As the end of my studies approached and I still had to complete an internship abroad in an English-speaking country, EF was my first port of call. As I had a limited budget, Bournemouth was recommended as a course location. At first I was a bit skeptical because I had never heard of Bournemouth. I already knew English and needed this language trip primarily for my studies, not necessarily to improve my language. Looking back, however, I have to say: my pronunciation and grammar have improved enormously since I've been here! I quickly got to know and love Bournemouth, even though it's difficult being away from home for three months.
The school – Through great teachers to success!
After my first day I immediately felt at home here. Not only the other students, but also the teachers and the entire team welcomed me warmly. There were of course a lot of questions in my first week, but I always received support – be it a direct answer or being forwarded to the right person. Each teacher has their own teaching style, but they always managed to convey the material in an understandable way. What I particularly liked was that they always adapted the lessons to our interests, so it never got boring. It didn't feel like the typical everyday school life you know in Germany – it was much more relaxed, but still very educational. Another highlight was the positive energy and helpfulness of the activity managers, who always ensured that the campus remained lively and inviting.
Activities – Something for every taste
But there is also plenty to do in Bournemouth outside of class. The school offers a variety of activities where everyone gets their money's worth. On Mondays you can meet new people and work on your language skills in the Conversation Club. There is volleyball on Tuesdays, yoga on Wednesdays and football on Fridays. Those who are less interested in sports can let off steam creatively in the Art Club on Wednesdays. Every now and then the school organizes pub crawls, bingo evenings or pool nights, which are also very popular. At the weekend you have the opportunity to take trips to London or Oxford – a new adventure every time. From time to time the school also offers multi-day trips to Scotland or Liverpool – places for these always fill up pretty quickly!
Bournemouth – The city and its surroundings
I quickly discovered Bournemouth as a place where you can feel at home. The city is small but charming and offers everything you need for a successful language trip. The beach is just ten minutes from the school and the Oceanarium on Bournemouth Pier is also worth a visit. I particularly enjoy going exploring the south of England at the weekend. Each city has its own charm – from old churches to idyllic hiking trails. Christchurch and Wimborne Minster are particularly recommended and are perfect to explore when the weather is good.
CONCLUSION
I can only advise everyone not to just rely on well-known cities when choosing a destination for a language trip. Discover new regions that not everyone has already visited and enjoy your time.
On my experiences in Bournemouth I will always be able to look back with a good feeling and I am happy about everything I have learned and seen here!
