English and British Culture Programme - Autumn 2025

The Autumn English and British Culture Programme (EBCP) is a fifteen-week Study Abroad experience for Japanese undergraduate students. It combines two stages of English language tuition with an introduction to British life and culture, both in and out of the classroom.

Autumn EBCP is offered exclusively for students of Kwansei Gakuin University.

Aims

The main aim of the course is to develop students’ ability to communicate in English in both everyday and academic contexts. The first part of the course focuses on all four language skills with particular emphasis on enhancing speaking and listening skills and we will encourage you to participate in a series of social and cultural activities. The second stage of the course involves ten weeks of academic language study with international students from other countries.

Why join the English and British Culture Programme?

• Improve your English ability in an academic and friendly environment.
• Enjoy a mid-term Study Abroad experience at a British university. 
• Learn about British culture, both in the classroom and through activities, including topics such as history, film, sports and food. A course highlight is a visit to a local primary school
• Gain confidence and make new friends.
• Have fun on trips and during social activities and discover more about life in Britain. 
• Experience living in a vibrant, diverse and student friendly city situated in the heart of England.

Course contents

Stage 1

• A course welcome and induction programme
• Up to 15 hours of classes per week, with particular emphasis on speaking and listening skills. The maximum group size of 16, allowing you to learn through interaction with the tutor and students. Classes generally take place between 9.30am-11.00am, 11.30am-1.00pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm. We expect classes to take place on our Oadby campus
• A visit to a local primary school to give a presentation on Japanese culture
• A basic research project leading to an assessed presentation
• Day trips to places of interest such as Oxford, Cambridge and Warwick Castle/Stratford-upon-Avon
• Three evening social activities such as welcome meal, theatre visit and closing dinner
• A statement of completion and written feedback
• A closing ceremony with prize giving

Stage 2

The second part of the course will involve students studying a pre-sessional course for 10 weeks with other international students. Four language entry levels are available. 

• More details about University of Leicester pre-sessional courses.

Key facts

Dates

• Course dates: Monday 1 September to Friday 12 December 2025 (accommodation available from Saturday 30 August to Tuesday 16 December 2025). 
• Stage 1: Monday 1 September to Friday 26 September
• Break: Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October
• Stage 2: Monday 6 October to Friday 12 December

Entry requirements

• Participants are expected to have a minimum English level of IELTS 4.0 or equivalent. 
• We will accept a range of test results, including:
  • CASEC
  • EIKEN
  • GTEC
  • TOEFL
  • TOEIC
• Participants must be aged 18 or over

Expectations on the course

• Show willingness to engage with tutors and students during class
• Attend all sessions on the timetable, including trips and social events
• Be open and kind to other students

Accommodation

• Students will be housed in self-catered student accommodation. We are expecting students to be based on the university’s Oadby campus.
• Participants will be housed in a single study bedroom with ensuite bathroom and shared kitchen facilities. All bills and Wi-Fi access are included. Bedding and kitchen equipment are provided.

Cost

• £8,150

What's included

• Tuition fees for all classes
• Self-catered student accommodation
• All excursions and social events
• All study materials
• A statement of completion, written feedback and an assessment grade
• Closing ceremony with prize giving
• Access to University of Leicester facilities including the award-winning David Wilson Library
• A group transfer from and to Birmingham Airport
• Applicants should be aware that trips and socials will include unsupervised time not accompanied by members of staff

What's not included

• International travel
• Meals and beverages, unless specified in the timetable
• Towel, dressing gown, slippers and toiletries
• Visa costs
• Medical and travel insurance
• Access to the university gyms. Short term membership can be purchased at a discounted rate

How to find out more and apply

Please speak to the International Cooperation Office of Kwansei Gakuin University for further details. For alternative assistance, please email summer@le.ac.uk.