Choosing a language course abroad is an important step when you want to learn a language abroad. Many destinations, schools and programmes exist today, which can make the decision difficult for students and families.
A well-chosen language course abroad allows you to make rapid progress in the language while living a rewarding cultural experience. To make your project a success, it is essential to take several criteria into account, such as the destination, the duration of the stay, the type of programme or the accommodation.
Here are the main things to consider in order to choose the language course abroad best suited to your objectives.
Choosing the language you want to learn
The first step is naturally to determine the language you want to learn or improve. English remains the most requested language for language courses abroad, particularly in England, the United States, Canada and Australia.
Other languages also attract many students, such as Spanish, German, Italian and Japanese. The choice of language often depends on personal, academic or professional objectives.
A language course abroad allows you to practise the language every day in an authentic environment, which encourages rapid progress.
Choosing the destination
The destination plays an essential role in the experience of a language course abroad. Some students favour large international cities such as London, New York and Sydney, while others prefer smaller towns offering a more complete language immersion.
The choice of destination can also depend on the budget, the climate or the activities offered on site. For example, language courses in Australia and Canada often appeal to students who want to combine learning the language with discovering spectacular landscapes.
It is therefore important to choose a destination that matches both your language objectives and your desire to explore.
Choosing the duration of the stay
The duration of the language course abroad has a strong influence on the results obtained. Most language schools offer programmes ranging from one week to several months.
For a first experience, many students choose a stay of two to four weeks. This duration is already enough to make progress and to discover the destination.
Longer stays, of several months, offer a deeper immersion and often make it possible to reach a much higher language level.
Choosing the language school
The choice of language school is an essential element in the success of the language course abroad. It is advisable to choose a school that is recognised and accredited by international bodies.
Quality schools generally offer small class sizes, qualified teachers and modern teaching methods.
Many schools also organise cultural activities and excursions to encourage exchanges between students and the discovery of the region.
Choosing the type of accommodation
Language schools generally offer several accommodation options. The host family remains one of the most popular solutions because it allows you to practise the language every day and to discover the local culture.
Student residences are also very popular, particularly with young adults, because they offer more independence and make it possible to meet students from all over the world.
The choice of accommodation therefore depends on the level of independence wanted and the type of experience being sought.
Setting your budget
The budget is also an important criterion in the choice of a language course abroad. The price can vary depending on the destination, the duration of the stay and the services included in the programme.
It is therefore advisable to compare the different offers carefully and to take all the costs into account: language courses, accommodation, transport and spending on site.
Some organisations also offer solutions for arranging a language course abroad at a reduced price.
Choosing the programme suited to your profile
Language courses abroad exist today in many forms. Some programmes are specially designed for teenagers, while others are intended for students or adults.
There are also intensive programmes, stays combining courses and sports activities, and professional training courses that make it possible to prepare for international exams.
Choosing the programme suited to your profile means you can take full advantage of the language experience.
A unique experience for making progress in a language
A language course abroad is much more than simple academic learning. It is an international experience that allows you to discover a new culture, to meet students from all over the world and to develop your independence.
By carefully choosing the destination, the school and the programme, it is possible to live a rewarding experience while making a lasting improvement to your language level.
More info: Budget, Where to go, Preparing your stay, visas