons in the morning or in the evening.

You will need pens, pencils, and notebooks in your lessons every day. All lessons utilise online resources, so you should have your own laptop or tablet to access these resources. Each level of General English also has a core textbook that is the basis of the learning activities — you will get a copy of the book to use and keep, and when you change level, you'll get a new book for that level too.

Teachers assess students in General English by observing them during lesson activities every day. Teachers also conduct brief weekly progress tests to assess how effectively students are learning and progressing. Students are able to progress from one level of General English to the next any week — as soon as they and their teacher feel they are ready for the higher level.

Students who reach Intermediate level of General English or higher can join the UEC Academic English Program. Students who reach Upper Intermediate or higher can join the UEC IELTS Preparation course or the Cambridge B2 Preparation course. UEC also has partnerships with more than 50 institutions that recognise UEC graduates and accept them into courses with a UEC certificate instead of requiring an IELTS exam — some accepting students with a General English certificate while others require an AEP certificate.