Which country to learn English?

The English language, although spoken in nearly 60 countries, originally comes from… England. It is therefore naturally in England that you will learn the “best” English or at least the most standardized English, also known as “The Queen’s English” or “BBC English”.

Located not far from France, England remains an exotic destination thanks to its unique culture. England offers diverse landscapes and various types of 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 to stay in England; you will quickly learn the meaning of the expression it’s raining cats and dogs!.

Living in England is quite expensive, and you will need to plan a significant budget for a language stay or for settling on the British island. England has many advantages and is famous for its academic environment, with world-class universities such as Oxford or Cambridge. The island attracts more than 300,000 students from around the world each year! It is the ideal way to learn English while completing your academic studies.

England is also popular for its English schools offering language stays. The English schools can be found in all major cities (Manchester, Liverpool, Cambridge…), along the coastline and obviously in the capital London.

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

In addition to offering a Mediterranean setting (sun and sea), the archipelago has many advantages to charm travelers seeking a language stay in Malta. Many expatriates have chosen to settle in Malta, which creates a very international and multicultural atmosphere. Malta is both a land of privileged scenery and a cosmopolitan setting that encourages meeting new people.

The island has a large university located in Msida, where it is possible to pursue many courses. However, the archipelago is above all famous for its many language schools. Each year, nearly 56,000 students from around the world come to Malta to learn English in one of the 34 certified “ELT” schools (English Language Teaching). The cost, more affordable than in England, is also an attractive point.

Ireland offers many reasons to convince you to go improve your English on the Emerald Isle: a welcoming and warm population, unspoiled landscapes and folklore that transport you to another world, as well as a large number of international students for easy integration.

Going to Ireland generally means choosing Dublin or Cork. Dublin will charm you with its dynamism and the high number of international students with whom to learn to speak English. On the other hand, Cork, a small-sized city, will seduce you with its friendliness and more authentic vibe. Whatever your choice, be sure to pack a raincoat! The Irish weather is (very) rainy.

It should be noted that Ireland only has 9 universities: if you wish to go on a university exchange, the choice will be quite simple. Ireland is also known for hosting the administrative centers of many major digital companies (PayPal, Facebook, Google, etc.), companies that are actively seeking expatriate profiles for their international services (call centers and customer service). It’s an opportunity to combine work and learning English.

If you are 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, plan on spending nearly €1,500 for a two-week language stay in Ireland (a price that varies according to the number of class hours and the type of accommodation chosen).

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

For people with a beginner level of English (A1 or A2), the Scottish accent may be difficult to understand at the beginning of your stay. However, foreign students are numerous in the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh (the capital). If you are considering a language stay in an English school (EF, Inlingua, The Language Institute Edinburgh, or even IH), you will be surrounded by international students to facilitate your integration.

Scotland strives to attract students and has established a dedicated scholarship program: the “SAAS Scotland program”. A program, subject to conditions, which allows foreign students to benefit from waived registration fees and free 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 well-preserved environment, a mix of rolling and mountainous landscapes, with a strong Celtic culture.

However, beware of the Welsh accent, which can be (very) difficult to understand during your 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 many cultural events. Universities and language schools are available to meet the needs 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 United States is no small feat: you have to cross the ocean, but above all, deal with numerous administrative procedures in order to experience American grandeur.

The academic fabric of the United States is an indisputable strength. The USA has more than 18 million students, including 1 million international students spread across over 4,000 higher education institutions. The USA also has some of the best universities in the world. Sixteen of the top twenty universities in the world are American (Shanghai Ranking).

To learn English in the United States through immersion, you will have plenty of options. The country is vast and offers numerous English schools in addition to its universities. You can discover legendary cities such as New York during a stay at the Brooklyn School of Language or Miami at the popular Oxford House in Miami. The hardest part will undoubtedly be choosing your base city.

Canada is a unique blend, a country immersed in both Anglo-Saxon and European culture on an immense territory, both wild and highly urbanized in its major cities. Canada has many attributes to charm travelers, but above all, it is the country of vast, natural, and well-preserved spaces.

To learn English in Canada, it is preferable to avoid Quebec, which is primarily francophone (although English is used in the business world), and opt for regions such as Alberta or British Columbia. Canada is one of the most welcoming countries for international students, with nearly half a million young people admitted each year into university programs. Therefore, many opportunities exist.

Language schools offering language stays in Canada are plentiful, from Toronto to Vancouver and 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, aged between 18 and 30, apply for a Working Holiday Program (WHP), one of the best ways to learn English while working.

Australia is a popular destination for students, backpackers, and young adventure seekers. OZ, or “the land down under”, in addition to being an English-speaking country, is an adventure-filled country renowned for its coral reef, wild and desert areas (the Outback) and its famous kangaroos.

Going to Australia has an advantage: the continental country is economically very dynamic with a low unemployment rate (less than 5% in 2021). It is therefore relatively easy to find a job to fund your stay. The country’s farms are always looking for labor and offer salaries sufficient to finance a stay abroad while learning English.

Choosing Australia to learn English has two drawbacks: the initial financial barrier and the administrative procedures. In general, you will need a significant starting budget before planning to go to Australia, roughly €8,000 to cover the flight and the first few months on the island. It is also necessary to undertake administrative procedures to obtain a visa: eVisitor (subcategory 651), Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subcategory 601) or the Working Holiday Program (WHP) for those under 30, procedures which are often tedious.

The cities on the country’s East Coast (Melbourne, Sydney, or even Queensland) serve as an excellent base for students seeking a university exchange or wishing to find an English school.

For many, New Zealand is the most remote destination to go and learn English. It is also one of the most beautiful countries, with its unique landscapes. Scenes that combine sea and mountains, preserved and breathtaking. If you wish to learn English and live an adventure in settings reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, or even The Last Samurai, then New Zealand is the place to go.

The airplane ticket to New Zealand may dissuade many travelers from venturing to the end of the world on the “Land of the Long White Cloud”, but once there, the quality of life and amenities make up for the journey.

African destinations are rather rare for a language stay, yet Africa has 19 English-speaking countries: Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Uganda, Seychelles, etc. Of all the African countries, South Africa, one of the founding members of the Commonwealth, is the most popular English-speaking destination in Africa. The “Rainbow Nation” or the country of Nelson Mandela offers a unique cultural melting pot, with 11 official languages, but where English remains the main language of communication. It is also a country where adventurous activities abound, such as safari excursions or hikes.

The cost of living in South Africa is relatively low, which makes language stays competitive, especially regarding the price of English courses. However, be aware that the country is experiencing a period of political instability and insecurity is sometimes significant in certain areas of the capital. This destination is recommended only for seasoned travelers. Always check with the consulate to ensure your safety.