|
These award-winning "Language Journeys" English Language Courses offer you a unique learning experience: study English as you tour the spectacular Highlands and islands of Scotland. Morning language classes (with qualified and experienced teachers) take place in classrooms near your overnight accommodation, while in the afternoon you tour the local attractions with professional Scottish guides.
Itinerary:
Day 1 (Monday)
Class theme: Introduction + Background to Edinburgh.
After class, you will be taken on a walking tour of Edinburgh which is the best way to explore the Old Town of Edinburgh! Hidden closes, courtyards and gardens are explored and their stories revealed to bring Edinburgh's exciting and unexpected past to life.
Day 2 (Tuesday)
Class theme: Scottish Origins + the Natural World.
After class, you'll have a free afternoon to sample some of the delights of Edinburgh. Your teacher will be able to offer you advice according to your particular interests.
Day 3 (Wednesday)
Class themes: Historical Figures + Scottish Heroes.
Leaving Edinburgh we head past Linlithgow Palace, home of tragic Mary Queen of Scots. From there it's on to majestic Stirling and "Braveheart Country" where you'll visit the Wallace Monument and hear all about William Wallace. You will spend the night in Stirling.
Day 4 (Thursday)
Class themes: Scottish Tragedies + Scottish Symbols
From Stirling, you'll visit Rob Roy's grave, then it's into magnificent Glencoe (the massacre of Clan MacDonald in 1692) for a walk, followed by Glen Nevis to see some hairy coos and Scotland's highest mountain. From there you'll travel to Glenfinnan Monument, where you'll hear about Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. Corpach, near Fort William, is our home for tonight.
Day 5 (Friday)
Class themes: Folklore + Traditional life
You'll travel past the "Five Sisters" to picturesque Eilean Donan Castle (where Highlander was filmed) before going on a fantastic seafood and seal cruise with local fisherman, Neil. The night will be spent in Stromeferry, near Skye.
Day 6 (Saturday)
No class
A full and active day round the Isle of Skye, with lots of walks and time to take in the magic. You'll see the Cuillin Mountains, the Old Man of Storr (an incredible Jurassic pillar) and hear some amazing legends, visit the fascinating Kilt Rock, and take in absolutely awe-inspiring panoramas in the Quirang. Perfect preparation for a few wee drams (of whisky) on the late ferry over to Harris before spending the night at Am Bothan, one of only three 5 star hostels in Scotland.
Day 7 (Sunday)
No class today
A great day on Harris and Lewis with time spent at a recently discovered Iron Age village at Bosta, the amazing 4,000 year old Callanish Standing Stones (second only to Stonehenge), exploring the ancient Broch (fortified dwelling house) of Dun Carloway and witnessing the traditional making of Harris tweed! We'll also walk along some of the best beaches in the world. Some tours offer the option of spending the night in a "blackhouse" - an amazing traditional cottage renovated for our comfort, for others, it's back to Am Bothan.
Day 8 (Monday)
Class themes: Modern Scotland + Scottish Music
After class, the ferry takes us back to the mainland to the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool. From there, it's a short drive to our overnight accommodation at Inchnadamph Lodge (or Ullapool Hostel)
Day 9 (Tuesday)
Class themes: Environmental issues + Nature
Once classes are over, our route takes us through some spectacular scenery, including the Falls of Shin and Ardvrek Castle, on the way to Carbisdale Castle, one of the most opulent youth hostels in the world with its very own statue gallery, art collection and ghost! A nearby pub is often the venue for impromptu traditional Scottish music.
Day 10 (Wednesday)
Class themes: Legends + Scottish Literature
In the afternoon, we travel via the tragic Culloden battlefield to infamous Loch Ness for a chance to go monster hunting! We spend the night in Pitlochry, a picturesque Victorian resort town.
Day 11 (Thursday)
Class themes: Macbeth + Scottish food and drink
Today we make our way through the central Highlands, visiting Edradour whisky distillery (Scotland's smallest) for a "wee dram". You'll stop off for a short walk at Birnam Wood (of Macbeth fame), before crossing the River Forth with dramatic views of the famous rail bridge and finally returning to Edinburgh.
Day 12 (Friday)
Class themes: Review + Conclusion
After class, it's time for sad farewells at the end of a trip we're sure you'll remember for a long time.
Course details:
Language Journeys courses are designed to develop students' language skills for effective communication in everyday English.
The structured programme includes:
- speaking, listening, reading and writing skills
- common areas of grammatical difficulty
- vocabulary for everyday English
- glossary of tour terms to enhance understanding
A specially designed Individual Learning Pack forms the framework of lessons and is based on authentic material and real-life scenarios. Our Flexible Folder System allows us to tailor each course to individual interests and requirements.
A variety of learning activities are used including audio material, role-plays, communication games, surveys and questionnaires. The course makes use of your surroundings to enable you to use your English in real situations - you'll get out and about on fact-finding missions which will provide the basis for discussion and presentations. Lessons also draw on the tour activities and attractions to give you a deeper insight into Scotland - past and present.
| Tuition: |
Usually 09.00 - 10.30 and 11.00 - 12.30, Monday - Friday (15 hours per week) |
| Class size: |
15 maximum |
| Materials: |
All materials are provided but we recommend that you bring a good dictionary. |
| Certificates: |
You will receive a certificate and report at the end of the course. |
| Levels: |
Intermediate and above |
| Minimum age: |
18 |
Important:
Courses are only suitable for individuals who have an Intermediate level of English or above. Classes are mixed level, reflecting real life.
Kitty:
The kitty is a cash payment of £170 (in sterling) made on arrival in Edinburgh - it is a one-off payment and will cover the following (while touring Scotland only):
.
- Accommodation
- Breakfasts (continental style)
- Evening meals (either cooking together in a group coordinated by your driver-guide or pub meals) .
- Ferry crossings
- Boat trips
- Entrance fees
Vegetarians/Special dietary needs:
Please tell the driver before the first supermarket shop so we can help you get what you want.
Accommodation:
On a Language Journey, you will spend 4 nights in Edinburgh and 8 nights touring Scotland.
Your accommodation in Edinburgh is NOT booked when you book a Language Journey. You can either arrange this yourself or contact us to arrange it for you. Your accommodation while touring is automatically booked for you when you book a Language Journey and you pay for this on arrival. We normally stay in hostels in beautiful locations (including a haunted castle, a traditional cottage and fishing villages). Accommodation is usually in dormitories for 4-8 people.
Transport:
All buses are 16-seater custom built Mercedes sprinters with great music systems. These buses are ideally suited to small groups and narrow roads allowing you to travel in style and see more off the beaten track.
Dates for 2005:
- 4 - 15 July
- 18 - 29 July
- 1 - 12 August
- 12 - 23 September
**Includes night in traditional "blackhouse" (cottage)
Price:
Language Journey: £499
This includes 30 hours English tuition, Individual Learning Pack, end-of-course certificate and report, 9 days of guided touring and transport in a Mercedes mini-coach.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR JUNE COURSE!!
2 for 1 (2 people travel for the price of 1*)
40% discount for individuals - pay only £299*
*Full kitty price of £170 applies for each person
Extras:
Kitty:
£170
Paid on arrival in Edinburgh for accommodation, food, ferries and entrance fees (for 9 days touring only)
Accommodation in Edinburgh: from £15 per person per night |
