When you get here - first day at the school

After all the preparation in your home country, your completed journey to London and your relieved arrival at your accommodation, what actually happens when you finally find yourself at the doors of SGI? What happens on your first day at the school?

Welcome Pack

When you arrive at the reception of the school in Margaret Street, besides a warm welcome you will be handed your Welcome Pack. This contains a number of useful items: (1) A booklet about the school, its student services and facilities plus information on the area the school is located in (2) A ‘Welcome to London’ booklet, produced by the London Transport Authority, that includes tube and bus maps, tips for travelling around London, and information on top London attractions. (3) An SGI pen and notebook!

Placement test & interview

Once you’ve received your Welcome Pack, you will be taken to the Director of Studies, where you will be given a placement test to complete. Don’t worry, this is not an exam! It is just a way of helping us to establish your level of English. The test takes about 20 minutes and once the test is completed and marked, you will then be interviewed by one of our teachers to see how well you can speak and understand English. With the results of the interview and test, we will then have the necessary information to place you into a class at the right level of English for you.

Teacher/classroom information

So, following your test and interview results, the Director of Studies will give you the names of your teachers, along with details of the rooms you’ll study in, and confirmation of your study times. You will also be given the course book you will use for your period of study with us.

E-learning induction

Almost done! The last step is a quick induction into the SGI e-learning programme, conducted by one of our teachers. This fantastic on-line learning opportunity is a superb way to supplement your classroom study with us. One great feature is that you can continue the programme for up to 8 weeks after you finish your course at SGI London.

Your first class

OK, now it’s time to go to your first class. Obviously our teachers will make you welcome and you will be studying with people who are at the same level of English as you. During your first class, the teacher will take a few minutes to run through the Social Programme for the week. There is always a great mix of events and activities for you to participate in if you feel like it.