Bay Language is situated across the road from Port Elizabeth’s unspoiled and beautiful beaches, creating a unique holiday atmosphere. This, combined with our commitment to high academic standards and small classes, ensures great results and a wonderful experience for our students. The school’s teaching staff are dedicated and enthusiastic, with the qualifications and experience necessary to ensure a great learning experience. The school has a library of graded readers for students wanting to work on their English after hours, a garden with swings under the giant African coral tree, free wifi for those who need to keep up with the world, and free tea and coffee to keep students going.
Students can go surfing, golfing or diving after classes or just relax on the beach. Banks, a supermarket, post office, and coffee shops are ten minutes walk away – literally around the corner – with restaurants and pubs all located within easy reach of the school. We accommodate students in our residences or with host families.
Exciting outings and activities are available, and include a city tour with historical background and cultural insights, the world's highest bungy jump (day trip) or the sandboarding just outside the city, to name just a few.
Port Elizabeth has plenty of wildlife parks close by, and the world-renowned (and malaria-free!) Addo Elephant National Park with the Big 5 is just 45 minutes away. Weekend trips, guided and self-drive, can be arranged to view the world-famous Garden Route, the undeveloped beaches of the Wild Coast and the endless plains and views of the Karoo semi-desert regions.
Great shopping malls and craft centres spoil our visitors with African treats. It's all here - for the language learning experience of a lifetime!
The nationality and age mix at Bay Language Institute varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 28. In the summer, the average age is 27.
BLI teaches students from all over the world, including:
BLI does not hold classes on the holiday dates below. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.
Bay Language Institute is situated across the road from Port Elizabeth’s unspoiled and beautiful beaches, creating a unique holiday atmosphere. Banks, a supermarket, post office, and coffee shops are ten minutes walk away – literally around the corner – with restaurants and pubs all located within easy reach of the school. Great shopping malls and craft centres spoil our visitors with African treats.
Port Elizabeth, located in the Eastern Cape, is an entry and exit point for the world-famous Garden Route. It offers easy access to plenty of wildlife parks, with the renowned (and malaria-free!) Addo Elephant National Park with the Big 5 is just 45 minutes away. The Bay is a well-known marine life hotspot, with year-round dolphin, shark and whale viewing. It is also hosting to the South African leg of the Ironman Triathlon and offers excellent watersport facilities.
I was in BLI for only 2 weeks but I would say it was an amazing experience there. The school is well located, my teacher Lisa is an excellent profissional and we had lessons and pleasant time at class. I would like that the class starts at 8:00 h so we would have more free time to enjoy PE in the afternoon. Hope I had more time to stay in BLI because I really like it cozy environment.
Show details » Read more...I really appreciate the organisation. They were friendly with the students. The school was near my hotel, about 5 or 8 minutes by walk. My teachers were cool, funny, and clever. The courses were very interesting. I just participated in 2 activities (visits to parks of wild animals). My hotel was very comfortable.
In general, I enjoyed my language course.
I went for the TEFL course and it was such a lovely experience. The teacher was so helpful and her teaching methods was really good. The location and atmosphere had me excited to get up and go to school. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone who wants to do the TEFL course or to improve their English.
Show details » Read more...I had a wonderful time at BLI. It was a great environment to be in and to learn at.
Show details » Read more...I like all in BLI. I felt like home. I have staying for a long term course and I benefit a lot. My English is better than ever and new many colleagues from different countries and was exposed to a different cultures and life. I have grown a lot. It was my first time away from home for so long, so it was a challenge in all aspect. LIKE LIKE LIKE. I will recommend to all.
Show details » Read more...I could not have asked for a better place to study my TEFL course. BLI is more than a teaching institution, they are there to help you grow, they are there to help guide you and they go out of their way to make you feel a part of something. I got to see how BLI helped their foreign students grow through education, motivation and support. I myself have learnt a lot about myself, what my strengths and weaknesses are and how to apply and learn from them. I have learnt what it means to teach what it means to have an impact on students and what a gift that can be. I made amazing friends and memories along the way, I'll carry them with me in all I do. If you are looking to improve your English or a place to do your TEFL course I would highly recommend BLI.
Show details » Read more...Charmain Gradwell is an incredible teacher. She is approachable, warm and very respectful of the individuals in her class. She made the experience of doing the TEFL course a highlight of this year for me. She also provides constructive feedback and criticism about the progress of her students, something which greatly enhanced the learning experience for me.
The BLI building feels like a home away from home. It is warm, inviting and leaving there everyday was hard. I work in a very sterile office environment and I am envious of the BLI teachers and staff who get to work in such a great place every day. The only negative was the parking, which at times was not sufficient. I blame this on the Radisson Blu though as it is clear they did not take parking for their clients and event attendees into account when constructing that hideous hotel.
The location is awesome. It enabled me to manage my job around attending the course full-time as my office is less than 2km away. It was also nice to have so many restaurants and food options nearby.
The teachers and management were and are all awesome! I really felt like I was part of the BLI family while studying there and I feel more than comfortable to come back for a visit any time. I made so many wonderful friendships in those 4 weeks. I am very grateful for the experience that BLI provided.
The school environment was good. I felt as if I were in my own home. The classes were dynamic, but the only problem was the other students. Sometimes when they didn't want to study, so the class became slow.
All the teachers were great. For me, the best teacher was
The location of the school and residence was good as all the facilities were nearby. For leisure time, we could also go to the beach easily.
I enjoyed all the activities. I really appreciated the African wildlife and nature.
I made new good friends and I could practice my English with native speakers.
Thanks BLI for providing an amazing experience for me. I really want to come back again.
The school's location was very good. It was not too far from my residence.
We were not in the classroom a lot. Consequently, the teachers were very present for the students, so we could make progress easier.
The school helped to book some activities, as well.
With their help, I went to a safari and to other activities.
I spent three weeks in BLI school at Port Elizabeth. I enjoyed my stay very much, because the school atmosphere was like being a part of a large family. The teachers were nice and the leaders of the school welcomed me. They were there in case I needed help. I could even attend some aviation courses, which were my favorite. Thank you! The only problem I encountered was that our lunch break wasn't long enough, so I had to run to be back on time.
I'd like to come back with my family and friends. I just need time to find the money.
Thank you BLI school!
I joined BLI in August for the TEFL course.
I enjoyed my study period at BLI. The teachers and staff were exceptionally respectable and friendly! They were always willing to help us, even if it was during their break period.
I loved the location - close to the sea and shopping center, as well as it being located in a safe area.
The only negative comment I guess were that the teachers were a bit unorganized at times and the center could get quite noisy, otherwise it is the perfect language school!
The best in Bay Language Institute!.
I had a lot of time to find fun learning! Maybe this is the most important of my experience in BLI.
The staff was lovely and qualified. My two principal teachers, Jenna and Charmaind, helped me to improve my English every day, in class and out off of class.
In BLI, I found a new family, because now I have new friends. The majority of them, German friends!
Thanks to BLI I improved my English. My Grammar is more clear now and my oral expression is more fluent.
BLI always lived in my heart and in my memories.
My fiancé and I decided to do our tefl course at the beginning of 2012 with BLI, we didn't know it at this stage, but this decision would end up being one of the best decisions of our life.
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After an intense theoretical and more importantly practical introduction to the world of tefl, we set off for Thailand in 2012 on the 18th of April. It became abundantly clear straight away that we were far better prepared for what was about to come than the other teachers who did online tefl courses and 1 week tefl courses, most of them crumbled in a classroom environment, shivered when the word lesson plan was uttered and lacked confidence to be a successful teacher. Many of them lasted less than 4 months, some made it to the 6th month mark.
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Thanks to BLI , we are still in Thailand , 18 months later making a valuable contribution to the country .
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Where your future is concerned there are no short cuts, only a right way and an unsuccessful way. The right way for us was BLI.
Regards<br>
Bruce and Andrea
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[email protected]
Hi Everyone :)
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I'm Antonio from Italy, I studied in BLI english for aviation, and seems it helped me a lot, from the day i started to the day i left the school, i noticed a big difference in my language, i started my course with horrible english.. ^-^ and i came out with much more: reading and understanding, speaking fluently and starting conversations, reading english books, watching english TV and understanding everyday more and more... I can say this experience in BLI changed my life and my future in aviation, I recommend this school to everyone who wants to learn english and also travel to South Africa in the magnificent city of Port Elizabeth...
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The atmosphere of the school is just amazing, all teachers are different and special and very friendly, they really love working for BLI, i hope to back one day again and learn something new..but for now i have to focus on my aviation courses..
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BLI has a high level of preparation and is the only school in the country which makes sure you learn with passion and love.
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regards:<br>
Antonio Merola
Most of all I liked the way my teacher Mathew talked to us. He was very passionate, very special, quick, funny and very skilled. He could actually explain in detail why a sentence was built like that and not like that. So me and my fellow student had a good time in class and we learned a lot. The school building was very inviting, not too new, not too old - and very funny right opposite this big hotel. Nevertheless I think it would be better for the students if the school was in the city centre, closer to public life, I felt a bit "separated of real life". My hosts were very kind, very nice and friendly people who invited me to participate to some extend in their family life, helped me to organise stuff, took me for a trip to the sea etc. Nothing to complain about, on the contrary!
Show details » Read more...Sorry for my so few words, but the study in this school was a pleasure with all lovely teachers, a nice location and with many possibilities of activities.
Show details » Read more...I was there almost 3 years ago but I still have such a nice memory about PE. Friendly teachers and director (Mel & Shaun),
I think they try to give me a lot of fun as they arrange so many activities.
There are beautiful beach, national park and city and so on... location is also good.
I really enjoyed times I spent in Port Elizabeth.
I want to say to Mel and Shaun "thank you" again.
Everything is made to make you understand English faster and they have the best teachers
Show details » Read more...It was great! Personally, I have no complaints about BLI, however I believe that it could be improved as has been done during the years.
The main point is related to social activities. Although, BLI presents some good practices like Conversation classes, playing activities and parties, I guess that the BLI should provide some way to assure the participation and interest on this for all students/teachers. More integration for all!
School facilities are also good, however it could be improved mainly for the classes. Maybe a few of technology (Computers or Audio and Video interaction) during some classes, mixing it with the traditional classes.
I liked the class because they were not too big and the teachers were really friendly. Furthermore I like the location of the school and whole PE. I really enjoyed my time at BLI. But because i was before one month in another language school in Mexico, I have a good comparison for some criticism.
First of all I was a bit disappointed about the (offered) activities. Africa has so many places to visit and is such a nice country and therefor it is compulsory to show the student more of the country. I know that the organization is not that easy and sometimes the lack of participation of the students beard the blame. But in comparison to Mexico there was a really big lack in activities at BLI.
The housing was very nice and well organized.
The teachers were super friendly but for my opinion not super professionals. Of course they spoke perfect English and they knew the grammar and everything, but they were not really good in teaching. Therefore I think there is still a lot of potential in that ability.
I also didn’t like the evaluation process at the beginning. Because I was totally under challenged. There is also room for improvement.
All together I liked it at BLI even if there were some lacks. But I improved my English skills and I really like the whole atmosphere at BLI as well as in PE.
And one day I will come to visit you in PE :)
Best wishes
Ralph
I appreciated a lot the welcome and the assistance which I received
Show details » Read more...Small classes, friendly location and enthusiastic teacher (had 2). We made a lot of trips.
Show details » Read more...Homestays are carefully selected and offer students the opportunity to learn more about the local culture in a comfortable setting while studying English in Port Elizabeth. These homes are often between 5 - 45 minutes away from the school by public transport. Families usually offer affordable meal plans that allow you to sample the local cuisine. If you have special requests or diet restrictions (because of religion or health reasons), please let us know in advance. Your housing starts on the Sunday before your first day of class and ends on the Saturday after your last day of class, unless otherwise noted. Learn more about homestay housing
Student residences are more suitable for an independent student, who is looking for clean, basic accommodation at an economic price. All students must be 18+. Your housing starts on the Sunday before your first day of class and ends on the Saturday after your last day of class, unless otherwise noted. Student residences often do not include any meal plan. Learn more about student residence accommodation
We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.
Your letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you. If you wish to receive your paperwork by express mail, you will be charged 45 € when you register.
Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Port Elizabeth based on your budget, schedule and preferences.
Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.
Bay Language Institute is situated across the road from Port Elizabeth’s unspoiled and beautiful beaches, creating a unique holiday atmosphere. Banks, a supermarket, post office, and coffee shops are ten minutes walk away – literally around the corner – with restaurants and pubs all located within easy reach of the school. Great shopping malls and craft centres spoil our visitors with African treats.
Port Elizabeth, located in the Eastern Cape, is an entry and exit point for the world-famous Garden Route. It offers easy access to plenty of wildlife parks, with the renowned (and malaria-free!) Addo Elephant National Park with the Big 5 is just 45 minutes away. The Bay is a well-known marine life hotspot, with year-round dolphin, shark and whale viewing. It is also hosting to the South African leg of the Ironman Triathlon and offers excellent watersport facilities.
Have questions? Get answers from Bay Language Institute staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.
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Thank you for your interest in BLI.
Please email [email protected] so that we can send you all the information.
We do not offer Business English at this level, but could still cater for her, just on a one-on-one basis. She could join the General English group in the morning on her level and then do 2 individual Business English lessons per day.
The student is welcome to come in the morning and meet the teachers and some of the students and have a look at the school and the residence up the road. She can ask for me or Shaun Fitzhenry, I am usually here all morning until 12.00/ 13.00 and Shaun is here until 17.00 J Here is my cell phone number in case she can’t find us: +27(0)768606098.