Travel & Learn – English Language Trips Abroad
Learn English where it is spoken every day: in class in the morning, in shops, cafés and conversations for the rest of the day.
A language trip is one of the fastest ways to gain confidence in speaking. This page explains the main types of courses, popular destinations, how to choose a good school and how to combine your trip with an English certificate.
Why Learn English Abroad?
At home you study English. Abroad you use it, all day, in real situations.
Speaking confidence
You have to order food, ask for directions and make small talk. After a few days, speaking stops feeling like an exam.
Listening in real life
You hear different accents, fast speech and everyday expressions that textbooks rarely teach.
Culture and contacts
You meet learners from many countries, and English becomes the language you share with them.
Types of Language Courses
Most language schools offer several course types. Choose the one that fits your goal and your time.
1General English
Grammar, vocabulary, speaking and listening in a small group. A good choice if you want to improve your everyday English.
2Intensive English
More lessons per week, often with extra speaking or one-to-one classes. Ideal if you have only one or two weeks.
3Exam Preparation
Courses that train the exact tasks of an exam, often ending close to an official test date.
4Business English
English for work: meetings, phone calls, negotiations and presentations. Often offered for professionals.
5English + Activity
Lessons in the morning, an activity in the afternoon. You learn the vocabulary of your hobby while you do it.
6Courses by Age Group
Supervised programmes for teenagers, and courses for older adults who prefer to learn with people their own age.
Popular Destinations
Each destination has its own accent, climate, costs and travel time. Here is a short overview.
England
The classic choice: London, Brighton, Oxford, Cambridge and many smaller towns. Short travel from Germany and a wide range of schools.
Ireland
Friendly, relaxed and in the EU. Dublin, Cork and Galway are popular, and the country is easy to reach from Germany.
Malta
English is an official language, the weather is warm for most of the year, and the island is popular for short stays.
USA & Canada
Big cities such as New York, Toronto or Vancouver. Good if you want North American English or plan to study there later.
Australia & New Zealand
Ideal for longer stays, often combined with travel or Work and Holiday. The long journey makes short trips less practical.
South Africa
Cape Town is a popular destination with English schools, a different accent and a lot to see.
Entry rules: Before you book, check the current entry and visa requirements for your destination and course length on the official government website. The rules depend on your nationality and change from time to time.
How to Choose a Good Language School
Prices and pictures look similar on every website. These questions help you compare schools.
- Accreditation: Is the school checked by a national quality body? Examples are the British Council in the UK, Languages Canada or NEAS in Australia.
- Class size: How many students are in one class? Smaller groups give you more speaking time.
- Lessons per week: How many lessons are included, and how long is one lesson? Compare the total hours, not only the price.
- Level test: Does the school test your level on the first day and place you in the right group?
- Mix of nationalities: A good mix means you speak English during breaks, not your own language.
- Accommodation: Host family, student residence or apartment? A host family gives you the most speaking practice.
- Certificate: Do you receive a certificate of attendance with your level at the end?
Combine Your Trip with an English Certificate
A language trip and an official exam work well together: first you build your skills, then you prove them.
Before the trip
Find out your level so you can choose the right course and set a realistic goal.
During or after the trip
Book an exam preparation course and take the exam at the end of your stay, or soon after you come home.
Tip for employees in Germany: Bildungsurlaub. In most federal states, employees can take paid educational leave for recognised courses, and some language courses abroad qualify. The rules differ from state to state, and the course must be officially recognised, so check with your state's office and the school before you book.
Checklist Before You Book
Six questions to answer before you pay a deposit.
- 1. Goal: Do I want general English, an exam, or English for my job?
- 2. Level: What is my current CEFR level, and what level do I want to reach?
- 3. Time: How many weeks can I go, and when?
- 4. Budget: What do course, accommodation, travel, insurance and daily costs add up to?
- 5. Documents: Is my passport or ID valid, and do I need a visa or travel authorisation?
- 6. Cancellation: What happens if I have to cancel or change my dates?
Travel. Learn. Speak.
A few weeks abroad can change the way you speak English. Choose your goal, find the right course and enjoy the journey.
Check my level Work your way to success