English Language Courses in Johannesburg

International House Johannesburg - Language Lab:
Conveniently located in Braamfontein, a central suburb of Johannesburg, International House Johannesburg - Language Lab provides a range of quality full-time and part-time English courses to South African students and international students from around the world. We provide comprehensive IELTS preparation courses, and are the only centre in the Gauteng Province that offers the world-recognised Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) exams.

English Language Courses in Johannesburg:
IH Johannesburg specialises in teaching English as a foreign language to students from all over the world. We teach all levels - from total beginners to advanced English studies.

Upon completion of their courses, all students are presented with a certificate indicating the final level passed.

General English Courses:

4-week General English Courses for Foreigners:
Our General English course is available to students of all levels - from total beginner to advanced. Once a month, students are exposed to South African tourist attractions on our social programme outing. 

We also provide our students with the opportunity to live with an English-speaking host family, which helps reinforce lessons learnt in class.

Students can choose from any combination of the following for a maximum of 6 hours of study per day:

• Standard General English - 4 hours per day: 
Our core English course with an integrated approach to all skills. On arrival, you will be tested and interviewed and then placed in the most appropriate class for your needs. Students are provided with course books. 

• Extension - 1 hour per day:
These class focus on specific language areas which change on a monthly basis. For example, the emphasis may be on listening, speaking, grammar or pronunciation. 

• Self-Access - 1 hour per day: 
An additional hour of self-study. Special Student “Clubs” are also run during this period such as Games Club, Debate Club, etc. Students can make use of our extensive computer room materials as well as a library, quiet room and listening lab.

An added advantage is that students can take the Cambridge ESOL or IELTS exams once their courses are complete. 

Private English Lessons:
Improve your English language skills faster with private lessons from an experienced teacher!

Tailored to your specific needs, your private English lessons may focus on General English, Business English, preparation for the Cambridge ESOL exams, IELTS test preparation, report writing, pronunciation or literacy. Starting dates are flexible. 

English Improvement Course for South Africans: 
Designed for South Africans who speak English as their second or third language, this part-time English course covers both general and business English.

It takes place on Saturday mornings from 08:00-12:30 and runs for six weeks.

It is ideal for anyone who want to improve themselves and their job opportunities. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the course. 

The topics covered will be based on the needs of the class group and may include:

• Social English
• Grammar
• Pronunciation
• Business Correspondence
• Language for Meetings
• Job Interviews
• Presentations

IH Johannesburg offers Business English courses to individuals and companies who want to improve their business writing skills, meeting skills, negotiation skills, telephone skills and presentation skills.

IH Johannesburg is customer focussed and therefore the courses that we run can be custom made to suit the needs and wants of the client.


IELTS Exam Preparation Classes:
The IELTS test is required by persons wanting to immigrate to countries such as Australia, England and Canada. The IELTS exam is also necessary for admission to many universities in South Africa and abroad.

• Self study IELTS Test preparation: 
This self study test preparation course uses the Official IELTS practice materials with DVD. Purchase this from our reception.

• Private IELTS Preparation classes:
We offer 1-to-1 preparation with a minimum of 2 hours per day. Contact us for more information.


Cambridge ESOL Exam Preparation Courses:
IH Johannesburg is also the only centre in the Gauteng Province that offers the international Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) exams.

The Cambridge ESOL exams are an English qualification recognised around the world by thousands of employers, universities and government ministries as proof of ability to use English. International House Johannesburg provides preparation for the following General English exams:

• FCE - First Certificate in English:  
An ideal exam for people who want to use English for work or study purposes, this exam is aimed at people who can use everyday written and spoken English at an upper-intermediate level.

• CAE - Certificate in Advanced English:  
Widely recognised for work or study purposes, and an affordable, high-quality alternative to the IELTS test, this is an exam for advanced users of English. It is aimed at people who can use written and spoken English for most professional and social purposes.

• CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English:  
Aimed at people who can use English for professional or study purposes, this is Cambridge ESOL's most advanced exam.

• KET - Key English Test:  
The Cambridge ESOL exam which recognises the ability to deal with everyday written and spoken English at a basic level.

• PET - Preliminary English Test:  
A certificate for people who can use everyday written and spoken English at an intermediate level.

• B2 First for Schools:
Cambridge English: First for Schools is at an upper-intermediate level. A B2 First for Schools qualification shows that a student has the language skills they need to communicate in an English-speaking environment. It is specially tailored to suit the interests of students, so it increases their motivation to learn English. Because it is based on familiar topics and situations, it gives them the confidence to use their English and inspires them to move on to further qualifications.

• YLE - English for Young Learners:  
This is a reliable and consistent measure of how well your child is doing in the skills of listening, speaking and reading and writing. Tests are designed to make learning fun and children are encouraged by working towards certificates and earning the 'shields' that record their progress. 


Specialized English Language Programs:


Aviation English Training and Testing:
IH Johannesburg is one of the few institutions in South Africa that is recognised by the South African Civil Aviation Authority as a testing centre for the English Proficiency Test for Aviation.

We are the only official testing centre in sub-Saharan Africa for the EALTS test of English for Aviation developed by CAAi, a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

We provide language tuition for air traffic controllers and pilots who need to attain ICAO Operational Level 4 and also for ATCs and pilots who are already at Operational Level 4 and are aiming to achieve Level 5 or Level 6.

All of the Aviation English courses offered by IH Johannesburg are 4 weeks in duration. 

Classes are held for 6 hours per day, Monday through Friday. The daily schedule for Aviation English course generally consists of:

- 3 hours of General English
- 2 hours of Aviation English
- 1 hour of Self-study using Aviation English interactive software 

Business English Training:
IH Johannesburg provides corporate English language training for professionals, companies and organizations that can be customized to meet the specific needs of each individual or group. Learn business vocabulary and grammar, formal and informal letter writing, and appropriacy; formal versus informal language.

Business English covers the more specific language-based skills necessary in business, including:
• Business correspondence skills
• Advanced business writing skills
• Report and proposal writing skills
• Plan and prepare meeting communications
• Efficient Presentation skills
• Language for Meetings
• Language for Negotiations
• Secretarial English
• Pronunciation Skills

Social Programme in the Johannesburg Area:
The social programme takes place on the last Friday of each course. This is a chance for all students and staff to socialise, see some interesting places and have some fun. 

Some favourites trips and activities include:
- Bowling
- Ice-skating
- The Johannesburg Zoo
- Soweto
- Crocodile Farm
- Gold Reef City
- Motecasino Bird Gardens
- Cullinan Diamond Mine