Simon has worked in ELT for 15 years in the UK, Spain and Brazil, before joining UCT in 2014, where he established the English Language Centre. His areas of interest include systems of collocation, prosodic features of speech, IELTS training, and business development in ELT.


Our Team
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Dean's Welcome
Our English Language Centre is located within the vibrant Faculty of Humanities, the second largest and most academically diverse faculty at the University of Cape Town.
There are many reasons to learn English. For some, it is about improving career prospects since proficiency in English is a key requirement in today’s global business world. Some view English as a gateway into the best colleges or universities. For others, it is simply about acquiring a new set of language skills and exploring a different culture.
In choosing to learn English at UCT English Language Centre, you will join a community of international students who, like you, have chosen to pursue their studies at Africa’s premier research, teaching and learning institution. UCT is currently one of the few universities with a unit dedicated to teaching English as a Foreign Language in Southern Africa. Our language students benefit from the Centre’s state of the art facilities and from our highly qualified teachers who will help you attain your individual language goals. Our numerous sports clubs, student societies and recreational facilities will keep you busy during the ‘down time’ from your studies. In addition, we offer you the chance to explore our beautiful city and country, to create lasting memories and the opportunity to establish new networks of friends.
If you are considering learning English, you should know that there are few institutions in the world that rival what we offer students at UCT. So, whatever your reasons for wanting to learn or improve your English language skills, I encourage you to make the best possible choice. Choose to study at the UCT English Language Centre.
I wish you every success in your academic journey!
A/ Prof Shose Kessi
Dean of Humanities

Our Team
The teachers at UCT English Language Centre are all highly qualified and experienced in the field of English as a Foreign Language. Most teachers have their own specific area of expertise and interest which contributes to the development of our team and ensures that ELC delivers on its promise of teaching to the highest standards.
In addition, ELC runs accredited, high-quality TEFL courses (Teaching English as a Foreign language) which offers aspiring English teachers a chance to learn from the best. These courses are designed, run and facilitated by ELC trainers. When not providing training, TEFL trainers form an integral part of the teaching team, as well as supporting teachers' continuing professional development.
The staff members are committed to ensuring your experience, from the moment you enquire to study with us until the day you graduate from our school, is a positive one.
Monica has over 15 years’ experience in the EFL industry and has experience in teacher-training, IELTS & Cambridge ESOL examining as well as working in Academic Management. Monica is passionate about all areas of education, especially alternative progressive models. She also has a keen interest in teacher development.
Catherine has worked in Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) and EFL since 2003 in South Africa and Spain. She ran EFL, EAP and TEFL courses at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) before joining ELC. Her areas of interest include English for Academic Purposes and Digital Story Telling as a tool for teaching and learning in ELT.
Annaëlle has been in the field of education since 2007. She has had the wonderful opportunity to work as a high school teacher, EFL teacher and academic manager. Annaëlle loves teaching and interacting with students and colleagues. Her areas of interest include creating materials, developing autonomous learners and blended learning.