January 2016, I booked a short trip to London on August 2016. In June, I asked myself “Why not use the summer time for extend to a language study trip?”.
My journey started on Wednesday. Four full days in London should be enough. I continued my journey on Sunday. The GWR took me from London to Paignton. The arrival confirmed my decision on Paignton as LAL-Basic. The rails are along the coast. The section Newton Abbot is advertised as one of the most beautiful railway-sections. I agree.
When I arrived Paignton I walked to my host family. I didn´t know how long 0,80 miles would be… My suitcase was getting heavier and heavier. The street goes uphill and downhill. After 40 minutes I received the house of my host family. The host said: “ Why didn´t you call me? I was waiting on your phone call to pick you up.” Being clever – contact you host family before you arrive. Maye you`ll be lucky and they will pick you up.
Next day – Monday – the school starts.
After a short writing and speaking test my lesson started. I booked morning- and afternoon-lessons as mini-group. I wanted to get as much knowledge as possible.
The morning lesson was boring. So I changed the class to a higher level on Wednesday. The changing was no problem because the teacher supported me. That was a good decision. My new teacher was very motivated. The lessons were very useful. On my first week we were six persons, on my second we were four persons – a fast learning progress was possible. LAL works with modern equipment (Laptop, Flat screen, whiteboard …) – so we were able to research topical subjects.
The afternoon-class includes (only) conversation & discussion. That´s good for settle down and to get the feeling for speaking. But I would more, so I changed my afternoon-class to private lessons (second week). The academic office is very helpful. They organized my change. That was the best thing I could do. Now I had my personal trainer. We discussed my knowledge-gaps, did exercises an so on. If you have the chance to book private lessons – do it!
I admit after this lessons I needed a long break. What could you do? Excursions by LAL?
I signed up for four excursions by App on my first Sunday (day of arrival). A colleque explained to me that the App doesn´t work. I had to sign up by paper-list. On my first day, lunchtime, I signed up but one excursion was full. Only 15 students are allowed. What´s that? The second and third excursion has been cancelled due to lack of interest.
The fourth took place. I was happy. It goes to Wells and Bath – a full day trip. Wells has a very old cathedral and Bath is an old Roman city.
But don´t expect too much. My experience, the LAL-trip is only a transfer to the cities nothing more. It doesn´t matter. Torbay is the best region. A bus goes to Torquay (capital city of Torbay) and to Brixham every ten minutes. So you can do what you want.
I recommend a foot pat from Paignton to Brixham. It takes 2,5 hours. A nice walk with a beautiful landscape. The little harbour-town it´s known for their delicious fish-dinner.
Worth visiting is the beach at Babacome. There are mostly locals there unknown to tourists. Maybe, you have luck and see the seal.
Very delicious Cream Tea was offered at Babacome.
I wanted to see an original light house. So I went on a trip to Plymouth. The 1 ¼ hours drive was worthwhile. A picture tells more than words.
You see there are al lot to do! The best, the trips aren´t expensive, a weekly bus ticket costs only 16,50 pounds.
Your age doesn´t matter. I am 29 years old. The LAL-school is attended by a lot of different students. The youngest was eleven and the oldest was seventy. You will get to know many people. However you could communicate with French, German, Spain or Saudi-Arab students? You have to speak English the whole time.
I learned a lot after two weeks. I have new relationships with people all over the world. It was a good experience and my English improved.