Fleetham Lodge

(see map)

An 'English Country-House' experience!

One and two week intensive courses with activities

A total immersion course at Fleetham Lodge is a perfect location to improve English language skills and experience the culture.

Courses are one and two weeks in length and, as well as 4 hours of intensive study per day, you will have the opportunity to visit places of local interest and take part in a particular country activity at the weekend along with native speakers. These activities include cycling, walking, photography, horse riding and more. Details of the activities and course dates can be found in the Events Calendar or follow the links at the bottom of the page.

The lessons

Lessons take place between 9.30 and 12.45 with a short coffee break. The 4th hour is done in the afternoon, usually between 4.00 and 5.00. The lessons will cover grammar, reading, writing, listening and speaking. We also work on improving pronunciation and expanding vocabulary.

The course levels are indicated on the calendar. There are a maximum of 4 students per course so you will have lots of opportunity for individual attention and we will try to ensure that you are the only speaker of your language on the course.

You will receive a timetable before you arrive which will detail all the lessons and activities.

The visits

On two afternoons there will be a visit to a local place of interest. You will be accompanied by your teacher. The teacher will explain something about the place before you go and often you will receive some written information to look at and discuss so that you are well prepared for the visit.

Places we have visited with students include: York, Whitby, Durham, the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors and Bowes Museum. The area has many famous country houses and ruined abbeys, as well as national parks, so there are many places to see.

We leave after lunch and return for the afternoon lesson (this may be a little later on visit days).

The activities

On a one week course the planned activity usually takes place on Saturday. On a two-week course 2 activities are planned. These may be at the weekend or during the week. Where they are during the week there will be lessons on Saturday.

We may also have to change activities from the weekend to a weekday if the weather is better. In all cases lessons will be re-arranged.

The activities are an integral part of the course so make sure you choose an activity that suits you. We do not offer training in these activities just the opportunity to do them. Other (non teacher) native speaker guests will join us on these activities.

It is also another chance for you to continue your language practice.

Native speaker guests

These are local people who will join us for the activity. They work in various fields from organic farming to IT management, accountancy, marketing and education. Although the activities are social they also provide a chance to network informally in English.

The following activities are planned for 2010 (click on the activity to find out more)

• Cycling
• Walking
• Photography