International House World > Study Abroad

Torquay (population 60.000) is the capital of an area known as the "English Riviera". This seaside town is situated in the Southwest coast of England and has an exceptional mild climate. So much so, that the symbol of the region is a palm grove! The National Park of Dartmoor, renown for its natural beauty, is one of the local attractions.

The School

International House Torquay is open all year round and is located only 2 minutes away from the centre of town. The building is a beautiful villa with garden and views of the sea. There is an outdoor heated swimming pool, spacious classrooms, study room, library, student common room with TV, piano etc. The school also has a cafe with its own chef providing hot and cold meals.

The Classes

The minimum study period is two weeks. Maximum number of students per class is 12 and minimum age for the courses is 16 during low season and 17 years during the summer. All levels of English are taught from elementary. Students who are absolute beginners should contact the school about starting dates. Classes last 45 minutes. The first textbook is included in the price of the course.

Accommodation

Students have the option of standard or superior room host family accommodation on a half-board basis during the week and full-board at weekends. Most host families are within 10-30 minutes walking distance of the school. Superior family accommodation is usually a short bus ride from the town centre. Other types of accommodation include hotels and guesthouses.

Social Programme and student services

A weekly programme is offered throughout the year with a minimum of two evening activities per week and one full day excursion every weekend including pub visits, concerts, discos, parties and excursions. Excursions include trips to Cornwall, Wales, London, Bath, Plymouth, Exeter or Dartmoor. Specialist sports include soccer, rugby, golf, tennis, sailing, wind-surfing, abseiling, caving and dry slope skiing.

TRANSFERS

National Express Coaches have a frequent and direct service from the centre of London and from Heathrow airport to Torquay (there is also an airport link from Gatwick airport to Heathrow). The trip from Heathrow lasts approximately 4.5 hours and a return ticket costs about 50GBP. The journey from Gatwick takes 5 hours and the ticket costs about 57GBP.