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English language classes, resources and interpreting support

Below is a list of local English Language/ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) classes.

Disclaimer: The inclusion of any other organisations in a document or weblink is for signposting purposes only and does not imply any endorsement of them.

ESOL or English language classes in-person

The Arc, Winchester

ESOL English Language Entry 1. This ten-week course is suitable for people who are able to speak some English and want to improve their communication, listening and speaking skills. You will improve your spoken English with a focus on pronunciation, grammar and listening. 

Goals include being able to speak about yourself and everyday situations, understand a timetable, book an appointment, ask for information and contribute to cultural exchange. You will be supported by ESOL tutor, Meera Narasimhan. 

Days and times: Tuesday 19th September – 12th December (no class 17th October, 24 October, 14th November)

Times: 1pm-3pm

Level: LR1

Location: The  Arc, Winchester, Jewry St, Winchester SO23 8SB

Cost: Free

Contact:  To sign up complete the form on this link http://forms.office.com/r/nk7Hq3Ha8R  

ESOL Conversation course:

This ten-week course English course, led by Carol Dale, is suitable for learners who can conduct a conversation in English at Entry 2 or Entry 3 level. This is a sociable learning environment which will include a chance to practice speaking English over a cup of coffee or tea. We will discuss everyday situations e.g. shopping, travel, making appointments, as well as manners and customs in the UK.

Days of the week: Monday 18th September – 4th December (no class 23rd October)

Time: 11am – 12.30pm

Level: LR1

Location: The  Arc, Winchester, Jewry St, Winchester SO23 8SB

Cost: Free

Contact: To sign up complete the form on this link http://forms.office.com/r/nk7Hq3Ha8R  

Romsey Community Services

Days of the week:19th September and 26th September 2023 and 3rd, 10th and 17th October 2023

Time: Beginners:  10am – 1.15pm and Intermediates: 2pm – 5.15pm

Level: Beginners and Intermediate (see different times above.

Location: Venue: The Winchester Club, Worthy Lane SO23 7AB

Cost: Free

Contact: call 01264 359223 or email: [email protected]

Peter Symonds College

ESOL courses in the daytime and evenings for Ukrainian speakers ongoing in 2023. 
Days of the week: TBC
Time: TBC
The courses will run until the end of term. 
Levels: See above
Location: PSC Adult & Higher Education Division, Stoney Lane, Weeke, Winchester, Hampshire SO22 6DR
Cost: Free
Contact: Register by emailing [email protected], calling them on 01962 886166 or calling in to the college in-person, whichever is the easiest option. Please provide your name and contact details.

Online classes 

Online Classes for refugees and people seeking sanctuary
English Language for Beginners, free English language class that focuses mainly on speaking, listening, and reading skills, hosted by a ‘Homes for Ukraine’ host and University lecturer in English Language. Carolin has taught English language classes at a language school in Germany and privately in the UK.
Day of the week and time: Sunday, 6-7 pm
The course starts on 27.08.2023, but you can join any time, at a more advanced stage.
Level: A1/A2 Beginners/Elementary (You have had a few lessons recently or long ago, or you are willing to learn quickly.)
Location: online via Microsoft Team (you can join from your computer or from a mobile phone)
Cost: Free
Contact: Dr Carolin Esser-Miles [email protected]
English communication course 2, free English language class that combines general English and business English elements, hosted by a ‘Homes for Ukraine’ host and University lecturer in English Language. Carolin has taught English language classes at a language school in Germany and privately in the UK.
Day of the week and time: Sunday,7:30-8:30 pm
The course starts on 27.08.2023, but you can join any time, at a more advanced stage.
Level: A2/B1 pre-intermediate (You can talk about yourself and some of your interests. You can understand language in the present tenses and the past tenses, but you still make errors in choosing the right tense yourself.)
Location: online via Microsoft Team (you can join from your computer or from a mobile phone)
Cost: Free
Contact: Dr Carolin Esser-Miles [email protected]
English communication course 3, free English language class that combines general English and business English elements, as well as some training units for English language exams, hosted by a ‘Homes for Ukraine’ host and University lecturer in English Language. Carolin has taught English language classes at a language school in Germany and privately in the UK.
Day of the week and time: Monday, 6-7 pm
The course starts on 28.08.2023, but you can join any time, at a more advanced stage.
Level: B1/B2 intermediate (You can talk about your life and experiences. You can also discuss more abstract or subjective topics. You have learnt some of the more complex grammar (e.g. first conditional), but you still make frequent errors. You can read simple texts and listen to videos for English language classes)
Location: online via Microsoft Team (you can join from your computer or from a mobile phone)
Cost: Free
Contact: Dr Carolin Esser-Miles [email protected]
English communication course 4, free English language class that combines general English and business English elements, video talks, as well as some training units for the most popular English language exams, hosted by a ‘Homes for Ukraine’ host and University lecturer in English Language. Carolin has taught English language classes at a language school in Germany and privately in the UK. The exact focus of this course will be decided in our first lesson.
Day of the week and time: Friday, 6-7 pm
The course starts on 01.09.2023, but you can join any time, at a more advanced stage.
Level: B1/B2 intermediate (You can express more complex viewpoints, arguments, and hypothetical situations. You have knowledge of more complex grammar and make occasional errors. You have some technical vocabulary.)
Cost: Free
Contact: Dr Carolin Esser-Miles [email protected]

Additional online courses

Free online courses for refugees – OpenLearn – Open University

British Council LearnEnglish self access courses 

Babbel для України | Babbel

English Language Schools 

Local English Language Schools are providing intensive English Language courses for adults alongside summer schools for children. To find out more about what they can offer and the cost of classes please contact them directly as they may be able to provide courses at discounted rates (or occasionally free) for those seeking asylum or refuge in Winchester and the local area. 

Full-immersion English courses, mini-stays, English language summer schools, TESOL courses (english-naturally.com) 

Europa School of English – English school in Bournemouth (europa-school.co.uk)  

Resources 

You can use google translate for free 

You can also use the duolingo dictionary for help with translating some words 

Here are some free twinkl language resources for using with children. They are available in lots of different languages 

You can download Say Hi app at the app store for simultaneous translations. 

The Refugee phrasebook, available online for free, has lots of different words/phrases in it in different many languages. They have several different phrasebooks including ones for helping refugees to orientate themselves in a new place, a medical phrasebook, a juridicial (legal) phrasebook, and a phrasebook for helpers. which hosts may find particularly useful.

For new arrivals, the most recent Ukrainian translations of the refugee phrasebook are available here. 

Additional resources

Thousands of free eBooks and audiobooks

In order to provide Ukrainians with a range of free reading, listening, learning and entertainment opportunities, multimedia content provider Odilo  launched a free app for both Android and iOS in early April. Available across Europe, the app includes 3000 e-books and audiobooks in a variety of genres, including 1,700 Ukrainian titles and 500 in English. There is material for both children and adults. Kraal: ‘We hope that everyone – from social workers to host families – will draw the attention of the refugees to this app. To offer them the support, pleasure or comfort of reading, learning and listening in these difficult and uncertain times.”

Links to the app:

Interpretation or translation support

If you need support with interpreting or translating you can contact translators for Ukraine here where you can access a live database of volunteer translators and interpreters.

List of volunteer translators and interpreters (updated live)