"Accommodation. I lived in zone 3-4 in room with a private bathroom. Everything was fine, except the bathroom size – it was very small for my two-meter growth. Also, it was very cold in the bathroom at zero temperature. I was fed well, the food was too spicy only once. The area where I stayed was quiet and peaceful and it was located near the Newbury Park metro station. It took 5-10 minutes to get from home to the metro station and ~ 45 minutes to get to the school by metro. In total, one-way trip to school took usually an hour. One early Saturday morning I went on an excursion to see Stonehenge. On that day when I went down to the metro station I was hit by a hooligan. I had to defend myself and it turned out that I hurt my hands :( I do not know if the incedent is connected with the location of the metro station in zone 3-4, but everyone at school was very surprised with the incedent. Moreover, Stonehenge was closed due to cold windy weather and, besides, I fell ill.
Studies. I really liked everything, the lessons were interesting. In grammar classes we used a special textbook developed by Kaplan school + the teacher gave us exercise sheets, then we discussed the tasks with our partner (student). On the first day the classes were difficult for me because I understood speech poorly. In speaking class I was in a panic for 2 days :) But in this case the key factor is practise. So, on the next week I understood 80-90% of the information that people told me. At the end of the second week I could talk a little, but 2 weeks are not enough for a language course. Initially I was assigned to a group with A2 level (lower intermediate). At the end of the course everyone could pass the exit test. It showed that my level of English has improved to a very good B1 level (Intermediate). The teachers said that I have good writing, listening and grammar skills and if I stayed longer, I could improve my speaking. So if you have the opportunity to take a long-term course, then take it! And do not forget that you have to work on your own as well. There is a special computer class for this purpose at the school where you can take tests, listen to audiobooks, watch Netflix, etc.
Talking about students' nationalities, there were many Hispanic, Italian, Chinese students but there were no Russian ones:) Only duting the second week I met a girl from Belarus with whom I had spoken for a few minutes. This can be considered either as an advantage or disadvantage. The advantage is that you do not speak your native language, the disadvantage is that the rest of the foreigners speak their native language and you lose the opportunity of speaking practice.
To summarize, I am satisfied with this language school. I would like to stay there for a longer time... I do not like to recommend anything as any recommendation is subjective."
