BLC Blog

“Beat the volcano” was the campaign with competition launched by The Bristol Language Centre in June in order to encourage students to make alternative travel to Bristol for summer language courses with the slogan “don’t let volcanic ash CLOUD your summer travel decisions”.

In July we have found our winner! Today we are proudly a sharing with you our very big well-done to Giorgio Pratofiorito from Italy, who is the winner of our BLC competition for submitting the best idea.

We were particularly impressed with Giorgio’s performance because of his young age! Giorgio attended The BLC Summer Junior Programme. Giorgio won an iPod Shuffle and appearance on our website BLC Blog.

We are happy to learn that Giorgio “came home proud of the prize he won and quite excited about the experience in Bristol”.
If you want to learn more about Giorgio’s idea, read an interview with our winner!

http://www.thebristollanguagecentre.co.uk/docs_content/19.pdf

Magdalena and Giorgio at The BLC after interview and prize handing 

English UK’s victory at the High Court on 9th of July 2010 regarding the level of English language required for General student visas under the points based visa system, was unexpectedly overturned, effective 23rd July 2010. This means that the level of English language required for British General Student Visas, for students who are below degree level, has again been raised to level CEFR (Common European Framework) B1, equivalent to an intermediate level. While there is still the option of the Student Visitor visa for students on courses of 6 months or less, which has no level requirement, the reinstatement of the level requirement at CEFR B1 (intermediate level) will affect many students wanting to come to the UK to learn English, and creates some concerns about the effect on local economies. In addition, many students may choose to study in alternative destinations, outside the UK, which do not have such stringent visa requirements. At BLC we have streamlined our applications process to make it as efficient as possible, and are focusing on university preparation courses. This, together with the development of online preparation courses, means that we are well placed to respond to student needs in challenging times, and continue to do well.

Link to UKBA site

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/july/45-changes-to-t4