These are very popular if you want to get a taste of the UK. Just take a look at the great variety of courses available at all kinds of different and fascinating places throughout the UK. Many UK English Schools, boarding schools, international study centres, colleges and universities run holiday courses during the spring (Easter - March / April) and summer July / August), when most of their students are on vacation. They are much more informal than, for example, intensive courses, and they often offer a lot more than just learning extra English! They provide a great way to learn more about life in the UK, but in a safe and fun way. The courses attract students from many different countries. Some may be preparing for examinations or going to boarding schools, colleges or universities in the UK (or other countries, but if they do that, they will not be getting such a good education as in the UK, of course!!!). Other students are simply looking for an interesting holiday with some experience of the UK. English with Football courses at Manchester United and Everton are always very popular, for example (just talk to the students from Euro-Education who went to Liverpool in 2002 and met Michael Owen and other members of the Liverpool team!), while other students may want to combine learning English with travelling to interesting places in the UK. Many Summer Courses have trips and excursions as well as evening activities like theatre visits and music concerts. Summer courses can also give you a chance to live as a homestay with a British family for a few weeks. Summer and holiday courses vary in length; some may only be 2 weeks, but are usually 3 or 4 weeks, with others up to 8 weeks. Have fun!