The English Language is one of the most popular languages in the world. It is the official language of more than 50 countries and has more than 1.5 billion speakers. Proficiency in the English language provides numerous benefits to individuals. English is used as a common language of communication between speakers of different native languages enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect and exchange ideas on a global scale, fostering understanding and collaboration. The English language plays a vital role in international business, serving as a language of commerce, negotiations, and trade. Proficiency in English opens doors to a vast array of job opportunities, allowing individuals to participate in the global economy and engage with multinational companies. International organizations, diplomacy, and educational institutions use English as the working language, enabling dialogue and cooperation between nations. English proficiency is crucial for diplomats, researchers, and scholars seeking to contribute to the global discourse and pursue academic excellence.

The International Swiss School recognizes the importance of English proficiency for Swiss students and has developed a range of English Language Courses tailored to meet their specific needs. The courses are designed to meet students’ needs and equip them with the possibility to acquire a certain level of English and obtain a world-recognized certificate (IELTS and Cambridge Certificate). Each course is flexible and designed for the specific needs of the students – exam preparatory course, standard course, and intensive course. To ensure students are placed in the appropriate course, the International Swiss School conducts interviews to assess their current level of English proficiency. Through interviews, the University determines the students’ strengths, weaknesses, and specific learning goals. Each course is designed for a small group of students (6-8 individuals per batch) to ensure all of them get enough attention from the professors and understand the learning material completely. The International Swiss School is intended to provide personalized guidance and recommendations, ensuring that students are enrolled in the course best suits their individual needs.

Standard Courses in English Proficiency

Standard courses of English Language Proficiency at the International Swiss School are designed for Swiss students of all levels from A1 to C2 of English from the CEFRL (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Level). The standard course aims to develop a well-rounded set of language skills and build a strong foundation in English language proficiency in Swiss students. The curriculum of the Standard English Course at the International Swiss School covers all the essential aspects of language learning, ensuring a balanced approach to language acquisition. The four primary language skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking are given equal importance, allowing students to develop their abilities in each area.

In the reading component, students are exposed to a variety of texts (fiction, non-fiction, articles, and academic materials). The International Swiss School teach students to comprehend and analyze written content, expand their vocabulary, and improve their reading speed and comprehension skills. The writing component focuses on developing students’ writing skills, starting from basic sentence structure to more complex forms of written expression. Students learn to organize their thoughts, write coherent paragraphs and essays, and enhance their overall writing fluency. The listening component is designed to sharpen students listening comprehension skills. The International Swiss School engages students in various listening exercises (dialogues, lectures, and audio recordings) to improve their ability to understand spoken English in different contexts and accents. The speaking component emphasizes oral communication and aims to enhance students’ ability to express themselves confidently and fluently. Through interactive activities, discussions, and presentations organized by the International Swiss School, students practice speaking in different situations, develop their vocabulary, and refine their pronunciation and intonation.

*The students are obligated to pay the fee at the beginning of the course.

Summer Intense Courses in English Proficiency

The International Swiss School offers Summer Intense Courses in English Proficiency designed to facilitate rapid improvement within a shorter time frame. The intense course caters to the needs of individuals with specific language goals to develop their English skills quickly. The course covers a wide range of language components, enabling students to make significant progress in a shorter period. The curriculum of the intensive course is designed to maximize language acquisition through a focused and rigorous learning environment. The International Swiss School covers all key language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) with a particular emphasis on developing fluency and accuracy. The learning environment of the Summer Intense Courses is dynamic and demanding, encouraging students to actively engage with the language and practice intensively. The course includes additional study hours, homework assignments, and extra practice materials to provide students with ample opportunities to reinforce their learning.

*The students are obligated to pay the fee at the beginning of the course.

Official English Certification Programs

The International Swiss School is dedicated to providing Swiss students with flexibility and customized English Language Courses to enhance their language skills and obtain internationally recognized certification. The main objective of the course is to empower students with the language abilities essential for successful academic endeavors, effective international communication, and promising career prospects in today’s globalized society. The International Swiss School takes interviews with each student to define their level of English based on the CEFRL and help them choose the certification they need to get. The ISS provides Official English Certification Programs to prepare students to get IELTS, Cambridge-First Certificate in English (FCE), or Cambridge-Certificate in Advanced English (CAE).

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognized standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of individuals intended to study, work, or immigrate to English-speaking countries. It is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. IELTS evaluates the test takers’ proficiency in four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The test is available in two formats: Academic and General Training. The Academic module is intended for individuals applying to higher education institutions or professional registration, while the General Training module is suitable for those seeking employment, immigration, or training programs. IELTS uses a band scale of 1 to 9 to report test scores. Each skill is assessed independently, and an overall band score is provided based on the average of the four components. The band score indicates the test taker’s level of English proficiency, ranging from non-user (band score 1) to expert (band score 9).

*The students are obligated to pay the fee at the beginning of the course.

Cambridge-First Certificate in English (FCE) is a widely recognized English language qualification provided by Cambridge Assessment English, a department of the University of Cambridge. It is an intermediate-level exam taken to demonstrate a person’s ability to use English for everyday communication and work or study purposes. The FCE is designed for individuals who have reached an upper-intermediate level of English proficiency. It assesses the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The exam focuses on practical language use in real-life situations, evaluating the test takers’ ability to understand and produce a range of written and spoken English. The Cambridge-First Certificate in English exam is scored using a scale of five grades: A, B, C, D, and Fail. Grades A, B, and C indicate a pass, with Grade A representing the highest level of achievement. A Fail grade indicates that the candidate did not meet the minimum requirements to pass the exam.

*The students are obligated to pay the fee at the beginning of the course.

Cambridge-Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) is an internationally recognized English language qualification provided by Cambridge Assessment English, a department of the University of Cambridge. The CAE is designed for individuals with an advanced level of English proficiency and wish to demonstrate their ability to use English effectively in academic and professional contexts. The Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English exam assesses the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The test focuses on higher-level language use, evaluating the test takers’ ability to understand complex texts, produces well-structured written pieces, comprehend spoken English in various contexts, and engage in fluent and natural conversation. The CAE exam is scored using a scale of five grades: A, B, C, D, and Fail. Grades A, B, and C indicate a pass, with Grade A representing the highest level of achievement. A Fail grade indicates that the candidate did not meet the minimum requirements to pass the exam.

*The students are obligated to pay the fee at the beginning of the course.