Learning English abroad: what is it, why should you do it and where is the best place to go?

What is an English language course?

• An English language course is a series of lessons that allows you to increase your knowledge of the English language in a short period of time.
• An English language course lasts an average of 50 to 100 hours spread over several weeks or months.
• An English language course normally costs a similar amount to other courses.

Why should you learn English and take an English language course abroad?

• Networking: English is the most important language in the world! In international circles (business, science, international organizations), English is basically the lingua franca.
• Helpfulness: once you speak a little of the local language, you are immediately better able to communicate with those you would like to help, and you can also get help more easily.
• Involvement: once you speak someone else's language, you feel closer to them. It strengthens your sense of involvement and of being part of the local culture.
• Professional conduct: when you go to work in an English-speaking region, a module in business or medical English can help you demonstrate your professionalism.
• Experience: going abroad to learn a language is one of the best ways to step out of your comfort zone.
• Creativity: learning a language is a way to learn how to use your creativity better. For example, when searching for descriptions or using your hands and feet.
• Empathy: you train yourself to immerse yourself in a different way of speaking and often a different way of thinking.

What do you need or can you do to learn a language and take a language course abroad?

• Be aware of your surroundings: wherever you take lessons, you will always have to take your surroundings into account. Every country has its own rules and customs that you will have to adhere to to a certain extent.
• Be aware of the organization: every school or educational institution has its own way of looking at education or teaching and dealing with (international) students. Also consider the limitations/challenges that some schools have due to a lack or, conversely, an abundance of money or facilities.

What is the best place to learn English abroad?

• Australia (e.g., Sydney or Perth)
• England (e.g., Brighton, Cambridge, London)
• Canada (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver)
• Ireland (e.g., Dublin)
• New Zealand (e.g., Auckland)
• United States (e.g., New York, San Francisco, Honolulu, Florida, Washington D.C.)
• Malta
• Singapore
• South Africa (e.g., Cape Town)

What are the risks of a language course or a language year abroad?

• The coverage of your health insurance may be cancelled if, for example, you go and work abroad.
• You may suffer from homesickness and want to go home earlier (but there is a lot you can do about it, and prepare for it!).
• You may have problems with the organization with which you are going abroad (read more about solving problems abroad).
• What are the consequences if, for example, you end up in hospital? If you end up in hospital, you may have to pay the costs yourself if you have not taken out insurance that covers your activities.

Are you insured for a language course abroad?

• A language course abroad will be covered by your current travel and health insurance if you are not going abroad for too long, are not going to do paid work or undertake special activities. In other cases, special insurance is often recommended or sometimes necessary.
• Read more: Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
• Read more: Verzekeren van een taalcursus of schooljaar het buitenland (NL)