Change Your Life by Studying Abroad
Why Should I Learn English Abroad Instead of at Home?
There is an obvious benefit to learning English in an English-speaking country: you often have no choice but to speak English, and so you’ll learn much faster.
All of us hear at RealLife English have studied and/or lived abroad and we can assure you, it is one of the most life-changing, incredible experiences that anyone can have (learn more about our experiences here).
Trying to learn a language on your own, with nobody to practice with, is a very slow process. Taking an English course in a country like the UK or Australia helps you to learn much faster because:
- You live with an English-speaking family or in a multi-national residence, where most people have to speak English
- You very quickly learn to understand things like road signs and public transport notices, which boosts your confidence
- Most media like TV and radio are in English, improving your listening abilities
What Kind of English Courses are Available?
Depending on your goals, budget and available time, you have a wide range of options. Most schools offer courses from as little as two weeks, to entire year courses. Some have a specific focus on certain skills, while others are much broader.
A few examples of courses commonly available are:
- Intensive English – Courses with a higher than average workload designed to raise your English level as much as possible in a shorter time
- Business English – Similar to Intensive courses, but with a focus on Business-related subjects to improve your vocabulary in the workplace
- Vacation English – Usually fewer classroom hours in exchange for more time to enjoy a holiday, with a focus on learning through living in the country
- Formal Certificates – Such as TOEFL or CELTA. Most schools offer a specific course to prepare you to take this exam
Check out Fabio‘s Study Abroad Experience Below! (Video in Portuguese with English subtitles)
Where Can I Study?
Learning English abroad is most effective in an English-speaking country, so the top choices are:
- United Kingdom and Ireland
- United States
- Australia and New Zealand
- Canada
There are other of course other options, but learning English in one of these countries gives you the biggest advantage and will allow you to become fluent quickly.
How Does an English Course Abroad Work?
Here are some key facts to know if you’re considering a trip abroad to learn English:
- Book your course anywhere from two to six months in advance. Most schools let you start at any time during the year, but some courses have set start times.
- You’ll need to ensure that you have the appropriate visa, or enough time to secure one before you travel
- Accommodation is usually separate. This can be booked through the school, or separately if you wish
- When you arrive:
- Your school representative can arrange airport pickups and transfer to your accommodation and your first day at school
- you will be assessed and put into a class group of similar-level students, so that you’re starting at the right proficiency
- When starting your course you will be able to choose different subjects or modules, depending on what you’d like to learn
- You’ll be assessed on a regular basis, and you can also choose to take a formal exam such as TOEFL or CELTA
- When your course finishes, you will receive a certificate stating your English proficiency level, in addition to any other exams you may have written
How Kaplan Can Help You
Kaplan International is a leading provider of English language courses and other study abroad programs.
We have 45+ English language schools in England, Scotland, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malta.
We have schools in beach towns, big cities and near historical and cultural centers. A course with Kaplan isn’t just about lessons in a classroom, it’s a life experience.