Language courses abroad: how to organize a trip independently?

The easiest and fastest way to learn a language is to study it in a country where it is spoken. Almost every city abroad has its own language school for foreigners. And in large cities and capitals, their number runs into hundreds. If you think that going abroad to learn a language is very expensive, you are mistaken. If you organize everything yourself, it’s no more expensive than a regular tourist trip, and sometimes even cheaper.

What types of language courses are there?

The most common type of course is a general language course. The emphasis is on studying all aspects of the language: grammar, reading, phonetics, etc. Most language schools, in addition to the general course, offer a special preparation course for international exams. The most common are IELTS and TOEFL. As additional classes, you can take an advanced grammar course, phonetics, and even individual lessons with a teacher. Courses for advanced students with a focus on a specific specialization, such as Business English, English for Tourism and Hospitality, etc., are very popular. Some schools offer their own programs where language courses are combined with the study of culture and art or culinary skills. The latter, by the way, are very popular in Italy.

How are classes conducted?

On the first day of classes, students are asked to take a short test, and based on its results, you will be placed in a group with an appropriate level of preparation. So don’t worry if your knowledge is lacking; everyone in your group will have roughly the same language proficiency.

The school sets the schedule and duration of classes. Typically, classes are held every weekday and last 3–4 academic hours of 45 minutes each, but there are schools where an academic hour is 60 minutes. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion.

What accommodation options are offered to students?

The most common option is homestay with a host family. You will live in a separate room or share it with another international student. But don’t expect the family to dedicate all their free time to you. On the first day, you will be introduced to the house and its living rules. Please note that not all families allow students to use the kitchen. You will certainly be allowed to make tea/coffee or a sandwich, but cooking something on the stove or in the oven is unlikely. If you plan to combine foreign language study with entertainment, the best accommodation option for you is a student dormitory (residence). Some schools specifically rent a house or apartment for their students — this option is the most comfortable, but usually more expensive. Finally, it’s worth mentioning hotels. They are offered by language schools located in resorts — in Malta and Cyprus.

How to organize a trip independently?

First of all, you need to decide on the country. German can be learned in Germany as well as in Austria, English in the UK, USA, Australia, Malta, and even Cyprus. Choosing a language school is the most difficult stage. A preliminary list can be found on the websites of agencies that specialize in studying abroad. However, they rarely cooperate with the cheapest schools. If you are looking for a budget option, then your ability to search for information online will come to your aid. Many countries have school directory websites. For example, if you are going to study English in the UK, the website www.englishuk.com will help you. How to book courses is described on the language school’s website. Many of them offer to fill out and submit a short online form, while others ask you to fill it out by hand and send a scanned copy by email. Once your application is approved, you will be sent an invoice. Once the school receives payment or prepayment for tuition and accommodation, they will send you the relevant documents, based on which you will obtain a visa.

How to get a visa for language study?

Each country has its own requirements for international students. You need to carefully study the website of the consulate and immigration service of the country you plan to visit. Additionally, there are many specialized websites and forums online where you can find information about obtaining a student visa for free.