Tour Groups

Study Tours for Groups
TIES Study tours are specially designed to suit the requirements of groups of students from schools, colleges, universities, or private companies. Study tours can vary from short term (1 week) to long term (10 months). Students usually study ESL but other short courses are available. Although the programs have a strong learning component, they also include numerous recreational and cultural activities. Tours to locations in and around Cape Town can be arranged. Students may live with a home-stay family or in a guest-house.

Please Contact TIES at any time to arrange to have a Study Tour program designed especially for YOU!

The Area
The Western Cape region is famous for its scenic mountains and beaches and is a popular tourist destination in all seasons. The area has a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons, cool winters and hot, dry summers. Somerset West is a small town offering visitors a warm, safe and friendly environment for students. Please refer to TIES Location web page for further information about the region.

Accommodation
We recommend that all study tour students stay with English speaking families in the town for maximum language benefit. The cost for accommodation is included in the study tour package price.
Homestay - TIES has extensive experience in homestay arrangements. All host families are carefully interviewed. Selected homes provide a safe, caring atmosphere and convenient accommodation.

ESL Classes
ESL classes are taught by well-qualified TIES faculty who deliver teaching that gives students effective and practical language skills and encourages active participation. The curriculum is designed to be relevant to the students with enough flexibility to respond to the students' needs. The combination of ESL, homestay and cultural activities provide the students with opportunities to improve their confidence in using English.

Other Learning
Through active participation in small classes with experienced teachers, students learn about South Africa; its people, lifestyles, geography and culture. Study Tours can be designed with a particular educational focus. TIES faculty are experts in many fields, including Education, Tourism and Business English. TIES International can also arrange to have outside experts provide training in sports such as golf, tennis, surfing and outdoor adventures.

Sample Study Tour Schedule
Student's 2 week itinerary:
Week One
Students arrive at Cape Town International Airport.
Host families will collect the students and Erica and Tania from the school will also be there.
School Monday 0830 - 1600
School Tuesday 0830 - 1600
Wednesday - Outing to Aquila Safari Park. Leave 0600, return around 1700
School Thursday 0830 - 1600
Thursday evening activity - Playing drums and a traditional SA dinner. Leave after school at 1600, return 1900
School Friday 0830 - 1600
Saturday - Outing to Cape Town - Robben Island, lunch in the Waterfront and Table Mountain. Leave 0730, return 1700
Sunday - Outing around Cape Peninsula - Boulder's Beach Penguins, Scratch Patch Simon's Town, Cape Point. Leave 0830, return 1600.

Week Two
School Monday 0830 - 1600
Monday evening activity - TIES Snack Party - host families invited, 2000 - 2100
School Tuesday 0830 - 1600
Wednesday Outing to Ostrich Farm and Snake Park. Leave school 0830, return 1600
School Thursday 0830 - 1600
Thursday evening activity - Dinner at Moyo Restaurant. Leave 1830, return 2200
School Friday 0830 - 1600
Saturday Braai at Tania's house from 1800 - 2100. Certificates and farewell
Students leave SA Sunday


Sample School Timetable
 MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
0830 - 1030 Orientation Language Forum FULL DAY Role Plays Communication skills
1030 - 1100 TEA BREAK TEA BREAK TOURING TEA BREAK TEA BREAK
1100 - 1300 Cultural awareness Communication Skills   Language Communication Language Communication
1300 - 1400 LUNCH BREAK LUNCH BREAK   LUNCH BREAK LUNCH BREAK
1400 - 1600 Role Play Tour preparation   Cultural Awareness Tour preparation
1900 - 2100  Evening program     Evening program  

Educational
In cultural awareness classes students learn about South Africa:
  • English
  • People
  • Lifestyles
  • Geography
  • Culture
  • History
  • and more...
Comments from Students
"I enjoyed my English classes every day. My teacher was kind and cheerful. Her English was very clear and her speed of speaking was just right for me. I was so happy to join this program and meet many excellent people in South Africa. Now I want to come back and learn more English at TIES!"

"Homestay was a great experience for me! I love my homestay family and I hope to see them again one day."

"I never knew there were so many new and wonderful activities to do in South Africa that I never had chance to do in my own country! I was never bored for one minute."