Inlingua: Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General questions regarding Cape Town

Which is the best time to come to Cape Town?

Summer, especially December and January, is very busy and the weather is usually hot. If you want lots of sunshine and a great vibe, visit us then!

Spring - August/September - is beautiful as all the wild flowers are out and the whales come to Cape Town. It is usually warm and sunny during the day but can be quite cold at night.

Autumn - April/May - is cool at night but warm in the daytime and there are fewer people around.

Winter - June/July, can be quite cold and wet, with rain and a bit of snow on the mountains. However, there are often beautifully sunny days too, and plenty to do and enjoy. It is often cheaper to travel and there are special offers at inlingua, as well as at shops, restaurants as well as the cable car trip up Table Mountain.

Can I see any wild animals near Cape Town?

There are no National Parks close to us. There are game farms about 3 hours drive from Cape Town though, where you can see lions, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, zebra and buck. The closest place for elephants is near Port Elizabeth. It is easy to visit one of these if you do a long weekend away or go up the Garden Route to Plettenberg Bay or Knysna.

Is it safe to go out alone?

Generally, it is safe in the city in the daytime – and restaurants and clubs generally have security at night. A lot is being done to prevent crime in these areas. The Waterfront has security at all times.

Do be aware of people round you and behind you – and street children can sometimes be a problem. Try to change money at the Waterfront and not along Green Point main road.

We talk to all students in detail about security on their first day when we do the induction and orientation programme.

Is there a beach nearby?

The beautiful Clifton and Camps Bay beaches are only 10-15 minutes' drive from the school. However, you can walk along the seafront at Mouille Point, about 5-10 minutes' walk away. Some students also go horseriding along the beach at Noordhoek, which they find a wonderful experience. Most people find the water very cold and only go in for very quick swims!

How hot is it in summer?

Temperatures vary between 24-35 degrees Celcius in Summer. It can be very hot if there is no South-East wind blowing. It is not uncomfortable, though, as it is not humid and rain is very unusual.

How cold is it in winter?

On average, about 10-15 degrees Celcius. It does get colder at nights sometimes but it's not usually very cold. Bring a warm jacket though, as it rains in winter and most buildings in Cape Town do not have any central heating.

How expensive is it to live in Cape Town and eat out ?

Prices vary depending on where and what you eat/drink and what you buy. However, it is possible to have a meal at a restaurant for less than 3 Euro and enjoy a high standard of living – particularly compared to London/the US.

General questions about the school

How big is the school?

The language centre is in a modern building with a balcony and views of Table Mountain. Training areas are purpose-built: there are eighteen well-equipped classrooms - including a specialist business centre, free computer/wi-fi access for all students and a large student lounge for relaxation.

Where are the students from?

They come from all over the world - from Germany and Switzerland, Italy, Spain and France, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Russia, Japan and Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Angola, Mozambique and South Africa.

How old are the students?

They vary in age from 18 to 40+. The average is about 25 - but our business clients are often older.

If my class is too easy or too difficult, can I change it?

Yes. Although you will be tested to make sure you go into the appropriate level, sometimes, changes are necessary. We monitor everyone carefully and you can always move. We want you to feel that you are learning a lot and working hard - but not that the class is too difficult.

Can I add extra classes to my program?

Yes. Let us know the week before you want to change, and we will add afternoon conversation or private classes to your program.

What can I do after class?

There's a huge amount to do - or go and relax on the beach! There are cinemas, shops and trips to Robben Island at the Waterfront; you could walk up Table Mountain or Lion’s Head or play volleyball on the beach. Perhaps go horse-riding or sand-boarding.... there are lots of ideas on our social program.

Is there anything to do over weekends?

Yes. We often organise trips to the Winelands or to Cape Point and there is mountain-biking, hiking, surfing and scuba-diving available.
There are trips up the West coast in Spring to see the flowers and to Hermanus to see the whales from August to November.
Long weekends to Cape Agulhas (the Southern tip of Africa) and up to Mossel Bay to see giraffe, rhino, lion, buffalo and zebra are also popular.

Can I go on to the internet?

Students have free access to the internet from 08.00 - 08.45 and 12.40 - 18.00 Monday - Friday

Accommodation

Where can I stay close to the school?

There are homestays, guest houses, student lodges and hotels within a few minutes' walk of the school.

Will I be the only student in my homestay?

It's your choice. Some families have only one or two students staying with them. Others have up to eight or ten students. We make sure there are people who speak different languages staying together and you are expected to speak English all the time. We will try to give you whichever homestay you prefer but it depends how early your booking is confirmed.

Will I stay close to the school?

Most of our homestays are within 15 minutes' walk of the school - some are under 10 minutes' walk. There are a few that are 5-10 minutes' drive away.

How do I get to my homestay from the airport?

All students staying in a homestay are collected from the airport, so don't worry.

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