English Courses

English level A1 is the first level of English in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), a definition of different language levels written by the Council of Europe. In everyday speech, this level would be called "beginner", and indeed, that is the official level descriptor in the CEFR, also used by EF SET. In practice it is possible to be at a pre-A1 level of English. A student who is just beginning to learn English, or who has no prior knowledge of English, is at a pre-A1 level. 

You are able to take a standardized test to determine what level you are at. At this beginning level, we  recommend taking  the EF SET or the Cambridge English Scale. 

1. Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and considerably basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
2. Can introduce themself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know, and things they have. 
3. Can interact with other people in an uncomplicated way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. 

Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, learners can expect to reach the A1 level in English with 60 to 80 hours of instruction.

The priority at this level, when building up to an A2 English level, is expanding vocabulary and building up to more complex types of sentences.

English level A2 is the second level of English in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), a definition of different language levels written by the Council of Europe. In everyday speech, this level might be described as “basic” as in “I speak basic English”. The official level descriptor in the CEFR is “elementary”, which means the same thing: it is the foundation. At this level, students have mastered the basics of English and can communicate simple, basic needs.

The best way to tell if you are at an A2 level in English is to take a high-quality standardized test. Recognized tests and their corresponding A2 scores include:

• EF SET (score of 31 - 40)
• TOEIC (R&L) Total (score of 225 - 545)
• Cambridge English Scale (score of 120 - 139)
• Global Scale of English / Pearson (score of 30 - 42)

1. Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., considerably basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
2. Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
3. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, learners can expect to reach the A2 level in English with 200 hours of cumulative instruction.

The priority at this level, when building up B1 English level is expanding mastery into a wider variety of subjects and learning to express more subtlety in communication.

English level B1 is the third level of English in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), a definition of different language levels written by the Council of Europe. In everyday speech, this level would be called “intermediate”, and indeed, that is the official level descriptor in the CEFR. At this level, students are beyond the basics, but they are still not able to work or study exclusively in English.

The best way to tell if you are at an B1 level in English is to take a high-quality standardized test. See below for a list of major recognized tests and their corresponding B1 scores:

• EF SET (score of 41 -50)
• IELTS (score of 4.0 - 5.0)
• TOEIC (R&L) Total (score of 550 - 780)
• Cambridge English Scale (score of 140 - 159)
• TOEFL iBT (score of 42 - 71)
• Global Scale of English / Pearson (score of 43 - 58)

A B1 level of English would be sufficient for interactions with English speakers on familiar topics. In the workplace, learners at a B1 level of English are able to read simple reports on familiar topics and write simple e-mails on subjects in their field. However, a B1 level is not adequate to function fully in the workplace in English.

According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the B1 level in English:

1. Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
2. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst traveling
3. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest
4. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

 Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, learners can expect to reach the B1 level in English with 400 hours of cumulative instruction.

Learn about the B2 English level and what can be accomplished when the upper intermediate level is achieved.

English level B2 is the fourth level of English in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), a definition of different language levels written by the Council of Europe. In everyday speech, this level might be called “confident”, as in “I am a confident English speaker”. The official level descriptor is “upper intermediate”. At this level, students can function independently in a variety of academic and professional environments in English, although with a limited range of nuance and
precision.

The best way to tell if you are at an B2 level in English is to take a high-quality standardized test. See
below for a list of major recognized tests and their corresponding B2 scores:

• EF SET (score of 51 -60)
• IELTS (score of 5.5 - 6.0)
• TOEIC (R&L) Total (score of 785 - 940)
• Cambridge English Scale (score of 160 - 179)
• TOEFL iBT (score of 72 - 94)
• Global Scale of English / Pearson (score of 59 - 75)

A B2 level of English would allow you to function in the workplace in English, and indeed, many non- native English speakers in international workplaces have this level of English. Learners working in English at a B2 level will, however, lack nuance particularly outside their own field. They may also
miss some of the subtleties and implied meanings in conversation.

According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the B2 level in English:

1. Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization.
2. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
3. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of diverse options.

Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, learners can expect to reach the B2 level in English with 600 hours of cumulative instruction.

Learn about the C1 English level and what can be accomplished when someone achieves the advanced level.

English level C1 is the fifth level of English in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), a definition of different language levels written by the Council of Europe. In everyday speech, this level might be called “advanced”, and that is the official level descriptor for this level as well, also used by EF SET. At this level, students can function independently and with a great deal of precision on a wide variety of subjects and in almost any setting without any prior preparation.

The best way to tell if you are at an C1 level in English is to take a high-quality standardized test. See below for a list of major recognized tests and their corresponding C1 scores:

• EF SET (score of 61 -70)
• IELTS (score of 6.5 - 7.5)
• TOEIC (R&L) Total (score of 945 - 990)
• Cambridge English Scale (score of 180 - 199)
• TOEFL iBT (score of 95 - 120)
• Global Scale of English / Pearson (score of 76 - 84)

A C1 level of English allows for a full range of functionality at work or in an academic setting. The C1 level would allow for full autonomy in a native English-speaking country.

According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the C1 level in English:

1. Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning.
2. Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
3. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.
4. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.

Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, learners can expect to reach the C1 level in English with 800 hours of cumulative instruction.

Learn about the C2 English level and what can be accomplished when someone achieves the advanced level.

English level C2 is the sixth and final level of English in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), a definition of different language levels written by the Council of Europe. In
everyday speech, this level might be called “bilingual”, as in “I am bilingual in English and German.”
A well-educated native English speaker is technically at a C2 level. Relatively few English learners
reach this level because their professional or academic goals do not require it.

The best way to tell if you are at a C2 level in English is to take a high-quality standardized test. Several standardized tests cannot measure the C2 level, so if you think you may be at a C2 level, choose a test that can measure that level accurately. See below for a list of major recognized tests and their corresponding C2 scores:

• EF SET (score of 71 -100)
• IELTS (score of 8.0 - 9.0)
• Cambridge English Scale (score of 200 - 230)
• Global Scale of English / Pearson (score of 85 - 90)

A C2 level of English is essentially a native level. It allows for reading and writing of any type on any subject, nuanced expression of emotions and opinions, and active participation in any academic or professional setting.

According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the C2 level in English:

1. Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
2. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments, and accounts in a coherent presentation.
3. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.

Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, learners can expect to reach the C2 level in English with 1000 hours of cumulative instruction.