The most sought after destinations are:
- England;
- Belgium;
- Switzerland;
- Germany;
- France;
- Italy;
- Spain.
Each of these countries offers a variety of programs, and the choice depends on the purpose of the trip. Language courses abroad are focused primarily on schoolchildren over 16 years old and students over 18 years old.
Teaching English Abroad: Main Differences in Programs
If you urgently need to “pull up” or even learn a foreign language at some level in a fairly short time, then intensive programs will suit you. Usually they include at least 30 hours per week, and some schools (for example, Ceran in Belgium) offer intensity in the "full immersion" mode - up to 70 hours per week. These types of English courses abroad are organized by OISE and Berlitz in different countries.
As a rule, in England, students prefer London and the "academic capitals" - Oxford and Cambridge. Particularly popular for summer study abroad are Bournemouth Language School, Bell International Cambridge, Bell International London, St. Clare's College. In the USA, English courses most often go to New York and on the coast of the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean: in Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco. Here you can highlight the training centers Rennert New York, Miami South Beach Language School , represented in many cities in the EC.
Language courses abroad can also take place at a relaxed pace: classes are held 15-20 hours a week (that is, from Monday to Friday for three to four hours a day before or after lunch). All our partner schools offer a different format of classes: individual, in mini-groups, combined (one-on-one and in a group).
Courses with preparation for international exams and university entrance
An important point is preparation for international exams IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, FCE and others. With this choice, you can go for an academic semester or even a year and take an exam in the country of study itself. For students, it is very important to study English at universities. In the USA, these are Columbia University, Golden Gate University, University of La Verne. In England - Oxford and Cambridge. In Canada, the University of Toronto.
Even a narrow-profile program can be combined with language courses abroad. So, those who are interested in international business, HR, law, entrepreneurship, banking and finance can find suitable options at The London School of English. The main goal of such programs is usually the study of specialized vocabulary and the practice of communication among professionals.
Additional entertainment program
Language courses abroad can be combined with interesting activities. Many American language centers offer the US Traveler program, which includes a small number of lessons and a variety of excursions. Also, studying English abroad can be combined with some course from the direction of "Art": drawing, dancing, theater, acting lessons, photography. Such programs are offered by many schools in England, the USA, Switzerland and other countries.
If you want an active holiday, then an English study abroad program along with sports training is suitable. Here you will find football, tennis, basketball, golf, horseback riding, and even surfing at Embassy CES San Diego. All trainers are professionals in their field.
Studying foreign languages abroad for students will significantly expand the stock of knowledge, add a solid line to the resume, and most importantly, help improve a foreign language, one of the key skills in any profession.
Are you thinking of sending your child to study English abroad during the school holidays? Our helpful tips will help you avoid all the pitfalls and decide on the choice of school.
Traveling abroad, passing a specialized USE or continuing to study abroad - there is nowhere without English in the modern global world.
Unfortunately, it is sometimes quite difficult for a child to learn English in a Russian school, and sometimes, even with a good grammatical base, it is not always possible to express one's thoughts aloud: there is both the notorious language barrier and the lack of conversational practice. The way out of the situation could be English language courses for schoolchildren abroad, held both in the winter and summer holidays. In addition, the cost of such courses is comparable to summer camps in Russia, and sometimes even cheaper.
At what age can you start sending a child?
If you send a small child alone to the courses, it may turn out that instead of excellent speaking practice and friends from all over the world, he will receive only. Therefore, in order not to urgently buy a return ticket, it is better to wait until the child grows up to adolescence.
General practice shows that 12-14 years old is the ideal age for the first big solo trip. And your child will return home with a lot of positive emotions and excellent English. In addition, the experience of independent living will certainly benefit him. And who knows, maybe he will even start making the bed himself.
Which country to choose?
Of course, English. You can, of course, send your child to study English in Finland or Switzerland, but when the language surrounds the student 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and not just in the classroom, the effectiveness of learning increases significantly. It is also worth considering that in America - American English, and Australia - Australian. Classical English - the language of Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter - can only be found in England. In addition, England is relatively close, while, for example, a flight to New York from Moscow can take up to 12 hours.
How far to go?
Usually the duration of the courses starts from 2 weeks. The most optimal period is 4-5 weeks. During this time, the child will not have time to miss home, will noticeably improve the language and have a great rest. In addition, you can divide education between 2 cities - then the child will be able to travel around the country and make many friends.
How is English taught to children?
Usually English courses for schoolchildren are something like a summer school camp. Classes in the morning, cultural program in the afternoon. It is very important not to overdo it with the intensity of training. Still, it is important that the child not only learn English, but also rest: 20 lessons a week is enough. It is important that the child study in a group: too small classes do not provide opportunities for group work and communication with classmates, and in too large classes it is difficult for the teacher to give due attention to each student. Therefore, the optimal group size is 10-18 students.
What will the child do after class?
Pay attention to what program of extracurricular activities the school offers, because it is after classes that the material learned in the classroom is practiced. Every child is sure to find something interesting for themselves: whether it's going to the cinema, or bowling, or kayaking, or an excursion to a neighboring city. Be sure to check if these activities are included in the course fee.
Where will the child live and what will they eat?
Usually 2 accommodation options are offered - a local host family or a hostel with a common dining room. For younger students, it is recommended to opt for a family: they will better look after the child there - they will feed him, control the time of coming home. For older students, the hostel will be an ideal choice. This option implies greater independence, however, the child will not be left without proper supervision and control.
How will the child arrive / fly away / find a school / live alone?
Courses for minors are under special control of the regulatory authorities, and they are subject to increased requirements. From the moment of passing through passport control until the moment of boarding the plane, the child is accompanied by school staff. The transfer ensures the safe transportation of the child - both to and from school. In all schools and dormitories, staff will always be ready to answer any questions or help the child.
What to pay attention to
Does the school have state accreditation?
By choosing a school with state accreditation, you can be sure that you will receive a high-level education for the money you pay. Accreditation from organizations such as the British Council (UK) or ACCET (USA) means that schools are regularly reviewed and meet the highest standards of education.
Are all four major language skills emphasized in the lessons?
To master a foreign language, you need to evenly practice and develop the four main skills - reading, writing, speaking and listening. Lessons built around developing these skills will benefit the child the most.
Do teachers have certificates of relevant qualifications?
Make sure that the child will learn from teachers who have completed a full course of training, because the quality of the education they receive depends on them. If the teacher has a CELTA, TESOL or equivalent diploma, rest assured that the teacher is highly qualified and has teaching experience.
Does the school have a help desk in case of questions about studying or living?
It is extremely important that there are people in the school to whom the child can turn for any question regarding education and living. Even if he or you never have to use this service, the support service will guarantee a calm learning for the child.
Does the school have courses for adults?
If you are afraid to let your child go alone and want to combine business with pleasure by improving your English on vacation, be sure to find out about the possibility of studying at the same school with your child.
TOP-3 - the best English cities for learning a language
baht
The ancient city with the legendary Roman baths is a monument of the Classical era, listed as a World Heritage Site and located just 2 hours from London. The city simply breathes history - the child will definitely not be bored!
Torquay
The pearl of the English Riviera. The quiet town on the coast is a great option for both summer and winter. In winter, the climate is mild and pleasant, and in summer you can sunbathe.
London
Where else to learn English, if not in the capital - London? An ancient but very modern city - a living textbook of the English language. Tip: to avoid the bustle of the city, it is better to prefer a school located not in the city center.
English Abroad for students and adults is one of the fastest and most effective ways to speak and improve your listening comprehension. You can learn a language for years, but never start speaking and understanding it fluently. The advantages of studying English abroad are obvious, but does such learning have a downside, disadvantages? Let's figure it out.
Pros and Cons of Learning English Abroad
The advantages of studying English abroad include the following:
- Immersion in the language environment allows you to learn more efficiently, removes the language barrier faster, and communication with native speakers helps you feel the living language, better understand speech by ear, gain conversational vocabulary and, as a result, express your thoughts more freely.
- The opportunity to try foreign teaching methods that are not practiced in their native country.
- The opportunity to combine learning with recreation and entertainment.
- The ability to turn on the natural process of memorization - a new experience, impressions will become those “memory knots” that by themselves and will forever leave in the memory the words and concepts associated with them.
The disadvantages of studying English abroad, in our opinion, are much less than the pros. These include:
- Higher overall costs - in addition to the cost of classes for English learners abroad, accommodation fees, tickets are added. The cost of staying in the country.
- Some people think that combining study and travel means not having time for either of these activities. However, this problem is easily solved - you can take an intensive or super-intensive English course, and postpone travel, excursions and entertainment for another trip.
- Difficulties may arise for those who go to learn a language abroad from scratch. Of course, schools that offer such programs will provide a special approach, but it is difficult to do an assignment written in a language that you do not yet know. Yes, and everyday communication in this case will cause a lot of difficulties.
English Abroad in Summer
You can spend your summer holidays and vacations with pleasure and benefit if you combine traveling in a pleasant company and studying at English language courses abroad. Language learning will be more effective than at home - after all, abroad you can immediately work out the acquired knowledge in practice.
The cost of studying English abroad
The spread of prices in English schools abroad is quite large. The price depends on the country, the course of study - for example, a general English course will cost less than English for business or learning any specialized vocabulary. Also academic English for students, preparation for IELTS and TOEFL exams will cost more due to the fact that such courses last long (not less than a month).
In addition, the cost of learning English depends on the size of the group, the number of classes per week (intensive, superintensive). The most expensive options are one-on-one study with a teacher or a homestay study program with a teacher.
Foreign language courses abroad- the most effective method of mastering the language in a short time. The language sounds in the classroom and outside the walls of the school, it is no coincidence that two weeks of studying English in another country are equated to a year of independent study of English at home. Learning a language abroad is also an exciting adventure. Together with English, students of language schools receive a pleasant bonus - traveling and getting to know the culture of another country. As a result, school graduates can confidently communicate in a foreign language and get an unforgettable experience.
For toddlers, traveling to another country without parents can do more harm than good. Separation from mom and dad, unfamiliar surroundings is a big stress for preschoolers and first graders, so it is better to postpone studying at courses for children abroad for adolescence. The ideal time for the first trip is 11-17 years old. The experience of independent living also does not hurt: the child will understand that you trust him, and do not bother with overprotection. It is very useful for socially active teenagers to be surrounded by native speakers - when communicating with foreign classmates, children very quickly begin to speak themselves.
Which country to choose
If you are sending your child to school courses abroad to learn a particular language, then choose a place where everyone speaks it. It is better to study English in the USA, Great Britain, Ireland, Malta and even Australia. Another important factor is the remoteness of the school and the possibility of a direct flight if the child flies alone. Educational institutions in Europe are located a few hours' flight from home, while in Australia and the United States you can get up to 12 hours.
