by Julian Kratz
Julian Kratz, from Germany, has just completed a 6-week Combination Course (Intensive English plus 1:1 tuition). Here he writes about his Hilderstone study experience and his time in Broadstairs, with tips on how to make the most of your stay!
After my first contact with Hilderstone, I decided to take a longer holiday from my job and participated on a intensive English course plus 1:1-lessons. I wanted to tweak my English and achieve a higher level. The great team from Hilderstone created a perfect offer and were always available to give me a hand if necessary.
STAYING IN A HOST FAMILY
To get the most of my language-enhancing journey, I decided to stay in a host family. The family gave me a warm welcome and after a cup of tea, the host dad showed me Broadstairs and the area around.You will be part of the family. Enjoy delicious food, get more knowledge about the culture in the UK and practise your English outside of the College.
FIRST WEEK
After a warm welcome at the College and a first test to determine the starting point of my current English level, I went directly into the classroom of my intensive course to meet my classmates and had my first lesson. My first impression: very friendly and well organised. I used the lunch break to meet other students. After a few conversations, we created a WhatsApp-group to stay in touch and arrange meet-ups in the afternoons. Personally, it took the first week to settle in completely, to work out all the information and to see how it works. After 6 weeks I can say: Every step and activity was worthwhile!
ACTIVITIES BESIDE THE COLLEGE
In the afternoons and on the weekends, I did some cycling trips along the coast, spent time on the beaches or walked around. When the wind conditions were perfect, I took some kitesurfing lessons. The Isle of Thanet is perfect for this! And of course, I spent evenings together with my classmates in the pubs of Broadstairs.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Hilderstone college organises different activities – from games afternoon, baking events, evening activities in the College, paddle boarding to city trips (half and full day). All the trips were a lot of fun and I can recommend participating!
LESSONS LEARNED
Talk, talk, talk. It doesn’t matter how your English level is. Get involved in talks at the College and even in the host family. Mistakes happen and give you an extra booster, because you won’t make these the next time.
Try to find a bicycle. Maybe your host family have a bike for you or use a marketplace (e.g. Facebook markets) to buy a cheap one. It is definitely worthwhile when you stay longer. (Note from Hilderstone: We can help you with this!)
If you have any inconvenience or you want to know something, the team from Hilderstone will help you!
Don’t put yourself under pressure. You are at the college to learn English. Set yourself a suitable and reachable goal.
Many thanks to Julian for this contribution, plus some great aerial photos (below) of the local area!
