The SGI school satisfied quite a lot my expectations. Well-sized (neither too small or too big) groups, humane teachers (hello Bren, Jenny and Melissa) and staff, interesting lesson topics (I learned many things actually, especially in architecture and cinema), a lot of discussions: that’s what I wanted and what I found.

Besides that, the city is wonderful, student houses are comfortable and well-located, the SGI program events are varied, museums are fantastic, vegetarian restaurants are divine, clubs are for all tastes, if you like electronic music you should try Fabric, definitely. My only deception was that young londoners are hardly socializing with foreign students, we tried though!
Even if I came to London to study -I would have never missed one course, for SGI’ sake – I always had the feeling that I was having fun.

SGI, what else?

The classes went beyond the classical English course, I learned about British culture, politics, history & royalty which is an added-value for me always seeking to learn more and more about the British society.

One of my first teachers was Bren who has provided me with a lot of support over the years. His help has continued beyond the class. So after going back home, whenever I have a question, he would always get back to me. He also writes very interesting articles about various subjects and publishes them onto SGI website. His articles are very educational, captivating and easy to read.

This summer the camera from all over the world were turned to London. I had the “chance” if I could say to be there while two major events occurred: the sad loss of Amy Winhouse and the riots. During our classes Amy & Owen brought us with articles from the newspapers, so we could address these subjects and discuss them between classmates and teachers. I like this kind of activities because it brought me with the different point of view of my classmates, each one of them giving examples of what’s happening in their countries. It’s an enriching experience as I learned more about each other which sometimes ends up with friendships.

What characterizes most SGI is its social program. Owen’s tours with Jessie “a cute & a perfectly hair dressed poodle” were amazing. Apart from being an excellent teacher, Owen is a certified tour guide, he knows London very well. I’ve been to four tours: Soho, the city centre, London parks & under the bridges; it was captivating & full of history.

My last class with my teacher Amy was different from all the others. All together; classmates and Amy left our class room and walked to the science fiction exhibition at the British library.
It was a sunny day; while walking I was sun bathing and talking with my classmate “Caroline”, a very nice French girl!!
The exhibit was about the history of science fiction since its appearance till today. A lot of books and movies were shown as reference.
I think that this exhibition was a good start for me to get interested in science fiction however don’t expect from me to rush at the next science fiction movie!!

SGI School isn’t SGI School without its “Summer Party”. This year the party was held in a PUB at the Thames bank. The atmosphere was festive as a lot of teachers and students were present. I had fun listening to music, having a free drink, playing games and answering the quiz. The view on the bank was amazing especially at sunset and in the evening. The party was a success, who knows what will be next “Summer Party” venue!!!

Since then, I go to SGI every summer and everytime is better!
Being at SGI three years in a row, the first two years for three weeks, last for two, I changed many SGI teachers.

I find every single one of them a real proffessional, everyone was capable of making the classes interesting and they all taught me a great deal of new things which I use every day.

First year I had Ed, Natalie, Sonia, Roger, and Adrian.
Ed was very funny, he used to tell us interesting stories from his own expirience and I always enjoyed his classes.
Natalie, his cousin, was one of my all-time favourite teachers. She was able to explain everything so easy that you learn with no efforts.

Sonia and Roger were the perfect team. They both used a wide range of teaching methods, we played a lot of games in their classes and had a lot of fun.
The second year I had Ed, Owen, Andy and Barney.
Owen, I think, is also one of the best teachers at the school. He is a really great teacher. He is always willing to help students with everything and his walking tours are god features of the Social Programme. He also arranges the theatre nights which I really enjoyed.
Barney helped me improve my speaking a lot. He has a great sense of humour, he is very communicative and friendly.

This year my teachers were Steve, Keeva, Lynette and Neil.
This year I had an IELTS preparation course which isn’t as interesting as the general English classes, but all of the teachers helped me improve my English and because of them I was able to reach a very high mark in IELTS.

SGI is the perfect place to learn English. The teachers and the atmosphere help you learn while having a lovely time and enjoy every minute of studying.

The school provides a very high qualiity of teaching. I broadened my English knowledge which helped me gain successful results for the exams at my city.

At SGI I met a lot of different people from all over the world and now I still keep in touch with some of them. I actually met one of my best friends there.

Some of my best memories are from SGI, I really recomend it to everyone who wants to study English in London. SGI Is the best place to do it.
Students have the opportunity to learn English with the professional teachers in central London and they are also able to get to know different cultures and customs while meeting the other students.

The school has a very interesting and useful Social Programme with a big variety of activities- from football in the biggest London parks, to traditional English tea party. Attending the events of the Social Programme is a perfect way to feel the English atmosphere and learn more about the country. It is also a good way of meeting the rest of the students and make friends!

London will always be my favourite city which I really really love and SGI will always be my favourite school and with the respect and graditute to all of the great staff, I deeply hope to come back some day.

IELTS Preparation Course – November 2008 to February 2009

“Roger, my first teacher, was very friendly and helpful, always willing to help students. His advice and comments were crucial for my improvement.

Maja’s broad knowledge in languages and her passion with her job make her a very good teacher!

Barney is humorous and very friendly, very educated. Gave me the essential tips for the use of language. He also used various teaching methods.

The level of teaching was very high. I developed the ideal strategies and abilities that I needed to reach a high score in IELTS.

The Social Programme has a plethora of activities that were very interesting, covering every different taste. Also the teachers were very friendly and always willing to provide us with a lot of information.”

With my respect and esteem for all your great team,
I hope to come to visit you soon.

I am a demanding student and while booking a course in SGI I had great expectations towards it. From my IELTS preparation course I wanted to get professional training in academic English. Now I can say that I got more than I demanded. Besides excellent oriented and supportive teachers who treat students individually, the school offers a fantastic experience of learning a language in a friendly and sociable atmosphere. After taking a course in SGI I attained excellent results at IELTS and a place at Oxford University. I have recommended the school to my younger sister which I think is the best evidence that SGI is the best place to study and make friends in London.

Overall I have had a really useful experience and have felt that all my teachers were really involved and passionate about their jobs.