Explore our summer centres
Contact us
Follow us:
.svg){kind=icon}
.webp){kind=logo}
Our Work Experience & Volunteering programmes combine General English lessons with real volunteering in UK charities.
They are ideal for students aged 16 and over who want to improve their English, gain genuine work experience abroad and build skills that will stand out on a CV or university application. You learn in the classroom in the morning, then put your English to work with real customers and colleagues.
Students take a level test on arrival and are placed in the right class.
Two programmes for adults aged 16+, available on any dates in Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Colchester and Portsmouth.
In the mornings, you take a General English course designed to improve your communication skills in an international setting. In the afternoons, you volunteer in a local charity shop, NGO or similar organisation – a great chance to practise English in a real working environment.
Start with a one-week General English course to refresh your skills while you settle into your new town. Then complete 1–6 weeks on a full-time placement (6 hours per day), giving you full immersion in UK working life and the best opportunity to practise English in real-life situations.
| Main Course + Work Experience | Work Experience & Immersion | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 16+ | 16+ |
| Dates | Any dates | Any dates |
| English | 15 hours per week | Week 1: 15 hours |
| Volunteering | 15 hours per week (afternoons) | 1–6 weeks, full time |
| Accommodation | Homestay or residence | Homestay or residence |
| Locations | Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Colchester, Portsmouth | Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Colchester, Portsmouth |
All placements are unpaid volunteering roles with registered UK charities, arranged by ILC. Placements depend on availability: in busy periods students are allocated a placement, and outside the summer we try to match your placement to your interests.
Some of our example charities in Colchester – similar placements are available at all our locations. Placements depend on availability.
Supports refugees and asylum seekers as they settle into a new town, language and culture.
The UK's largest dog welfare charity, caring for over 15,000 dogs a year across 20 rehoming centres.
Helps people out of homelessness with meaningful work and a stable home, through shops and cafés across the UK.
The UK's leading vet charity, providing 2.7 million treatments a year at 48 Pet Hospitals.
Funds life-saving research into heart attacks, strokes and heart conditions across the UK.
A friendly charity shop in Colchester city centre, helping people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.
I learned English by talking with natives. The volunteering really helps, since you have to speak English with customers.
Gaia, Italy · Sense charity shopIt was an amazing experience! I loved the school, my host family and my charity shop. If I have the chance one day, I'd love to come back!
Eléa, France · Havens HospicesI loved this experience, it was all great: the lessons, the people, the host family, the work experience… I would definitely recommend it.
Garazi, Spain · St Helena HospiceIt was a growing experience. Since I was alone and in another country, I was able to live a real-life experience.
Anita, Italy · East Anglia's Children's HospicesI had so much fun. I would do it all over again. This experience was formative and fun.
Sofia, Italy · Havens HospicesIt's an experience that everyone should do once in a lifetime.
Alessio, Italy · St Helena HospiceBased on end-of-course questionnaires from ILC Colchester work experience students: recommendation 2022–2026 (196 responses); volunteering rating 2026 (44 responses). Quotes used with students' permission.
Every student receives an ILC certificate with details of their course content, including their level of English and their volunteering placement.
ILC is a member of English UK and accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
Group bookings: ILC can arrange the Work Experience programme for groups in Colchester and Cambridge. Timetables are flexible and can be customised to your needs. Contact us for a group quote.
Comfortable places to stay, all within easy reach of the school. Accommodation gets busy in the summer, so book early.
Live with a local host, enjoy home-cooked meals and practise your English every day.
For more independent students: modern rooms and great on-site facilities.
Students under 18 stay in homestay accommodation, where a curfew applies. See homestay accommodation for more details.
Volunteering is available at all five ILC centres.
Britain's oldest recorded town, close to the historic centre and Castle Park, with easy access to London.
A world-famous university city and thriving hub for research and business, in the historic heart near Jesus College.
A dynamic waterfront city with a rich maritime history, our centre is in the city centre near Victoria Park.
A creative student city near Cabot Circus and Castle Park, with Brunel's famous Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Britain's second city: shopping at the Bullring, concerts at Symphony Hall and historic canals nearby.
Our team will help you choose the right centre and placement. Contact us
Check prices, book your course or ask us anything – our team is happy to help.
* Public Holidays in 2026-2027: 25 December, 28 December, 1 January, 26 March, 29 March, 3 May, 31 May, 30 August
Christmas Holidays 2026-2027: Birmingham/Bristol/Cambridge/Portsmouth Centres are closed 19 December – 3 January,
Colchester Centre is closed 25 December – 3 January.
Copyright © 2026 by ILC. All Rights Reserved.
.webp)
