Eight criteria to check when choosing a language school abroad
Accreditation, class size, student profile, accommodation and city: a checklist for choosing the right school.
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A comparison of five English-speaking countries on cost, visa, climate and university progression.
Among the countries you can choose for learning English, the most frequently asked question is "which is better?". The answer depends on your goal, budget and how long you will stay. We compare five countries from these angles.
United Kingdom
The average weekly language school fee is about €380 and homestay €230. A visitor visa applies to short courses and a student visa is needed for courses longer than six months. Its advantages are being the home of English, direct progression to university via foundation, and a wide choice of schools. The drawback is the high cost of living in London.
Ireland
The weekly fee is about €330. It is preferred for its safe, friendly cities and technology-sector links. The weather is rainy and finding accommodation can be hard.
Malta
The weekly fee is about €290 and homestay €180. Its Mediterranean climate, summer schools and three-hour flight from Turkey are advantages. University progression options are limited; it suits language courses and summer programmes best.
Canada
The weekly fee is about €340. Safe and multicultural cities offer a long-term work permit and immigration route. Winters are harsh and the visa process is long; a study permit is needed for courses over six months.
USA and Australia
Both are more expensive at over €400 a week. The F-1 visa in the USA is a rigorous process, while in Australia flight costs are high because of the distance. In return they offer campus life, coastal cities and strong universities.
Which should you choose?
- Budget-focused short course: Malta
- A plan to progress to university: the UK or Canada
- A safe and calm experience: Ireland
- American English and campus life: the USA
If it is hard to decide, take the country matcher quiz.
When should you go?
In the UK, Ireland and Canada the busiest period is July-September, when accommodation is both expensive and limited. From October to March prices fall and classes are smaller, but the weather is cold and rainy. In Malta the winter from November to March is mild and lesson fees fall noticeably. In the USA and Australia the seasons are the reverse of Turkey's; in Australia summer is from December to February.
Differences in student profile
In Malta and Spain young Europeans predominate, while in the UK and Canada there are more adult students from Asia and Latin America. You can choose the profile suited to your age and social expectations by looking at schools' nationality mix.
Final word
The right country is chosen not only by price or prestige but by your goal, length of stay and the lifestyle you will feel comfortable in. Before deciding, we recommend comparing three schools in writing in at least two countries.