In which country to learn English?

The English language, although spoken in nearly 60 countries, originates from England. Naturally, England is where you will learn the “best” English or at least the most standardized English, also known as “The Queen’s English” or “BBC English.”

Located close to France, England remains an exotic destination due to its unique culture. England offers diverse landscapes and different environments depending on the location! You can opt for an urban destination (London, of course, but also Manchester or Liverpool) or a seaside town (Brighton, Bournemouth, or even Bristol).

The downside of England is probably the weather and the cost of living. The English weather is not the main reason for staying in England; you will quickly understand the meaning of the expression “it’s raining cats and dogs!”.

Living in England is quite expensive, so you will need to plan a significant budget for a language stay or permanent relocation to the British island. England has many advantages and is famous for its university environment, featuring world-class universities like Oxford and Cambridge. The country attracts over 300,000 students worldwide every year! It is an ideal path to learn English while completing your academic studies.

England is also popular for its English language schools offering language stays. English schools are present in all major cities (Manchester, Liverpool, Cambridge…), along the coast, and, of course, in the capital, London.

The small archipelago of Malta, located off the coast of Sicily, has become in recent years a top destination for learning English. Malta is a former British colony, an English-speaking island where English is one of the country’s two official languages.

In addition to offering a Mediterranean setting (sun and sea), the archipelago has many advantages to attract travelers looking for a language stay in Malta. Many expatriates have chosen to settle in Malta, creating a very international and multicultural atmosphere. Malta is both a land with privileged landscapes and a cosmopolitan environment that encourages encounters.

The island has a large university located in Msida, where it is possible to follow numerous courses. However, the archipelago is mainly famous for its many language schools. Each year, nearly 52 000 students from around the world come to Malta to learn English in one of the 33 certified “ELT” (English Language Teaching) schools. The price, more affordable than in England, is also a key argument.

Ireland has many reasons to convince you to improve your English on the Emerald Isle: a welcoming and friendly population, stunning landscapes and rich folklore, as well as a large number of international students for easier integration.

Going to Ireland generally means choosing between Dublin or Cork. Dublin will charm you with its dynamism and the high number of international students to practice English with. On the other hand, Cork, a more human-sized city, will win you over with its friendliness and authenticity. Whatever your choice, be sure to bring a raincoat! The Irish climate is (very) rainy.

It’s important to know that Ireland has only 9 universities: if you’re planning to go on a university exchange, the selection process will be quite straightforward. Ireland is also known for hosting the administrative centers of many major digital companies (PayPal, Facebook, Google, etc.), which actively seek expatriates for their international services (call centers and customer service). This is a great opportunity to combine work and learning English.

If you’re looking for a language stay in Ireland, there are many specialized schools: EC, EF, Kaplan, etc. Prices in Ireland are slightly lower than in England. However, expect to pay around €1,500 for a two-week language stay in Ireland (the price varies depending on the number of class hours and the type of accommodation chosen).

Scotland, located in the north of the United Kingdom, is a country with a strong identity set in a wild and mountainous environment (the Cairngorms, the Highlands, etc.). Scotland is perfect for you if you love rugby, authenticity, rural landscapes, and who knows, you might even come across a descendant of William Wallace near a medieval castle.

For those with a beginner level of English (A1 or A2), the Scottish accent might be challenging to understand at the beginning of your stay. However, there are many international students in the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh (the capital). If you are considering a language stay at an English school (EF, Inlingua, The Language Institute Edinburgh, or IH), you will be surrounded by international students, making integration easier.

Scotland strives to attract students and has established a dedicated scholarship program: the “SAAS Scotland Program”. This program, subject to conditions, allows international students to benefit from free tuition fees and scholarships!

Wales, located in the southwest of Great Britain, offers an excellent alternative to the other countries of the United Kingdom. This small state of 3 million inhabitants provides a unique and preserved environment, a mix of rolling hills and mountains, with a strong Celtic culture.

However, be aware of the Welsh accent, which can be (very) difficult to grasp during a first language trip abroad.

Cardiff and Swansea are the two cities that attract the most students. These two coastal cities are known for their vibrant atmosphere, lively nightlife, and numerous cultural events. Universities and language schools are available to meet the expectations of all students.

The United States remains the country that attracts the most students eager to experience “The American Dream”. Choosing to go to the U.S. is no small decision: you have to cross the ocean and, more importantly, navigate numerous administrative procedures to get a taste of American grandeur.

The academic network in the United States is an undeniable strength. The U.S. has more than 18 million students, including 1 million international students spread across over 4,000 higher education institutions. The U.S. is also home to the world’s best universities. Sixteen of the world’s top twenty universities are American (Shanghai Ranking).

If you want to learn English in the U.S. through immersion, you have plenty of options. The country is vast and offers numerous English schools in addition to its universities. You can explore iconic cities like New York during a stay at the Brooklyn School of Language or enjoy Miami at the popular Oxford House in Miami. The hardest part will probably be choosing your destination.

Canada is a unique blend, a country immersed in both Anglo-Saxon and European cultures, spread across a vast territory that is both wild and highly urbanized in its major cities. Canada has many attractions for travelers, but above all, it is the land of vast, preserved natural landscapes.

To learn English in Canada, it is best to stay away from Quebec, which is predominantly French-speaking (although English is commonly used in business), and instead opt for regions like Alberta or British Columbia. Canada is one of the most welcoming countries for international students, with nearly half a million young people enrolling in university programs each year. As a result, there are many opportunities available.

There is no shortage of schools offering language stays in Canada, from Toronto to Vancouver, and even Victoria. An alternative way to learn English in Canada is to combine work and study. Canada is one of the most attractive countries for young people. Many young adults, between 18 and 30 years old, apply for a Working Holiday Program (WHP), one of the best ways to travel, learn English, and work at the same time.

Australia is a popular destination for students, backpackers, and young adventurers. OZ, or “The Land Down Under,” is not only an English-speaking country but also a land of adventure, famous for its Great Barrier Reef, vast and remote Outback, and its iconic kangaroos.

Going to Australia has an advantage: the country-continent has a very dynamic economy with a low unemployment rate (less than 5% in 2021). This makes it relatively easy to find a job to fund your stay. Farms across the country are always looking for workers and offer salaries sufficient to finance a stay abroad while learning English.

Choosing Australia to learn English comes with two drawbacks: financial barriers and administrative procedures. A significant initial budget is usually required before considering a move to Australia—around €8,000 to cover the flight and the first few months on the island. Additionally, administrative steps must be taken to obtain a visa: eVisitor (subclass 651), Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601), or the Working Holiday Visa for those under 30, often making the process tedious.

The cities along the country’s East Coast (Melbourne, Sydney, and Queensland) are excellent starting points for students looking for a university exchange or wishing to enroll in a language school.

New Zealand is, for many, the most distant destination for learning English. It is also one of the most beautiful countries, with its unique landscapes—breathtaking scenery between sea and mountains, preserved and untouched. If you want to learn English while experiencing an adventure in the settings of *The Lord of the Rings*, *Avatar*, or *The Last Samurai*, then New Zealand is the place to go.

The cost of a plane ticket to New Zealand may discourage many travelers from heading to the “Land of the Long White Cloud,” but once there, the quality of life and available opportunities make the journey well worth it.

African destinations are rather rare for language stays, yet Africa has 19 English-speaking countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Uganda, Seychelles, and more. Among all African nations, South Africa, one of the founding members of the Commonwealth, is the most popular English-speaking destination. The “Rainbow Nation” or the country of Nelson Mandela offers a unique cultural melting pot, with 11 official languages, although English remains the main language of communication. It is also a country rich in exotic activities, such as safari excursions and hiking trips.

The cost of living in South Africa is relatively low, making language stays quite affordable, particularly for English courses. However, be aware that the country is experiencing a period of political instability, and security can be an issue in certain areas of the capital. It is a destination best suited for experienced travelers. Always check with the consulate to ensure your safety before traveling.