Intermediate · B1 / B2 · Study / Exchange

Enrolling on a Course

Your goal: enquire, enrol, and understand the requirements and deadlines of a course abroad.

1

Survival Phrases

Enquiring

  • I'm interested in the B2 evening course — is there a place?
  • What level do I need to start?
  • Is there an entry test?

Enrolling

  • Could you send the enrolment form?
  • What documents do I need to enrol?
  • Is there a deposit to secure the place?

Deadlines & fees

  • When's the enrolment deadline?
  • Can I pay in instalments?
  • Is there an early-bird discount?

Visas & logistics

  • Will you provide a letter for my visa?
  • Does the fee include materials?
  • Can I defer to the next term?
2

Model Dialogue

Read the dialogue aloud twice — once for each speaker. Notice how B picks up A's words and adds something.

Marina: Hi, I'm interested in the B2 evening course — is there still a place?

Admin: There are a few left. Have you done our entry test?

Marina: Not yet — what level do I need, and what's the test?

Admin: B2 start, so upper-intermediate. The test is online, takes 40 minutes, grammar and a short writing.

Marina: OK. And the deadline to enrol?

Admin: Two weeks before term starts. There's a £100 deposit to hold the place.

Marina: Can I pay the rest in instalments?

Admin: Yes — three payments, no interest. Materials are included in the fee.

Marina: Perfect. One more — I'm coming from abroad; can you provide a visa letter?

Admin: Once you're enrolled and the deposit's paid, yes. I'll email the form now.

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationMore formalMore informal / natural
EnquiringI'm interested in the B2 evening course — could you tell me if there's a place?Is the B2 evening course full?
EnrollingCould you send me the enrolment form and a list of documents?Can you send the form?
FeesIs it possible to pay in instalments, and is there an early-bird rate?Can I pay in instalments?
VisaOnce enrolled, would you be able to provide a visa letter?Can you do a visa letter?
At B1/B2 the line between formal and informal is often tone and softeners (just, a bit, possibly), not different words. Soften requests when the stakes are higher.
4

Typical Mistakes (B1/B2 & Portuguese interference)

  • I want to do the course of B2. → I'm interested in the B2 course. ((interested in é natural))
  • What level I need? → What level do I need to start? ((ordem: auxiliar))
  • I will do the test. → I'll take the entry test. ((take a test, não do))
  • Can I pay in parts? → Can I pay in instalments? ((instalments))
  • When is the deadline? → When's the enrolment deadline? ((enrolment deadline))
  • I come from abroad. → I'm coming from abroad. ((present continuous para plano))
5

Culture Note

  • Entry tests place you at the right level — don't 'aim low' to get an easy class; you'll be bored.
  • Deposits hold the place but may be non-refundable — check the small print.
  • Visa letters are only issued after enrolment and payment; budget for that order.
  • Instalment plans (no interest) are common in language schools — always ask.
6

Practical Task

  1. Rebuild the dialogue for a different course (business, exam prep).
  2. Record both roles, asking about level and deadlines.
  3. Write the four questions you'd ask before enrolling.
  4. Real-life mission: read a real course-enrolment page in English and find three terms (deposit, instalments, entry test).

Before you finish, can you…

  • ☐enquire about places and entry level?
  • ☐ask about the test and documents?
  • ☐ask about fees, instalments and the deadline?
  • ☐request a visa letter at the right moment?
Bring your dialogue — the teacher plays an admin who's unsure if the course is full.