Experience report by Marcel Klausberger about his English language study trip to Cape Town, South Africa

Marcel Klausberger aus Bubikon ZH
Marcel Klausberger from Bubikon ZH has a
Language study trip to Cape Town South Africa

Why did you decide to go on a language study trip?

The main reason was that I wanted to work as a volunteer in the Timion project in South Africa. Although I had already attended English courses in Switzerland, I had not yet been able to put the theory into practice. I have an education in the export sector, which is why I wanted to improve my English as a secondary reason.

In which country and in which city did your language study trip take place?

I was able to spend my language study trip in Cape Town, South Africa.

When did you complete the language study trip? How long did it last?

The first day at school started on September 5, 2016. The six invested weeks flew by very quickly.

How satisfied were you with your language study trip? What did you particularly like?

What surprised me was that the students almost always spoke to each other in English. We Swiss also did a lot together and almost always spoke English. The language school didn't just motivate the students to do homework, they motivated us to learn to love this language. To sum up, I am very happy that I chose this place.

What did the language study trip do for you personally and for your career?

I was able to move up from level B1 to B2, which helped me a lot for my subsequent volunteer placement. As soon as I return to Switzerland, it will be easier for me to find a job in my field and I will be able to ask for a bit more pay.

What tips would you give to anyone interested in a language study trip?

I recommend a host family, as you have additional language training every evening. You also know a local who knows the language and who you can ask anything you want, and you have a place where people cook and socialize. Next time, I would invest at least eight weeks in the language study trip, as six weeks was rather short.

Which language study abroad providers have you registered with?

I registered with IH School Cape Town through Surprise Reisen.

How satisfied were you with this provider?

IH School Cape Town has very motivating teachers and is located in Seapoint. In my opinion, this is the best location in Cape Town, as the crime rate is very low, nature is very close and the school is almost directly by the sea. I am very satisfied and would recommend IH School Cape Town to others. Surprise Reisen also did a good job and was a reliable point of contact in Switzerland. If something had gone wrong, I would have been glad to have such a contact behind me.

Pictures from my language study trip to Cape Town/South Africa (click on the pictures to enlarge):

Overview schools