Sydney Smirke

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Bristol has been one of the most important cities in England, for nearly a thousand years. But the gorgeous medieval city has morphed into one of the hippest university cities in the U.K. With a million people in the area, Bristol is a great centre for culture and learning. It's home to art, fashion, creative media and an ultra hip music scene. In the centre of the city is the beautiful Queen Square which was built in 1699. The Northern side of the square is dominated by the historic “Custom House”. Today this well-known heritage building is home to a very modern language centre, EF Bristol. The EF school building, was designed by Sydney Smirke, the same architect who created the Royal Academy. Modern day architects have given the EF centre a contemporary look inside. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the reception and shown around. Apart from the classrooms, there are spacious lounges where students meet to study or just to hang out. Many have lunch at the school cafeteria, serving British and international food as well as smaller snacks. The outdoor courtyard is lovely in the summer months. There’s free Wi-Fi internet -so bring your iPad or laptop if you have one! The EF centre is also equipped with iLab computer labs, used both for classes and for students to browse the web. The accommodations office is there, to make sure you feel comfortable in your home away from home. EF Bristol offers student residences very near the school, as well as accommodation with local host families. As a world leader in language education, at EF we develop our own teaching materials, including books, computer language labs and mobile learning applications. It's all part of EF's Efekta System, for faster language learning. But most important are our teachers, who know how to encourage communication in the classroom. This way, students quickly become confident speaking English. For me English is really important because I’m going to study English in Germany. So I have to improve my English and I definitely have to improve my speaking skills and be more confident in speaking and writing and reading and I think that has really happened. And I’m going to study veterinary science and all my books are in English, so that’s the reason why I need to improve my English. When I came here I didn’t speak any word in English, just normal words like “yes” or “no”. But the first month here I really did improve my English and I can speak with all the people, like you, now. Getting around and meeting people is a fantastic way to practice your English, plus it's fun! The staff at the EF Activities Office will help you discover Bristol, both the historic and the hip. Hang out with your new friends in the many cafes and parks around the city. Browse some funky shops for the latest music. In Bristol, the creativity is everywhere. Check out the world famous graffiti by street artist “Banksy”. On the weekends, EF organizes longer trips. London in less than two hours away by train. Other favourite excursions go to Oxford, Cambridge, and Stonehenge. History lovers will enjoy the historic spa town of Bath. With two prestigious universities, Bristol is famous for some of the best student life in the U.K. Bristol buzzes with life year round and there are many great festivals. In August, there’s the, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. There’s so much to experience in Bristol. You’ll meet new people and grow in so many ways. The sky is the limit!